Greece’s Ministry of National Defense — often referred to as the country’s “Pentagon” — is entering a new era with the unveiling of its redesigned façade, the first large-scale renovation of the iconic building in 77 years.

The inauguration ceremony takes place today (October 29) at 6 p.m. in Athens, attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who will both deliver remarks at the event.

The ambitious project, designed by internationally renowned sculptor and professor Costas Varotsos, gives the post-war landmark a modern, sustainable upgrade aligned with 21st-century environmental standards. “This is the first time since 1977 that such a large-scale intervention has taken place — designed bioclimatically to ensure the building’s resilience and harmony with Varotsos’ ‘Ark of National Memory’,” according to Greece’s public broadcaster ERT.

A Symbolic Architectural Transformation

The new façade features vertical aluminum beams forming a translucent membrane that provides both full and partial solar protection. Surrounding the ministry, two new olive tree parks have been created — one dedicated to Greece’s national days on October 28 and March 25.

Additionally, 400 trees were planted in the ministry’s park, symbolizing 400 years under Ottoman rule.

The renovation is part of a broader “Reconstruction of the Defense Ministry Grounds” project within Greece’s “Agenda 2030”, which focuses on modernizing the country’s armed forces and military infrastructure.

The “Ark of National Memory”

This latest development follows the creation of the “Ark of National Memory”, a powerful monument also designed by Varotsos. The glass structure, made up of transparent columns reaching six meters high, bears the engraved names of 121,692 Greeks who fell in national struggles. Much of the project’s funding came from private donations.

Defense Minister Dendias marked the unveiling with a symbolic message on social media: “The façade changes — the mission remains the same.”

From Hospital to Defence Headquarters

Construction of the ministry’s building began in 1952, originally intended to serve as a hospital funded through the Marshall Plan. Over time, it evolved into the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence within the Papagou military complex in Athens.

Since its completion, no major renovation had been carried out — making today’s unveiling not just an architectural milestone but also a symbolic renewal of Greece’s national defence identity.