The Zappeion Exhibtion Hall’s purpose was to serve as an exhibition space for Greek agricultural and manufacture products, as well as a space to introduce new technologies to the Greek public.
It also served as a venue for exhibitions of paintings and sculpture, musical performances and other cultural events while the gardens were designed in order to become gathering place for Athenians and visitors.
The Zappeion Exhibition Hall is not simply an impressive building surrounded by lovely gardens. But also a vision, that was conceived in 1856 by Evangelis Zappas and inaugurated in 1888 by Constantine Zappas. The Zappas firmly believed that the newly independent Greek nation needed to take its place among the nations of Europe. They proposed to King Otho of Greece that an area in the capital, close to the new palace, be set aside as a centre for exhibitions and cultural events, which they offered to fund. Athletics and the revival of the Ancient Olympic Games were also part of the vision.
