Why is the Parthenon considered an exceptional monument of world cultural heritage? Why did it grab the attention of both its earlier and current viewers to such a degree? Visitors will discuss issues related to this celebrated monument’s architecture, its decoration and the way in which it is exhibited, its symbolism and its history, with the Archaeologist-Hosts. They will also be able to observe its unsurpassed sculptures from up close, and to admire the temple itself in its natural environment through the transparent wall on the Museum’s third floor.

Why is the Parthenon considered an exceptional monument of world cultural heritage? Why did it grab the attention of both its earlier and current viewers to such a degree? Visitors will discuss issues related to this celebrated monument’s architecture, its decoration and the way in which it is exhibited, its symbolism and its history, with the Archaeologist-Hosts. They will also be able to observe its unsurpassed sculptures from up close, and to admire the temple itself in its natural environment through the transparent wall on the Museum’s third floor. 

The Museum's exhibition culminates in the third-floor gallery, which has been specially designed to accommodate the sculptures of the Parthenon.

How did the Parthenon look like during the classical period? Which were the sculptures that decorated the temple? How were they constructed? What colors did they have? The students walk around the Parthenon Gallery and learn about the Parthenon Sculptures with the help of special designed educational material, games and other activities. The program is designed and carried out by the Information and Education Department of the Acropolis Monuments Restoration Service.

The pediments were the spaces formed below the pitched roof at the narrow sides of a building. The name derives from their triangular shape, reminiscent of an eagle spreading his wings.

  It is with great pleasure that the renowned “Fagan fragment” from the Antonino Salinas Museum in Palermo was permanently reunited in the east frieze of the Parthenon at the Acropolis Museum, where it belongs forever.

The final gallery begins with finds from the small but important sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia on the Acropolis. Established near the Propylaia, it was essentially the city branch of the goddess’ main sanctuary, located in the present-day municipality of Vravrona, on the east coast of Attica.

This is a film on the temple of Athena Nike, the small gem that stands over the entrance to the Acropolis. As it was built during the hard times of the Peloponnesian war its sculptural decoration reflects the expectation of triumph as well as the pride that the Athenians took in their victories until then. Gods and heroes, mythical and historical wars along with the ethereal winged Nikai, all brilliantly curved into the marble, praise the goddess and convey multiple messages to the city enemies.

The temple of Athena Nike, designed by the architect Kallikrates, was built between 426 and 421 BC on a bastion at the southwestern edge of the Acropolis. It replaced older temples whose remains are preserved inside the bastion.

This is a film on the temple of Athena Nike, the small gem that stands over the entrance to the Acropolis. As it was built during the hard times of the Peloponnesian war its sculptural decoration reflects the expectation of triumph as well as the pride that the Athenians took in their victories until then.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discuss the history of the cult of Athena Nike and the sources that testify to it, the distinctive architecture of its classical temple, the temple’s unique decoration and its meaning, and the later history of this part of the Acropolis, with the Museum’s Archaeologist-Hosts. The presentation will be enhanced by the use of models and digital tablets. Information Greek: 1 p.m.

  Two exquisite vessels have left distant Toronto, Canada, for a short visit to the Acropolis Museum. They were made in Athens over 2,500 years ago and were donated to the Royal Ontario Museum through private British collections. Today they return to their birthplace for a few months, in order to highlight another aspect of the social, religious and political life of the region that gave birth to democracy.