Jordanis Theodoridis
Tailor-made art tours
I have Greek roots, speak fluent Greek, and grew up in Switzerland. Art has always been my great passion.
As director of Galerie widmertheodoridis, I look back on more than 20 years of professional experience in the gallery and art world. With over 120 exhibitions and more than twenty art fair participations in Switzerland and abroad, I have developed extensive expertise in the field of contemporary art.
For widmertheodoridis, I regularly organized guided tours and lectures and actively engaged in the mediation and communication of art and culture. Since 2015, widmertheodoridis has also maintained close business relationships with Greece and, through this, built up a valuable network of local artists and cultural professionals.
My art tours began in 2017 with documenta 14 in Athens and have since expanded to Berlin, Paris, and Venice — always in small groups of two to twenty participants. Since 2020, my professional heart has been in Athens, with a clear focus on the city as a cultural destination. Today, the connection between art, travel, and cultural exchange has become both the central part of my professional work and a deeply personal passion.
The spirit of my tours
Why contemporary art in Athens? Why Athens?
In my art tours I like to bridge the past with the present times. Starting at an elevated point of view, in this case on Lycabettus Hill I present an overview–both historically and geographically. My intent is to offer a holistic city experience by connecting visual and performing arts, history, artists, curators, directors, gastronomers, locals and my guests in an effortless but profound way. Highlights of the tour are the visits of eminently relevant art galleries and art spaces and their dedicated founders. Where possible I will have arranged time for a personal meeting and discussion. My tours include recommendations for an evening programm that comprises art openings, theatre performances and dinners at distinguished restaurants.
Athens Decoded
A crises as a chance for change
Athens, the cradle of Western culture has more to offer than only the Acropolis and souvlaki. The metropolis at the Eastern border of Europe has turned in the last years into a hotspot of contemporary art. Despite the severe financial problems that brought the development of the country to a halt the will to live and the joy of the Greeks remained unstoppable.
The biggest push in contemporary art came unexpectedly with the financial crisis which lasted from 2009 till 2018. The government collapsed and so did the biggest part of the private sector. Only shortly before, from 2000 till 2007 Greece experienced a new period of financial well-being due to big amounts of foreign capital flooding in. That’s when a considerable part of society started to discover the world outside of Greece. Young Greeks and especially artists returned from trips, studies and residences in Berlin, Paris, London, Madrid with new ideas and inspiration. After the first shock they denied the crisis to rule their lives. They decided to take the lead and started low budget art projects, exhibitions and festivals. Since the world was looking towards Greece this updraft did not remain unnoticed.
In 2017 documenta 14, the world’s most significant exhibition for contemporary art held its opening reception for the first time outside of Germany: in Athens! By then it was already no secret anymore and the word spread quickly: Athens is the new Berlin.
Statements
“Whether it’s art or cuisine, history or social issues – Jordanis is extremely knowledgeable and highly experienced. He highlights the unique aspects, shares insider tips, has a great sense of humour and his heart is in the right place. Being out and about with him is inspiring and effortless, almost as if you were out with a knowledgeable good friend. And it’s never boring. You always learn something new and simply feel at ease. Athens was a new discovery and such great fun!”
Joanna Lisiak, Zurich, Switzerland
“Experiencing Athens with Jordanis Theodoridis is Athens at its finest.
His tours through Athens are interesting, lively, humorous and professional. Stories, anecdotes and his in-depth knowledge of Athens’ history make the tour a unique experience.
I can highly recommend Jordanis Theodoridis’ tours.”
Susanne Russi, Zurich, Switzerland
“We travelled with Jordanis Theodoridis to Paris, Berlin and the Documenta exhibition in Athens. Each of these trips was absolutely wonderful, highly interesting, very inspiring and also amazing from a culinary point of view. In short: we’d love to come back!”
Georg and Eva, Frauenfeld, Switzerland
“In autumn 2026, I was able to travel to Athens with the Friends of the Swiss Institute for Art Research in Zurich.
These four days were packed with cultural and culinary highlights. We were guided through the city by the knowledgeable Jordanis Theodoridis. Not only were we impressed by the historical and contemporary highlights of Athens, but also by the enchanted places in Athenian neighbourhoods unknown to us. Jordanis provided us with background knowledge and local colour that cannot be found in any city guide. His organisational talent coupled with his vast knowledge, humour and kindness remain fond memories for me.”
Pascale, Basel, Switzerland
“Strolling through Athens with Jordanis is a treat for all the senses. Along the way, you’ll not only learn about ancient Greek cultural treasures and Greek myths, but also hear funny anecdotes from everyday life in Athens. Short culinary detours and refreshments, stories about etymology and Greek traditions make you forget the time as Jordanis guides us through a wonderfully coordinated combination of ancient Greek art and contemporary galleries, increasing our enthusiasm for Athens by the hour. I look forward to our next visit. ”