A tour around the Alpha Bank Campus

On 27.05.2026, as part of our participation in the Panathēnea festival, we hosted a guided tour that brought together architecture, art and history.

On 27.05.2026 we hosted a guided tour of the Alpha Bank Campus buildings, which narrate the architectural history of the city, carrying memories from the early 20th century.

Walking around the campus, we discovered pieces from the Alpha Bank Art Collection: works by Yiannis Moralis, Nikos Kessanlis, Dimitris Mytaras, Georgios Kosmadopoulos, Thodoros, Konstantinos Maleas and other notable artists. These are not mere exhibits, but artworks in dialogue with architecture, memory and day-to-day life, revealing a space where art leads a silent yet meaningful life.

The walk travelled even further back in time, through the objects of the Numismatic Collection, which evoke the Panathenaea, the most important celebration of ancient Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron and protector of the city.

The tour was organised by the Alpha Bank Culture team, led by Dr Dimitra Tsangari.

One of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century

1912-1915: The construction of the building began, headed by an unknown English architect working with Anastasios Metaxas. Completed in 1915, the building features a skylight and the famous clock.
1958: Following the merger of Ionian and Popular Banks, the buildings were connected by architect Konstantinos Kapsampelis.
1983: The building was designated as listed, recognised as an important piece of architectural heritage.
2000: When the Ionian Bank was absorbed by Alpha Credit Bank, the building became the property of the newly established Alpha Bank.

Find out more about the Ionian Bank headquarters.

An example of Athenian architecture

1927: Popular Bank moved its headquarters to a newly constructed building on the corner of 45 Panepistimiou Street and Pesmazoglou Street.
The 1930s: After the passing of the Loverdos brothers, the bank was acquired by Ionian Bank and the building passed on to it.
The 1940s: The building remained intact during WWII and the German Occupation.
1957-1958: When Emporiki Bank acquired the operations of Ionian and Popular Bank, the building became part of the new bank’s activities. In 1958, it was connected to the neighbouring Ionian Bank building, on Pesmazoglou Street.
2005: 5 years after the Ionian and Popular Bank was absorbed by Alpha Credit Bank and Alpha Bank was established, reconstruction works began with the aim of restoring the building to its original state.

Find out more about the Popular Bank headquarters.

Modern 8-storey building

1974-1978: Construction works were carried out by Tasos Alexiou SA, under the supervision of architect Ioannis Drakakis.
Early 1990s: Alpha Bank commissioned extensive renovation works. The new façade was designed by architect and technical consultant Kostas Manouilidis, and the works were carried out by Elliniki Technodomiki SA. The building was fully clad with modern glass panels, with the aim of achieving softer integration into the historical urban environment through reflection and transparency.

The building is located on 43 Panepistimiou Street.

With Beaux-Arts features

The history of the building standing on 41 Panepistimiou Street is linked to architect Alexandros Nikoloudis, an iconic figure of Athenian architecture at the turn of the 20th century.

1916-1918: A 3-storey building was constructed, including a residence, offices and shops.
1936-1937: After the original building was demolished, in 1930 Nikoloudis built 2 new mansions on Stadiou and Panepistimiou Streets.
1938: The architect connected the 2 buildings with the Nikoloudis Gallery, to facilitate pedestrian traffic and add a European flair to the Greek capital.
1997-2001: Alpha Bank undertook the reconstruction of the building and the historical gallery. The goal was to salvage and reopen an important landmark in the centre of Athens, which had become somewhat derelict over time.

Showcasing typical Beaux-Arts architectural features, it remains a timeless point of reference for the urban life and commercial activity of Athens.