A major fire tore through the former Badminton Theater in Athens’ Goudi Metropolitan Park on Sunday evening, severely damaging the long-abandoned cultural venue and triggering an investigation into what sparked the blaze.
The fire broke out shortly after 8 p.m., engulfing debris and materials inside the vacant building. Part of the roof collapsed during the incident, though firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to the surrounding parkland.
No injuries were reported.
The Fire Service deployed 38 firefighters, 10 fire engines, two aerial ladder trucks and additional support vehicles, assisted by volunteers and municipal water tankers. Crews remained at the site overnight as a precaution.
Because thick smoke drifted across nearby neighborhoods, authorities issued a 112 emergency alert, advising residents to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.
The building, originally constructed for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games as a badminton arena, was later converted into the Badminton Theater, one of the capital’s best-known performing arts venues. It has stood largely unused in recent years following legal and licensing disputes.
A witness who was walking through Goudi Park described seeing “thick black smoke” before realizing the upper floors of the building were engulfed in flames. The witness noted that the building had reportedly been without electricity, raising questions about how the fire started.
Investigators from Greece’s Arson Crimes Directorate are examining the scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
