In June of 2021, the laser cleaning program of the Acropolis Museum sculptures from pollution encrustations was completed. In its 15-year duration, 70 sculptures and fragments were treated, mainly architectural sculptures from the Parthenon the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike. The methodology used was the same employed for the cleaning of the Parthenon’s west frieze by the Acropolis Monuments Restoration Service (YSMA) in 2002-2005.

Until the middle of the 17th century, the Acropolis’ most important monuments remained generally intact, as shown by the drawings of European travellers. In 1645, however, the Propylaia suffered severe damage from an explosion of stored gunpowder ignited by a bolt of lightning. Furthermore, in 1686, the Turks, facing a threat from the Venetian army led by General Morosini, dismantled the Temple of Athena Nike to use its building material for reinforcing the Acropolis walls and for construction of a defensive rampart in front of the Propylaia.

On the west side of the Museum’s first floor, works from other monuments of Perikles’ building programme on the Acropolis are presented.

In this program, students meet the four most important monuments of the Acropolis (the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion). With the help of three-dimensional models and other visual materials, they reconstruct the Sanctuary of the classical period. At the same time, through observation of the exhibits (architectural members and sculptures), they learn about the function of each building, its architectural order, decoration and its special characteristics.

In this program, students meet the four most important monuments of the Acropolis (the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion). With the help of three-dimensional models and other visual materials, they reconstruct the Sanctuary of the classical period. At the same time, through observation of the exhibits (architectural members and sculptures), they learn about the function of each building, its architectural order, decoration and its special characteristics.

Architectural design of the building

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.