Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece
The Acropolis Museum is a work of art in itself. It opened in 2009 and focuses on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum houses artifacts from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. The structure is beautiful and it’s clear that much thought went into creating and perfecting the design.
There were several architectural competitions for the design of the museum. Bernard Tschumi, New York City architect, writer, and educator won. His design “revolves around three concepts: light, movement, and a tectonic, programmatic element.”
Collections
The collections are on several levels. “The first level displays the findings of the slopes of the Acropolis. A sloping floor resembling the ascension to the rock compliments the long, rectangular hall. Then, the visitor is found at the large trapezoidal hall which accommodates the archaic findings.”
On the same floor there are artifacts and sculptures from the other Acropolis buildings. These include the Temple of Athena Nike and findings from Roman and early Christian Athens.
Archaeological Site
The museum is built over an extensive archaeological site. The floor – outside and inside – is often transparent using glass so you can see the excavations below. The museum also provides an amphitheater, a virtual theatre, and a hall for temporary exhibitions.
Parliament Building Public Demonstration
On the way back to the hotel I noticed police in riot gear gathering around the Parliament Building. I hurried my steps – it would be interesting to see a public demonstration but getting caught up inside one doesn’t sound appealing.
