Founding
The Center was built on the grounds of Hellenic College Holy Cross in 1976 by the late Costas and Mary Maliotis of Belmont, Massachusetts. It operates under HCHC which is under the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Building
The Maliotis Cultural Center building is a two-level structure whose exterior is clad with panels of white marble from Mt. Penteli (of which the Parthenon was constructed). The Center’s interior includes a 357-seat theater, two 70-seat lecture and exhibit areas, a 3,250-foot function and exhibit hall, four meeting rooms, and a complex of administrative offices. The Center is accessible to the handicapped by way of the side street and convenient, free parking is available.
Permanent Exhibits and Collections
The Cypriot Antiquities comprises 13 pieces of ceramic pottery from the Middle Bronze Age into the Hellenistic period (2000 BC-50 BC).
The Parthenon Marbles Exhibit features full-scale replicas of two pieces from the Parthenon sculptures: from the west frieze, a relief of a horse and rider, and from the east pediment, a statue of two goddesses.
The Center’s collection of contemporary lithography includes works by Alekos Fassianos, Yiannis Moralis, Dimitris Myataras, Edouardos Sakagian and Pavlos Samios.
The Center’s other collections include original works by Constantine Arvanites, Lillian Delevoryas, Charles Demetropoulos, Alexandra Maniatis, Nefeli Massia, Miro Musulin, Paul Papadonis, Pavlos Samios, Vicky Tsalamata, and Apostolos Tsoris; photography by Natalie Kulufundis, Tom Papademetriou, John Pezaris and George Stevens; and the Sperling aquatints of traditional costumes.
The Atrium
As you enter through the glass doors, the tall and spacious, yet welcoming expanse of the Atrium will take your breath away. This is the perfect spot for showcasing an exhibit. hosting a dinner party, or even gathering folks together to celebrate life and all its milestones. The natural light that pours in this room through the beautifully positioned windows is truly an art form in itself and will make any event or showcase and your guests feel inspired.
The Karahalios Library and Lounge
We all have that special room that makes us feel the joy and warmth a home is known to provide. This same safety and warmth can be felt in this Library and Lounge. Whether trying to host an evening of discussion, or an event such as an open mic night, this room will offer the perfect backdrop and ambiance. Perfectly appointed with warm wall colors and comfortable and elegant, yet modern furniture, you may find yourself not ready to leave when the night is over. When not being used for entertaining, it makes the perfect spot to reflect out of the spacious windows while you sip on the perfect cup of coffee or tea found outside the library in the Kafenio.
Learn more about the founding and renovations of this spectacular space here.
The Costas and Mary Maliotis Room
A prime example of the spectacular Maliotis Cultural Center renovation, the Maliotis room is a space that is both stunningly beautiful as well as functional. The room is dedicated to Costa and Mary Maliotis, the patrons of the Center, and it holds treasures from the beloved couple’s life and legacy including awards of Costa Maliotis, a plaque with the mission of the center, and furniture and art pieces from the Maliotis’ home. Dining and entertaining will feel all the more elegant as you take a seat in this curated room. With its bold yet refined wall colors and perfectly-placed decor, you will find yourself dining with the level of elegance you want and expect. Whether a grand celebration, a private meeting space, or simply a business lunch that requires a peaceful retreat, this room offers it all.
The Director’s Office
The Director’s Office was made possible through the funding and lovingkindness of Presbytera Calypso Karahalios, in honor of her late husband Rev. Dr. George Karahalios. The exquisite and stylish Director’s Office combines the artistic flair of an art curator with the refinement of a private parlor room. It is furnished with rich blues and velveteen sofas and artwork by Tsiaras and other notable Greek artists, conjuring up Odyssean adventures from the comfort of its couches. It can be reserved for private meetings.
The Theater
The Maliotis theater is the perfect setting for conferences, dance and music performances, concerts, and lectures. With its easy preset light options that turn on with a single button, a large expansive stage perfect for any event, electrical plug-ins, projector, and its large 346 person seating capacity, this theater offers comfort and the space for events and presentations both big and small. The theater has long been home to grand-scale events including Greek musical concerts, OXI Day Celebrations, Classical plays, and academic conferences.
The Dance Room
They say life is better when you dance and the dance room in Maliotis offers the perfect space to do just that! This room has everything you need and desire from a dance environment including coat and costume hangers, benches, wooden floors, soundproofing, a piano, and hookups for music. No one will be left behind as you lead any practice in this room. It will bring life to your material and to your dancers.
The West and East Lounges
Whether you are looking to host an art or music exhibit, a lecture, class, or conference, the West and East Lounges offer the perfect space. Tables and chairs can be perfectly positioned to offer an intimate and conducive environment for teaching and discussing or browsing art pieces. Set atop the atrium of MCC, you get all the perks of a private space in an open-air setting.
These lounges also double as friendly classroom spaces. With plenty of space and clearly defined stage areas for presenting, as well as all the right electronic connections, presenting with ease is a joy for all in attendance.
The Kafeneio (Cafe)
The Kafeneio (Cafe) is a little piece of Greece right in the Maliotis Center. Its blue walls, Grecian decor, imported Greek treats, and laid-back atmosphere are reminiscent of a kafeneio you’d find in Hellas. Situated right off the Atrium and adjacent to the Karahalios Library and Lounge, the Kafeneio is always bustling with visitors. The cafe boasts free coffee daily, including an assortment of Greek coffees, frappe, teas, espresso, and cappuccino, and always has a sweet or savory snack available, too. Visitors are encouraged to speak Greek and practice Philoxenia, hospitality.
The Kitchen (Greek Kouzina)
The right kitchen makes all the difference in the world. The Maliotis “Kouzina” offers all the necessities to make your next event as seamless as possible. The kitchen is appointed with a sink, storage with all the utensils and supplies one might need for hosting any event requiring food, as well as a refrigerator, oven, and counter space to set up the perfect displays for our guests. For larger catering and meal preparation, we are happy to recommend other catering options for your event. We anticipate a full-scale renovation of the kitchen in the near future.
