The Evolution of the Museum
Once, the exhibits of the Acropolis were presented outdoors, in places with temporary covers. In 1874, the first Acropolis Museum opened, which quickly became too small. To make room, a small building was supposed to follow in 1988, which was built next to the first one. When this also became too small, the new, now existing museum was opened in 2009.Antiquity and architecture in harmony
As is often the case, foundations of antiquity were discovered on the grounds of the Acropolis during the construction of the museum. The American architect Bernard Tschumi and the Greek architect Michalis Photiadis spectacularly showcased the find. The exposed ancient Athenian quarter is partially protected by a glass floor that can even be walked on.
The original Caryatids of the Erechtheion Temple | Photo: Flickr, George M. Groutas - CC-BY-SA 2.0The lost treasures
Unfortunately, not all the statues and sculptures that once adorned the Acropolis can be admired in the museum. At the beginning of the 19th century, British Ambassador Thomas Bruce, 7. Earl of Elgin received permission from the Ottoman Sultan to explore the Burgberg. However, he improperly removed sculptures from the Parthenon, the caryatids from the Erechtheion, and four frieze blocks from the Temple of Athena Nike, as well as other art objects. Today, some of these treasures are in the British Museum in London. Greece has been trying for some time to achieve their return.
The Parthenon Frieze in the upper floor of the Acropolis Museum | Photo: Flickr, Brad Hostetler - CC-BY-SA 2.0The development of the Acropolis
The historical development of the buildings can be traced by a variety of models of the Acropolis hill on the ground floor of the museum. The archaeological finds are also excellently staged; the collection includes various artifacts such as cooking pots and offerings. A glass floor reveals the archaeological excavations. This unique presentation gives a realistic feeling of how the Athenians must have lived.The Acropolis Plateau
Even the ramp that leads to the first floor is intentionally placed: it represents the rise of ancient times to the Acropolis Plateau. On the ascent, visitors get to see the excavations from the former Acropolis that show the change of the citadel into the sacred place of the gods. This includes a sheet of metal with a Gorgon depiction (675-650 BC), as one of the highlights of this area.The Archaic Acropolis
The Archaic Acropolis gallery contains exhibits from the classical period of Greece from 700 to 480 BC on the first floor. The most impressive exhibits include the Antenor Kore (525-500 BC), the Kritios Boy (480 BC), and the Calf-Bearer (570 BC). Also, the famous buildings of the Acropolis are presented: Objects from the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, as well as the five large original female figures, the Caryatids of the Erechtheion Temple. Also, the unique architecture of the building is consciously and deliberately used on this floor: the light falling in through the generous window surfaces is intended to reflect the atmosphere of an open space, like on the Acropolis.The Parthenon Hall
On the upper floor, a video presentation about the Parthenon temple can be experienced in English and Greek. This is followed by the Parthenon Hall, which depicts a replica of the Parthenon, the largest temple in Greek history. The original proportions of this art installation reveal the true scale of the building that once protected the statue of the goddess Athena. The intentional deviation of the upper floor by 23 degrees from the rest of the building provides an unbelievable view of the Parthenon through the north window.