Discover your talent in sculpture, in a country where golden section was born.

Reviewed · ATHENS

Discover your talent in sculpture, in a country where golden section was born.

5.0 · 55 reviews From $58 Operated by Ancient Symposium · Bookable on Viator
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You can learn sculpture with your hands, fast. This Athens workshop pairs hands-on sculpting with a studio tour that mixes ancient tools, a small collection of artifacts, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey weapons created by the same team.

I like the way Manos keeps the session practical, pacing it so you can actually finish your piece. I also love that you leave with a physical souvenir, a face of Hermes made in air-dry clay from Crete.

One thing to consider: your workshop project is focused on making the Hermes face, so it is not a choose-your-own design class. If you want total freedom on subject and style, go in knowing the outline is already set.

Key points to know before you go

  • Assassin’s Creed Odyssey link: you’ll see related weapons and learn how the studio connects to game props.
  • Ancient techniques, explained simply: expect talk and visuals on methods like lost-wax casting and stone carving.
  • Hands-on tool time: you’ll touch sculpting tools and learn what they do.
  • Cretan air-dry clay keepsake: you model and shape a Hermes face, then take it home.
  • Private, small-group feel: it’s your group only, so questions do not get lost.
  • Flexible for most people: the class format is designed so beginners can follow along.

A studio in Athens with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey props

Discover your talent in sculpture, in a country where golden section was born. - A studio in Athens with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey props
This experience sits in that sweet spot between art class and behind-the-scenes workshop. You are not just watching or listening, you are shown real tools and then put to work with clay, while the studio history and collection give the whole thing context.

The Assassin’s Creed Odyssey connection is a big part of the fun. Even if you are not a gamer, it helps you understand the craftsmanship mindset here: careful shaping, repeatable processes, and attention to details that show up in props and sculpture alike.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Athens.

Where you meet and how long it takes

Discover your talent in sculpture, in a country where golden section was born. - Where you meet and how long it takes
The workshop meets at Doiranis 39, Athina 176 72, Greece. It runs in a window that covers most of the day, with opening hours listed from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Plan for about 2 hours. That matters because the session is built for momentum, a quick tour first, then straight into sculpting. If you like slow, multi-day projects, this is not that kind of class, but it is perfect if you want a meaningful output in one sitting.

The ancient-room tour, weapons, and the art-and-wine talk

Before you touch clay, you start with a tour of the studio space. You’ll see an “ancient room” and learn how the studio frames sculpture, not as a mystery, but as a craft with tools, steps, and culture around it.

A highlight for game fans is the chance to view some of the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey weapons and other items in their collection. This is not just photo time. You’ll also get the story and perspective behind the making.

There is also a cultural angle built in, including a discussion about ancient Greek art and wine. From what the instructor shares in the class format, you should expect that creative conversation to be part of the vibe, not a dry lecture.

Practical tip: if you are arriving from a hotel in Kallithea or nearby, you may still want to plan transportation. People have mentioned the location can involve a walk, so taxi, rideshare, or public transport can save energy for the hands-on part.

Tools, videos, and technique concepts you can actually use

The workshop includes an overview of sculpting approaches, including methods like lost-wax casting and precious stone carving. Even if you are only making a clay face, those technique names help you understand why sculptors work in stages.

You will also watch videos on ancient sculpting techniques. The goal here is clarity. You learn what to focus on, how sculptors think about shape and form, and what the tools are meant to do, before you get stuck in.

Then comes the tactile part. You’ll touch selected sculpting tools and learn how they are used. That hands-on primer is one reason beginners often do well here: you are not just guessing, you get a quick, guided translation from tool to result.

Creating the Hermes face with air-dry clay

The main project is making the face of God Hermes with air-dry clay. In practice, that means you spend your time shaping the main planes and features of a human face, then adjusting details with the help of your tutor.

This is the part where skill level matters less than attitude. The instructor supports you during the process, with pacing that lets you work at your own speed. If you are nervous about your hands, this is the class to choose, because the session is structured to help you finish, not to judge.

Expect direction in the moment. You start with the basic form, then refine. You may not leave with a museum-grade sculpture, but you will leave with something personal you made yourself, and that is what makes the souvenir feel real.

What you take home, and how to pack it

You bring your artwork home as a souvenir. Because it is air-dry clay, treat it like something you would carry with care, not like a lightweight trinket.

In your packing plan, think “fragile but protected.” Bring a bag or small box that can keep the piece from shifting. If you need to move fast through Athens, aim to keep the sculpture in your direct possession rather than buried under a stack of clothes.

Also, remember the class is designed for a single completed piece, not an all-day studio project. So your expectations should match the session length. You are creating a finished keepsake, which is exactly why it is so popular for a short Athens break.

Price, value, and who this is best for

The price is listed at $58.05 per person, with an average booking window of about 28 days in advance. For a two-hour private workshop that includes instructor guidance, tool interaction, and a take-home sculpture, this is strong value if you like hands-on travel.

Why it is worth it: you get more than a craft activity. You also get the studio tour, the ancient-room context, and the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey prop connection. That combination gives the session a sense of place, Athens creativity with modern pop culture craftsmanship.

This is especially a good fit if:

  • You want an activity that is fun without needing prior art experience
  • You like museums, but you also want to create something, not just look
  • You are traveling as a couple or small group and want a private experience

It can be less ideal if you only want watching and reading, not making. And if you want a freeform sculpture where you choose everything from subject to final form, this one is more structured, since you make the Hermes face.

Should you book this sculpture class?

I think you should book it if you want a memorable Athens activity that mixes technique, story, and a real take-home result. The best part is that it is beginner-friendly in a practical way, and the studio context adds meaning to what you make.

Skip it if you are chasing a long, advanced sculpting course or if you want total creative freedom. Also, if you dislike working with clay textures, you might find the hands-on time less fun than the tour.

If you fit the sweet spot, this is the kind of class where you leave with something tangible, and that alone is a great reason to plan it into your Athens itinerary.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this Athens workshop?

You meet at Doiranis 39, Athina 176 72, Greece. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the sculpture experience last?

The duration is approximately 2 hours.

How much does the class cost?

The price is listed as $58.05 per person.

What will I make during the workshop?

You’ll make the face of God Hermes using air-dry clay, guided by your tutor.

Can I take my artwork home?

Yes. You will bring your sculpture home as a souvenir.

Is this a private activity?

Yes, it is a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

You get free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.