Stavros Niarchos Foundation wins the Spiros Louis cup at auction

Huge interest was shown at the auction of Spiros Louis’ cup, which was finally awarded to the “Stavros Niarchos” Foundation for 450.000 pounds (544.000 euro), with a starting price of 140.000 euros.

According to an official announcement by the Foudnation, “the cup will be shared with the Greek people and will be permanently exhibited at the Cultural Center of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, after it is complete in 2015. Meanwhile, the Institute will investigate and find a suitable temporary location for the public’s viewing pleasure.

The cup was the centerpiece of the auction, which was held three months before the start of the London Olympic Games, while at the same auction there were authentic posters and torches of the Olympic Games. Also, the Silver Cup, inspired and designed by Michel Bréal for the first Marathon winner, was awarded to Spyros Louis in the first Modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.

Please note that in a previous announcement, Christie’s had stated that Spiros Louis' family was forced to auction the cup due to the economic crisis.