Featuring artworks by the artist—and the studio’s founder—Thanos Zakopoulos, our studio conceived and developed a series of objects and architectural interventions for the Museum of Modern Greek Culture (MNEP), located in the historic center of Athens. In dialogue with the museum’s narrative, these interventions invite visitors to explore the living legacy of Greek craft and tradition through a contemporary lens.

Entrance & Ticket Counter
The museum entrance and ticket counter were reimagined as a layered spatial experience, drawing inspiration from both domestic interiors and religious spaces. A solid wooden base forms the counter, while brass arches rise above, framing the interaction between visitors and staff and creating a subtle dialogue with the large-scale mural behind. This counter acts as a contemporary abstract iconostasis, a threshold that separates and guides visitors while inviting reflection on the layered identity of the museum and the culture it represents. The combination of wood and brass highlights both functional and symbolic qualities: wood evokes the warmth of intimate interiors, while the brass arches suggest both a gateway to a new journey and a restrained frame for the artwork behind it. Behind the counter, Thanos Zakopoulos’ mural depicts Greek architecture through overlapping layers and a stratification of styles, reinforcing the dialogue between past and present. Visit thanoszakopoulos.com for more.

Traditional furniture revised
Alongside the entrance redesign, CTRLZAK developed a series of objects to make the museum experience more authentic and engaging. Working with local artisans, the studio created seating and tables that reflect traditions deeply rooted in Greek culture, reinterpreted in a contemporary context.

The Samari stools and benches take inspiration from the traditional donkey saddle. Upholstered in handwoven flokati wool — a pastoral textile central to Greek craft — these pieces carry material memory and tactile heritage. By transforming humble, everyday objects into functional furniture, the stools invite visitors to engage with the museum in an intimate and authentic way.

The Sini coffee tables were inspired by the traditional communal servingtray, historically used within Greek homes. Crafted by local artisans using traditional techniques and decorative motifs, the tables highlight the enduringcraft of Greek metalworking. Together, the tables and seating not only providecomfort but act as instruments of the museum’s narrative, creating a space wherememory, craft, and contemporary design converge.