From public debates to institutional establishment: Exploring the mission of the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Greece

In December 1997, the National Museum of Contemporary Art (Ethniko Mouseio Synchronis Technis – EMST) was established by law in Athens under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, compensating for the long-term absence of a state museum of contemporary art in Greece. Following the restitution of democracy in 1974, the question ‘what kind of museum do we need for contemporary art in Greece?’ was raised by artists and other professionals (critics, curators, gallerists, researchers) and explored through a series of public debates and events. However, only in the 1990s was this demand supported by politicians, eventually leading to the establishment of the EMST in 1997. This article examines the public debates developed by art professionals from 1976 to 1997 regarding the mission of the museum as an open, experimental institution in relation to the broader cultural and sociopolitical context. It also analyses the legislation related to its establishment and questions whether the above priorities and expectations were reflected in the relevant legal provisions.