Development of new cultural infrastructures in cooperation with the private sector

A recent public-private partnership (PPP) project is the construction of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Faliron, Athens. Bearing in mind the needs of the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera for new premises, the Greek state provided the land and the Foundation undertook the complete cost of the design and construction of the SNFCC. On completion of the project, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation will hand the SNFCC to the Greek State, which will take full control and be responsible for its operation. In 2017, the National Library of Greece (NLG) will be relocated to its new building at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre. The new premises, which cover 22,000 square meters, will enable the NLG to ensure the correct preservation of its treasures, expand its research activities, upgrade its digital services and reclaim its position as an international center of Hellenic Studies. During this transition process, the NLG is developing projects in five directions: collections processing and development; upgrading the digital services; design of the new public library section; audience development; and staff training. At the same time, a new Public Library Department with diverse collections and digital media will offer open access to information, education and knowledge to the public. From its new position, the NLG will serve citizens of all ages and backgrounds, from academic researchers to small children, in an effort to create and educate a new generation of users.  The Greek National Opera (GNO)^[1], the only opera house in Greece, has, since 1940, offered audience high-caliber productions, staging operas, ballets, operettas, operas for children and musical recitals, among other events. The relocation of the GNO in the near future, to its new facilities at the SNFCC is an event of great importance. It will boost its artistic activities, as well as its international collaborations. The new 28,000 square meters (301,000 square feet) auditorium is designed to enhance the opera experien