he Acropolis Museum, a shiny home for the most important legacies of classical civilization, is located on the ancient road that leads to the Holy Rock, on which the majestic Parthenon rises above Athens. Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit it every year to see the cultural wonders of a glorious past, which stand flooded with natural light, "having the admirable view of the original temple as its evocative background”, according to the Sunday Times, which have placed the Acropolis Museum third in their list of the best 50 museums of the world. Located on Dionysiou Areopagitou str., this museum, Athens's latest and most modern piece of architecture, faces the monumental hill of the Acropolis. Long awaited, it is by far the most popular museum in the city, as its treasures include more than 50,000 pieces unearthed during excavations in Athens. It is impossible not to feel its positive energy. What’s more, the variety of activities organised by the museum guarantee you will have a few truly fascinating hours.
Look, listen and learn Museum archaeologists-hosts hold brief presentations for history buffs on a regular basis every week. The presentations are held both in Greek and English. You can take free coupons from the Information Desk and participate in these presentations in groups of visitors of up to 30 people. Be warned, however, participation is limited. Another special treat: the 3D projections that take place every weekend.
Follow the hosts' tips Be prepared, the museum’s hosts will follow you everywhere. It’s not that they don’t trust visitors, it’s because they have all the good stories, the knowledge (and desire) to answer all your questions about the museum exhibits. Just look for staff wearing large red and white “archaeologist” badges in the Museum exhibition areas. We asked them for their tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the museum. Here they are: If you have a choice, avoid the hours between 10:00 and 14:00, when the museum gets flooded with cruise ship passengers and school groups. Always begin the tour of the first floor from the northeast corner. Otherwise you won’t appreciate the significance of the Acropolis in the Mycenaean Period.
"You can have a Van Gogh at the Metropolitan and at the Louvre", saysanother Bernard Tschumi who architect the new Acropolis M co-designed the Parthenon Marbl useum. "But, es ar It's got to be togeth e one story. er same place and therat the e's no better place than here". The gallery of the archaic sculptures
Acropolis of Athens
(Map O8 Akropoli) Dionysiou Areopagitou 15 (+30) 210 9000900/ Public entrance from Dionysiou Areopagitou/ Groups from Mitseon Mon 08:00 - 16:00 Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 08:00-20:00 Fri 09:00 - 22:00 € Admission Fee: €5 ❱ Concessions: €3 www.theacropolismuseum.gr
Dos & Don'ts Always look down, or you'll miss all the Indiana Jones-style workmen excavating under the cool glass floor Follow a Gallery talk on the Archaic Colours by a museum archaeologist-host Visit the museum before you head for the Parthenon temple Take the Metro: the "Acropolis" station offers the best preview of what you'll see in the museum. Details from the Parthenon gallery CITY GUIDE summer 2014 _ 33
