New Acropolis Museum Opens For Visitors in 2007

Museum officials anticipate that the new Acropolis museum will be open to visitors in mid-to-late 2007. The new museum’s 14,000 square-meter exhibition area will allow all the surviving antiquities from the Acropolis to be displayed together for the first time. Most of these antiquities have been in storage in museums in Athens and abroad, and have never been seen by the public.

The museum, designed by Bernard Tschumi Architects and Athens-based Michael Photiadis, will have three levels and include exhibition galleries, a multimedia auditorium, retail area, a bar and restaurant.

The uppermost level, with its glass-enclosed gallery, will showcase the Parthenon marbles with natural lighting while also giving visitors a direct view of the Acropolis. Modern glass technology will ensure that the sculptures and visitors are protected from excessive heat and light.

The display for the Parthenon’s sculptural elements duplicates the original 160 meter-long frieze. Spaces will be left empty for the works remaining in Britain, as an open invitation for reunification.

The galleries on the middle level will feature finds from the Archaic and Roman periods. The base level of the museum is specially designed to include the archaeological excavations uncovered on the site as part of the exhibit. A network of walkways will allow visitors to view the remains of the city as they were found, dating as early as the prehistoric times and into the Byzantine period.

Innovative technology will provide visitors with an enhanced experience and understanding of the antiquities and history. Officials expect the building to be completed by the end of 2006, but mounting the exhibits will take several months.

The museum is located next to the Acropolis station of the Athens metro, providing easy access for all visitors including those with special needs. The museum entrances will be accessible from the metro station elevator, and access to all museum galleries will be possible using ramps or elevators large enough for wheelchairs. Pedestrian ramps over the archaeological excavation on the base level will also provide special needs access.