The collection was inaugurated in 1988 in the presence of the then President of the Hellenic Republic.
Evangelos Averoff-Tossizza was a prominent Greek politician who personally curated the collection to reflect the trajectory of modern Greek art.
The gallery hosts an annual painting competition to support and promote emerging contemporary Greek artists.
The museum building is designed to integrate into the steep topography of the village, mimicking the traditional defensive architecture of the area.
The gallery serves as a cornerstone of the 'Evangelos Averoff-Tossizza Foundation,' which also manages the local Katogi Averoff winery.
The Averoff Art Gallery in Metsovo houses one of the most significant private collections of 19th and 20th-century Greek art. Founded in 1988 by Evangelos Averoff-Tossizza, the museum aims to preserve and showcase the cultural heritage of the Epirus region. The permanent collection features over 200 paintings and sculptures by renowned Greek masters, including Gyzis, Lytras, and Volanakis. The building itself is an example of traditional Metsovitiko architecture, utilizing stone and wood typical of the Pindus mountain aesthetic. It operates as a non-profit foundation dedicated to artistic education and regional development. The museum frequently rotates exhibitions, ensuring that parts of the collection are always refreshed for returning visitors. It remains a key cultural institution within the remote mountain town of Metsovo, drawing art historians and casual visitors alike. The facility includes a specialized library and archives focused on Greek art history.
The main staircase and the gallery’s interior balconies offer views of the art integrated with traditional woodwork.
Combine your visit with the Katogi Averoff winery nearby to experience the full scope of the founder's contributions to the region.
Check the museum's website for rotating temporary exhibitions that often feature local artists or specific thematic movements.
Since the gallery is located in the mountains, prepare for sudden weather changes even in the summer months.
Do not rush your visit to account for the winding mountain roads that lead to Metsovo; plan for the travel time from Ioannina or Meteora.
Closed on Tuesdays.
