Athens – In a stunning ceremony, the Ministry of National Defence unveiled the new bioclimatic façade of its central building, transforming the historic “Pentagon” into a modern landmark for the capital.
The south façade, over 340 meters long, is now fully covered with 730 vertical aluminum louvers, each 30.5 meters high. The spacing of the louvers varies rhythmically, interrupted only at the entrances of the General Staffs, where each features its own emblem.
The redesign incorporates Kostas Varotsos’ artistic installation, inaugurated in March 2025, alongside two symbolic olive groves representing Greece’s national anniversaries of March 25, 1821, and October 28, 1940. The “Ark of National Memory” is composed of glass columns etched with the names of 121,692 fallen soldiers, illuminated at night to create a striking visual effect.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the ongoing modernization of Greece’s armed forces. He emphasized the acquisition of upgraded Rafale and F-16 Viper aircraft, the upcoming addition of F-35s, and the modernization of the Hellenic Navy with Belh@rra and Bergamini frigates. He also referenced new unmanned systems and the “Achilles Shield,” a multi-layered defense program. Mitsotakis underlined the government’s commitment of over €28 billion for defence investments over the next twelve years.
Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias described the day as highly symbolic for the armed forces, stressing that the new façade represents a shift in philosophy for the Greek military – moving away from a purely functional concrete structure to one that engages with society. Architect Kostas Varotsos emphasized that the project aims to make the building open and luminous, with the names of the fallen “floating towards the light” as a cultural and historical reminder of Greece’s sacrifices.
The event included theatrical performances narrated by Angela Gerekou and Akis Sakellariou, with musical interpretations by Angelos Papadimitriou and Manolis Mitsias, highlighting Greece’s historical battles and the unity of the armed forces and society.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, military leaders, and representatives from the METLEN Energy & Metals company, which funded the project.
