The “Michael N. Stassinopoulos – VIOHALCO (MSVF) Public Benefit Foundation” was founded in 1969 by companies Viohalco S.A. and Viohalco Cables S.A.
The Foundation’s headquarters are in Athens, however the Cultural Center, where nearly all events are held, is located in Stadio village (former Achouria) in the Municipality of Tegea, 8km south of Tripoli.
Stadio was the birthplace of the late Michael N. Stassinopoulos, who was born there in 1899. He studied Chemistry at the University of Athens and initially became involved in trade, following in his father’s footsteps. He later entered the industrial sector and, in 1953, took over the Hellenic Copper Industry S.A., which he renamed to VIOHALCO S.A., and helped it grow into one of the country’s most important industries. He served as an example of a self-made entrepreneur.
Michael Stassinopoulos died in 1964. His wife Marianthi and his sons Nikos and Evangelos decided to establish the Foundation in his memory.