The official opening of the exhibition "Approaching METLEN: The Roads of a New Industrial Cosmopolitanism" took place successfully on Thursday, April 3rd, at the Warehouse C in Thessaloniki Port. During a special event presented by author and journalist Giorgos Skambardonis and radio producer and journalist Kostas Giannakidis, representatives from local government and the business world had the opportunity to discover a new, modern narrative for the history of metallurgy through the lens of internationally acclaimed photographer Tasos Vrettos. Additionally, through a particularly vivid narrative, Mr. Skambardonis uniquely highlighted the multifaceted contribution of Greek entrepreneurship to shaping the historical and cultural identity of the region.
The exhibition unfolds the cosmopolitan journey of METLEN, a Greek company that started in the early 20th century and continues to shape the 21st century, with roots in local identity and a global outlook. Through Vrettos' photographs — which serve as both documents and personal snapshots — visitors follow the industry's transition from the past to the present, with clear references to the future. Photographs, sound, and moving images combine to create a multisensory environment that highlights the aesthetics of production, the unknown aspects of industrial daily life, and the deep, dynamic relationship between people and metals.
"It is truly a challenge to photograph a heavy industry with such a strong historical background," said Mr. Vrettos during the opening. He added: "It is a bet that is extremely challenging and at the same time very difficult. I allowed myself to 'sink' into the experience of this universe, which is divided into different production processes. With the workers as 'pilots,' I embarked on this truly wonderful journey."
The Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer of METLEN, Vivian Bouzali, inaugurated the exhibition with the following remarks: "Tasos Vrettos is an acclaimed photographer, and we are very happy and honored that his exhibition is focused on METLEN. In this exhibition, Tasos has managed to uniquely capture our work and activity, creating a distinctive story that reflects the transformation of industrial landscapes, highlighting their aesthetic, functional, and symbolic dimensions."
A special place in the exhibition is also reserved for the historical archive of architect Konstantinos Doxiadis, which is now preserved at the Benaki Museum. The exhibition's artistic direction is curated by Nadia Argyropoulou, who has created a visual environment that balances between industrial rigidity and contemporary sensitivity.
METLEN continues to welcome the public to the exhibition until April 23rd at Warehouse C in Thessaloniki Port, inviting all those who wish to explore the industrial cosmopolitanism of Greek metallurgy.
Entrance is free for the public.
