The phrase "Athens is the new Berlin" was used to describe the essence of Athens' transformation,^[1] drawing meaningful parallels with Berlin's post-Cold War during the Greek government-debt crisis. This term underscores Athens' emergence as a significant cultural and artistic center in Europe, marked by resilience, innovation, and a vibrant social scene.

The phrase gained popularity during the fourteenth edition of Documenta, held in 2017. For the first time in the institution's history, the exhibition took place in two locations: its traditional home in Kassel, Germany, and Athens, Greece. This dual setting aimed to critique neoliberalism, injustice, and inequality, while positioning Documenta 14 as a bohemian countercultural endeavor.^[2] The choice to establish their offices in Exarchia, known as the “anarchist zone” and a dedicated rioting area, was a testament to this mission. Documenta 14’s presence in Athens highlighted the city's role as a burgeoning cultural hub, solidifying the notion that "Athens is the new Berlin.^[3]

Although the term "New Berlin" was commonly used in the art world to describe the rise of the Athenian art scene during the economic crisis, most Athenians did not approve of this terminology. Greeks, particularly Athenians, preferred the phrase "Berlin is the new Athens," believing that "New Berlin".^[1]

Journalist and Athens native Niko Fotakis said in 2017: “Proclaiming Athens as ‘the New Berlin’ is as valid as proclaiming it ‘the New Istanbul’ or ‘the New Tel Aviv’ (both cities which thrived culturally in the 2000s and share more cultural similarities with Athens than Berlin). Athens is just Athens. It has an energy of its own, which makes it what it is."^[1]