New Acropolis Museum: What Will I See

Category: New Acropolis Museum
Date 08.27.09 Author: TimWoodroof

South Gallery, from East endThe New Acropolis Museum is divided into four main collections.

First (on between the ground floor and first floor) are artifacts excavated from the slopes of the Acropolis.

  • Lots of pottery—vases and cups and plates … some beautifully painted and showing brides and grooms, priests, processions, and sacrificial offerings … some more utilitarian and intended for everyday usage.
  • Artifacts from the Theater of Dionysus and the Aesclepion and the Sanctuary of the Nymphs.

Next, on the first floor, are remains from most of the Acropolis structures (i.e., the Erectheon and Propylaia and Temple of Athena Nike), with scale models and displays of statues and frieze reliefs associated with the temples (e.g., the Caryatids).

 Also on the first floor is a vast collection of “stand alone” statuary recovered from the top of the Acropolis itself—young maidens (korai) and boys (kouroi) from the Archaic Period; the Kritios Boy (a wonderful example of an early Classical development); and an array of statues from the 5th Century b.c. to the 5th Century a.d.

Finally, on the top floor of the museum, is an awe-inspiring view of the Acropolis and the Parthenon and a jaWest Pediment, centerw-dropping recreation of the Parthenon columns and cella, hung with the sculptures (the metopes and friezes) that decorated the original Parthenon. This display puts the Parthenon sculptures at eye-level and allows you to hear the stories of the birth of Athena, the battle of the Amazons, and the Trojan War all over again.

When you grow weary, there is a café on the second floor with views of the Acropolis. Grab an espresso, kick up your feet, and pinch yourself: you are in Athens, in the shadow of the Parthenon, surrounded by world-famous artifacts. Could it get any better?

Suggested Itinerary for Athens: Day One

Category: Athens
Date 08.27.09 Author: TimWoodroof

We’ll do lots of walking today. Most hotels include a hearty breakfast in their rate. Eat a big one and make sure you put on your most comfortable shoes. Hit the sidewalks early.5.2 Hadrian's Arch02

Let’s start with the Athens Familiarization Walk. The audio guide begins at Syntagma Square. Find your way there, grab a shady spot and press “Play.” Then stroll the National Gardens, walk around the Acropolis, visit Hadrian’s Library, meander through the Plaka District, and otherwise learn your way around this great city.

Grab lunch at a likely spot (there are restaurant options everywhere) and then walk to the New Acropolis Museum. (If you want to give your feet a break, you could catch the Metro.)

New Acropolis MuseumThe new Museum opened in June, 2009 . It is a much worthier home for the Acropolis treasures than where they have been—crammed in a tiny, inadequate box on top of the Acropolis itself. At last, for the first time, all the artifacts related to the Acropolis can be on display at the same time and place. The wonderful Kritios Boy. The Parthenon friezes and pediments. The evocative Sandal Binder. You can be one of the lucky few to visit this great museum while it is still a novelty.

You’ve been on your feet all day. Take a little rest. Perhaps return to your hotel for a (brief) rest. Or enjoy a leisurely coffee at one of the many cafés and tavernas in Athens. Do some people watching. Try to guess where people are from by their clothing, gestures, haircuts, and volume.

After the sun sets, do the Acropolis Night Walk. This breathtaking stroll will lead you back around the Acropolis on the Promenade. Only this time, the Acropolis will be illuminated !Erechtheon by night

End the day by threading your way through the interesting Plaka district. Scout out a likely restaurant. Try something unusual (the grilled squid is excellent) and wash it down with a glass of local wine. A shot of ouzo should have you ready for bed whatever your body clock reads.