Must-Visit Art Galleries in Mykonos

Rarity Gallery, in the centre of Mykonos, was the first art gallery on the island to showcase the work of internationally recognised artists and is, therefore, something of a historical site as well as a cultural one. It has been open for nearly two decades, offering contemporary art from a cosmopolitan collection of artists. It alternates between established talent and the promotion of relatively fledgling names and is not constricted to a single genre or style; rather, it exhibits everything from painting to photography. The curators here aim to run up to five solo exhibitions a year so that there is always something worth a visit at Rarity, the largest and longest-running of all the art galleries in Mykonos.

Established in the late 1990s, Minima Gallery highlights the work of both upcoming Greek and international contemporary artists. Ranging from sculptures to paintings, the exhibits here may include colourful abstract art or compelling landscape photography, meaning that Minima will appeal to a wide array of tastes and interests.

More remarkable than the painting here is the marble work, which not only is sculptural, but also has been shaped with an eye toward commercial sales. Here, there are marble fireplaces, marble tables, even marble pebbles for those looking for more upmarket gravelling. Some of the sculptural marble, however, is truly magnificent in its modern lines, creating human forms in a way that is an unexpected divergence from the Neoclassical. Mykonos Art Gallery draws artists from all over Greece to exhibit their work, so a visit here offers the best possible chance to glimpse contemporary Greek art on a grander scale.

This art gallery and auction house not only promotes contemporary art, but also works hard to market it. Founders Marina and Evangelos Kapopoulos were determined to discover and publicise new names in contemporary art, as well as support a number of local artists. The auction house has served to increase the profile of Greek art, hosting a number of events throughout the year. The styles and skills of the artists on display here are hugely varied and cater to all aesthetic tastes. Even those who aren’t able to visit the island can now experience its taste for contemporary art as Kapopoulos accepts auction bids in absentia.

No survey of contemporary art on the island would be complete without a few words on the Municipal Art Gallery, which is located in the heart of Mykonos Town. Formerly the house of Mykonian painter Maria Iglessi, it now houses a variety of works from contemporary Greek artists and international names. From June through October, the Municipal Art Gallery hosts a number of artistic events often organised in conjunction with the Mykonos School of Fine Art. Finally, the Gallery also operates as a site for seminars, lectures and workshops so that it forms a fully functioning cultural centre as well as an art gallery.