Aristotle’s Lyceum in Athens Goes Digital

The Aristotle Lyceum archaeological site. Photo source: Ministry of Culture.

The archaeological site of Aristotle’s Lyceum, located in the center of the Greek capital, will be reintroduced as a cultural destination with the addition of a digital information booth on its premises, the Culture Ministry recently announced.

The construction, which will see a collaboration of the ministry with the National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR) “Demokritos”, aims to highlight the work and life of the famous Greek philosopher, as well as the importance of his school.

“With the help of digital technology and contemporary architecture, this intervention will offer a new educational and philosophical experience for all those wanting to visit the Lyceum,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

The minister added that the digital booth will also contribute to the connection of the Lyceum with the adjacent Athens Conservatory venue which will house the “House of Classical Greek Ideas”, an innovative exhibition on Greek ideas and ancient Greek philosophy, created by the ministry’s close partnership with NCSR “Demokritos”.

The Lyceum’s new digital info booth

A sketch of the proposed architectural structure for the Aristotle Lyceum. Photo source: Ministry of Culture.

The digital info booth will be installed at the southern part of the archaeological site of the Lyceum. It will house four interactive touch screens with access to multimedia information (texts, images, videos, representations, etc.).

The proposed structure will include four rectangular units, covered by a corrugated canopy. Access to the pavilion will be through a set of ramps offering accessibility to all.

Furthermore, three small terraces will also be created to allow standing and unobstructed views of the site while at selected points along the space’s visiting routes. Moreover, a sound installation will provide valuable information to the Lyceum’s visitors.

A 3D model of the proposal. Photo source: Ministry of Culture.

A group of internationally renowned academics, scientists and artists will oversee the selection and the content of the information material to go on display. The material will be easily updated and enriched depending on the progress of the archaeological research on site.

The Lyceum’s digital booth will include information about its role in antiquity, Aristotle’s work and his distinction of the sciences, his apprenticeship at Plato’s Academy and his life in Athens. Information will also be provided on the historic and cultural impact Aristotle’s body of work has had in the Arab world, Christianity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and modern sciences.