Donation of historic property to Aristotle University of Thessaloniki by the Latsis family – A new home for the Film Department

In a gesture of both symbolic and practical importance, the Latsis Family has donated a historic property to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), intended to accommodate the Film Department within the School of Fine Arts.

The longstanding and fruitful collaboration between AUTh and 3L DOTS Real Estate culminated in this generous act. The shareholders—Spyros, Marianna, and Margarita Latsis—decided to donate a property purchased by their father, Yiannis Latsis, in 1963, a site of deep emotional significance for the family.

The donation agreement was signed today, May 22, at the University Senate Hall by AUTh Rector Professor Charalambos Feidas and Yiannis Kanellopoulos, CEO of the donating company.

A Property of Cultural and Architectural Significance

The donated site is a former tobacco warehouse of notable architectural and historical interest, spanning 4,399.56 square meters on a 3,784 sq.m. plot in the Terpsithea neighborhood of Stavroupoli, within the Municipality of Pavlos Melas.

This building features a basement, ground floor, two upper levels, and a rooftop structure. For nearly two decades, it has served the needs of the School of Fine Arts as a rented facility. The property is valued at €3,289,085.54.

Currently, it provides spaces for education, creativity, and research, with specially designed areas for labs, screening rooms, classrooms, and offices, supporting both the Film Department and the Department of Visual and Applied Arts.

Enhancing Greece’s Premier Film Program

This donation is a significant enhancement for the Film Department, which was established in 2004 as the first academic institution dedicated to film studies in Greece.

With a modern and comprehensive curriculum, the department has earned both national and international acclaim for nurturing young creators and advancing Greek film production.

Rector Charalambos Feidas expressed his gratitude:

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Latsis Family for their trust and support of Aristotle University. This marks a substantial investment in the future of public higher education and culture.”

“Today is a landmark moment for the University and the School of Fine Arts. This donation holds exceptional significance and will greatly enhance the Film Department’s infrastructure and the overall arts education provided by our institution. The department will now have its own dedicated facilities, laying a strong foundation for its future growth.”

A Legacy of Cultural and Educational Development

Representing the Latsis Family, Mr. Hatziandreou noted:

“The old tobacco warehouses of Thessaloniki—imbued with industrial and social memory—are being transformed into hubs of culture, education, and creativity. The AUTh Film School has breathed new life into this historic building, illustrating how architectural heritage can be intertwined with contemporary artistic expression.”

“The decision by Yiannis Latsis’s children—Spyros, Marianna, and Margarita—to contribute this property is a clear indication of their faith in public higher education and a tribute to their father’s legacy—a man who championed creativity, solidarity, social contribution, and equal access to education.”