NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM - ATHENS, GREECE
 

MUSEUM OF THE ACROPOLIS

 It has been twenty years since Melina Mercouri the then Minister of Culture of Greece put forth the goal of a museum of the Acropolis and the request for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum.  Today her dream has been realized and the Museum of the Acropolis is complete, the marbles however have not been returned.  The museum is a minimal steel, concrete and glass structure designed by Bernard Tsumi and Michael Fotiade.  The  museum is the first to use only natural light  and the Wonders of the Golden Age can be appreciated in the true Mediterranean light as the hour changes enabling the visitor to experience  the glow of the marble.

The Acropolis and the ancient theater Irodos are visible from inside the museum through eighteen foot high walls of glass and the immediate relationship between the sculptures and the ruins is strongly felt.  Excavated parts of ancient Athens are viewed "in situ" up close from open upper level.  Everywhere the natural light enhances the contents of the museum with a golden rosy glow.

The museum features many new exhibits and exciting ways to experience the Acropolis and it' surrounding  including a virtual theater  featuring 3-D  where  visitors can experience "live" the ancient city and temple.  "In a magical atmosphere the wonders of the Acropolis breathe and come alive."

Open to the public    Hours 8:00am-8:00 pm daily.   Entry fee one euro for the remainder of 2009.

"What the Marbles of the Parthenon mean to us must be understood.  They are our pride.  They are our sacrifices. They are the highest symbol of courtesy.  They are the badge of honor to democratic philosophy, our aspirations and our name. They are the quintessence of our Greek soul." Melina Mercouri

The Museum of the Acropolis is the rightful home of the Parthenon Marbles their return would be a great gesture from the British Museum to celebrate the opening of this incredible naturally illuminated structure.  I sincerely hope Melina's dream of the marbles coming home will come true at last.

                             Photo of the “in-situ” excavation which is incorporated into the structure of The Acropolis Museum.

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