The venue for European Marathi Sammelan 2025 is Athena, an iconic landmark and Grade 2 listed building in the cultural quarter of Leicester.

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This is an art-deco masterpiece which was designed in 1936 as an Odeon Cinema theatre. It was one of the largest and extravagant buildings in the region and had one screen with a seating capacity of over 2100 guests. In the 60’s it had 4 screens with varying capacities.

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In the 1990’s with a new Odeon at Freemans Common, the original building stood vacant, waiting for its eventual rediscovery in 2005 as Athena- a multidiscipline event/performance venue. Completely restored, it retains the original Art deco splendour including the intricate decorative terracotta panels inside.. It has features such as an exceptional sound insulation and now a state of the art AV system expertly managed and tailored to the various events and functions it hosts.

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In the Cultural Quarter in the city centre, it is within close reach of the major roads into the city, the rail and bus stations and is in walking distance of at least 5 major hotels which are likely to be available for delegates to book thus allowing a full day of interaction and cultural enjoyment and a comfortable rest after….

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Athena is a stroll away from modern shopping malls, the city centre, the Golden Mile and thus uniquely placed as a venue for all of us to enjoy the EMS 2025 together as well as NCP car park next door.