MATI Mesaria
Immerse yourselves in an unconventional art experience in a historic winery. Join us as we navigate the currents of Greek and international contemporary art, while breathing new life into the ancient culture, traditions and materials that make Santorini unique.
Established in 2024 within a 1900 canava (Santorinian term for winery), MATI Mesaria is a contemporary art space nestled amidst historic buildings and gardens, meticulously restored to Greek archaeological standards. We pay homage to its rich history while inviting visitors to experience our unique artistic philosophy and serene ambiance – if you feel like escaping the big crowds of course!
Confession
Yorgos Kypris
Our mission is two-fold: honoring the narrative of this historic winery and introducing a fresh cultural profile to the island. Our offerings include group exhibitions, artist residencies and a permanent solo exhibition featuring the legacy of Yorgos Kypris alongside local and international talents. We aim to foster harmony between tourism and local culture, providing an intimate atmosphere amidst modern tourism’s hustle and bustle. Beyond being just an art space, we aspire to accelerate societal transformation, bridging the gap between the past, present, and future.
Welcome to a village nestled in the heart of Santorini, where tradition reigns supreme and life’s rhythm takes its sweet time. Mesaria, once the island’s commercial hotspot, maintains its authenticity with a unique architectural blend of buildings half-buried in rocks, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. If you are looking for a bubble of serenity, Mesaria might just where you want to be.
These historic spots were the original hangouts for small-scale winemakers, boasting naturally cool and damp interiors. Nowadays, they’re rare gems, overshadowed by modern winemaking techniques. But fear not, each standing canava tells a rich tale of tradition and local flavor, preserving Santorini’s winemaking heritage.
You can join us for an hour-long art tour where we will explore the deeper meanings and hidden narratives behind the works featured in the exhibition Confession, currently on show. You will also learn about Santorini’s rich history, with a focus on tradition and culture as experienced in the beautiful village of Mesaria, and engage in a conversation about how this unique island and its character can be thoughtfully preserved for generations to come.
And if you enjoy a good glass of wine, our Wine + Art experience might just be the thing! This two-hour tour includes everything the art tour offers, with an added sensory experience: you will sample six wines brought to us by Hatzidakis, a traditional local winery. As we guide you through the island’s winemaking heritage, you’ll experience how the worlds of visual art and wine come together, engaging your senses in surprising and pleasurable ways.
MATI is here to shake things up, blending cultural immersion with contemporary art. Why stick to tradition when you can redefine it? So, raise your glass, embrace the atmosphere, and join us on this unique journey!
Michail Danezi Mesaria, 847 00 Santorini, Greece
Monday to Sunday
May to September
10AM-9PM
October
11AM-7PM