Cavafy Archive

The Cavafy Archive, housed in a restored neoclassical building in Plaka, Athens, opened in November 2023 on the 160th anniversary of Cavafy’s birth. This museum aims to provide free and open access to researchers and the public, promoting Cavafy’s work as one of Greece's most significant poets and highlighting the international character of his poetry.



The archive includes manuscripts, hand-compiled printed editions, prose works, articles, studies, notes, and personal items of the poet. The lighting design of the museum plays a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience, aiming to illuminate not just the physical space but also the essence of Cavafy's poetry.



Upon entering, visitors are greeted with warm, soft lighting from handmade appliques, which guide them into the archive without compromising the building's historical integrity. In the area displaying the poet's personal belongings, the lighting design emphasizes the exhibits, using a combination of ambient and accent lighting to create a harmonious atmosphere.



A harmonious interplay of ambient and accent lighting illuminates the gallery spaces. Adjustable spotlights highlight specific displays, guiding attention without overshadowing the overall ambiance. Each artifact and exhibit is treated as a piece of history, deserving the utmost care and consideration. Custom-made miniature lights were carefully adjusted to accentuate these historical treasures while respecting their fragile nature with emphasis on minimizing glare while providing even illumination. These specialized lights are designed with an understanding of the materials' sensitivity, ensuring that the illumination remains gentle. In summary, the lighting concept is used as a storytelling medium, leading the visitor among the exhibits creating a balanced illumination that ensures an engaging yet comfortable viewing experience for exploring Cafavy's world.



The lighting for the Reading Room, which is surrounded by portraits of the poet, intergrades a combination of ambient and accent lighting that softly illuminates the space while a custom-made desk lamp, crafted with a neoclassical elegance, stands out in the middle of the room. The lighting design is not just about what is seen; it's about his poetry and his character, lighting that honors Cafavy's legacy, enlightens the mind, and stirs the soul.