elc team
A collection that highlights the intersection of art, play, and creativity
The Benaki Museum has been honored with a significant donation of contemporary art playground and toy models from the ‘Art for the World’ NGO. This remarkable collection highlights the intersection of art, play, and creativity, offering a unique perspective on how contemporary design and artistic expression can enhance spaces for children and families.
The models, which were originally part of international exhibitions curated by Art for the World, emphasize the importance of playgrounds and toys as tools for imagination, interaction, and learning. They celebrate the creativity of contemporary artists and designers who transform functional objects into playful works of art, fostering a dialogue between art, space, and the community.
This collection, created by acclaimed contemporary artists and architects such as Vito Acconci, Andreas Angelidakis, Alberto BiageH, Stefano Boccalini, Atelier van Lieshout, Noritoshi Hirakawa, Shirazeh Houshiary, Alfredo Jaar, Martand Khosla, Joseph Kosuth, Toni Morgan, Maria Papadimitriou, Luca Pancrazzi, Teresa Serrano, and Nari Ward, among others, represents a significant addition to the Benaki’s esteemed collections.
This giS complements the Benaki Museum’s collection of toys and childhood artefacts from all ages and countries. Together, these collections blend traditional play objects with forward-looking artistic
installations, resonating deeply with the Benaki Museum’s mission of promoting learning,
social engagement, and creativity.
Each work has been carefully designed by artists and architects to prioritise child safety, emotional appeal, and adaptability, accommodating the diverse cultural and geographical needs of different communities. Constructed from affordable, locally sourced materials, these structures also align with sustainable development principles, underscoring AFTW’s commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impacts through art.
A temporary exhibition of the material in the donation is being prepared and will be presented
in one of the Benaki Museum’s venues, with plans to explore the possibility of a permanent,
full-scale installation of one of these unique creations in the garden of the Benaki Toy Museum
on the Athenian seafront.
A few words on the donation and the donors
Art for the World, an NGO based in Geneva, operates with an extensive network of consultants and collaborators worldwide. Renowned for merging ethics with aesthetics to foster crosscultural relationships, AFTW promotes learning, well-being, and sustainability. It is associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information, recognised as a Public Utility by the State Chancellery of Geneva, and is a proud member of the World Art Foundations.
Founded and led by Adelina von Fürstenberg, recipient of the Golden Lion at the 56th Venice Biennale and fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science. She has curated and developed this collection with great dedication since its inception in 2000. The collection has been presented in various prestigious venues, including the Red Cross Museum in Geneva, the Musée de l’Océanographie in Monte-Carlo, Hangar Bicocca in Milan, and public institutions such as the United Nations Visitor Lobby in New York City and the European Parliament.
During the years, fabrication processes of full-scale (1:1) models have taken place across India,
the United Kingdom, Armenia, Greece, China, and Australia (Tasmania), underscoring the global reach and impact of this initiative.
