
Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropoleos) Tours and Tickets
Overview
The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies over the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. The museum was founded in 2003, while the Organization of the Museum was established in 2008. It opened to the public on 20 June 2009. More than 4,250 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres. The Organization for the Construction of the new museum is chaired by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Professor Emeritus of Archaeology, Dimitrios Pandermalis. The first museum was on the Acropolis; it was completed in 1874 and underwent a moderate expansion in the 1950s. However, successive excavations on the Acropolis uncovered many new artifacts which significantly exceeded its original capacity. An additional motivation for the construction of a new museum was that in the past, when Greece made requests for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the United Kingdom, which acquired the items in a controversial manner, it was suggested by some British officials that Greece had no suitable location where they could be displayed. Creation of a gallery for the display of the Parthenon Marbles has been key to all recent proposals for the design of a new museum. The first architectural competition to design a new museum was held in 1976 and was limited to participants from Greece. Both the 1976 competition and one that followed it in 1979 failed to produce any results mainly because the plots of land selected for the proposed constructions were deemed unsuitable. In 1989, a third competition for the design of the new Acropolis Museum was announced that would be international. A choice of three possible sites was provided. This competition was won by the Italian architects, Manfredi Nicoletti and Lucio Passarelli. After delays throughout the 1990s, work on the construction of the museum based on this third design progressed to the stage of excavations for the foundations, but these were stopped due to apparently sensitive archaeological remains on the site, leading to annulment of the competition in 1999. In retrospect, the location of the new museum was rather straightforward: the large lot of the unused "Camp Makrygianni" gendarmerie barracks, opposite the Theater of Dionysus. The barracks were built on public land and a limited number of expropriations of surrounding private houses were needed to free up the necessary space. The main building of the old barracks, the neoclassical "Weiler Building", has been renovated and houses the Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies. The fourth competition had made no provision for the preservation of the ancient site. These were met to a degree only after local and international (ICOMOS) campaigners exposed this oversight and it became the final competition. The new plans were adjusted so that the building was elevated above ground, on pillars. Competition was open only to architectural practices by invitation and it was won by New York–based architect, Bernard Tschumi, in collaboration with the Greek architect Michael Photiadis. Excavation has revealed two layers of modest, private roadside houses and workshops, one from the early Byzantine era and another from the classical era. Once the layout and stratigraphy of the findings were established, suitable locations for the foundation pillars were identified. These traverse the soil to the underlying bedrock and float on roller bearings able to withstand a Richter scale magnitude 10 earthquake. As construction work neared completion, the operation to move the historic artifacts the 280-meter (310 yd) distance from the Acropolis rock to the new museum started in October 2007, took four months, and required the use of three tower cranes to move the sculptures across the distance without mishap. Greek officials expressed their hope that the new museum will help in the campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles.
More Info
- The Acropolis Museum is a must for any visitor to Athens.
- Museum facilities include two shops, a cafe, and a restaurant, open late on Fridays.
- Completed in 2007, the Acropolis Museum replaced an older museum of the same name.
- The museum appeals to families, with activity backpacks for kids.
- The Acropolis Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible bathrooms and elevators. Wheelchairs are available, and service dogs are welcome.
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For Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Video Guide
- Hearing kits
- Speech To Text
Access for Seniors
- Distance from drop-off location to entrance: Less than 20 m
- Recommended time for visit 1 hour
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level - 3
Accessibility for wheels
- Special Parking
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Accessible elevator
- Easy without assistance
- Step-Free
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Exhibit height - 2
- Accessible Toilet
Access for Visually Impaired
- Audio Guide
- Place has Special Guide Service
- Service animals permitted
- Touch Gallery
Welcome to the Acropolis Museum, a place where history comes alive and whispers of the past linger in the air. Close your eyes and imagine the ancient stones beneath your feet, carrying the weight of centuries of stories waiting to be told. As you step inside, a cool breeze brushes against your skin, carrying with it the scent of old parchment and marble. The faint echoes of footsteps and hushed murmurs surround you, creating a symphony of the past that fills your senses. You journey through the museum, guided by the gentle touch of the handrails and the soft hum of voices around you. Each new exhibit is a doorway to a different time, a different world. The shimmering artifacts glisten under the soft light, their intricate details a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of ancient hands. You pause before a statue of Athena, her stony gaze fixed in an eternal stare. You can almost feel the power and wisdom emanating from her, a presence that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. The soft glow of the marble seems to come alive, casting shadows that dance around the room in a silent celebration of her greatness. Moving on, you come across a collection of amphorae, their painted designs telling tales of battles won and lost, of gods and heroes. The colors are faded with time, but their stories are as vivid as ever, stirring something deep within your soul. As you reach the end of your journey, you stand before the Parthenon Gallery, a breathtaking display of ancient beauty. The sunlight streams in through the windows, bathing the room in a golden glow that seems to halo the statues and reliefs, as if blessing them with a divine light. In this moment, you are not just a visitor to a museum, but a traveler through time, a witness to the wonders of the ancient world. The emotions swirl within you like a storm, a mix of awe, reverence, and a twinge of sadness for a time long gone. And as you take your final steps out of the museum, you carry with you a piece of its soul, a memory etched in your heart forever. The Acropolis Museum, with all its beauty and grandeur, will remain with you, a beacon of light in the darkness of the modern world.
The Acropolis Museum in Athens offers audio descriptive guides for visitors with visual impairments. These guides provide detailed descriptions of the exhibits and surroundings to enhance the museum experience. The museum also provides sensory-friendly hours for visitors who may benefit from a quieter and less crowded environment. During these designated hours, special accommodations such as reduced noise levels and limited distractions are put in place to cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities. For specific details on the availability of audio descriptive guides and sensory-friendly hours, visitors are encouraged to contact the museum directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
The Acropolis Museum stands as a beacon of Athens, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of Greece. Local writers and artists have been captivated by its magnificence and significance. Here are some insights and experiences shared by locals: 1. Eleni, a writer from Athens, describes the Acropolis Museum as a place where the past comes alive. She is inspired by the artifacts and sculptures that tell the stories of ancient Greece, and finds herself drawn to the Parthenon Marbles, feeling a deep connection to her country’s history. 2. Yannis, a painter, finds endless inspiration in the architectural wonders of the Acropolis Museum. He often visits to study the intricate details of the artifacts and the design of the building itself, which he incorporates into his artwork. The play of light and shadow in the museum’s galleries provides him with a unique perspective on his own artistic creations. 3. Maria, a local historian, has a deep appreciation for the educational value of the museum. She believes that it plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Greece’s cultural heritage, and sees it as a place where locals and tourists alike can learn about the country’s past. Maria often leads tours at the museum, sharing her knowledge and insights with visitors from around the world. 4. Spiros, a photographer, considers the Acropolis Museum to be a visual feast. He is fascinated by the way the ancient artifacts are displayed, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. Spiros enjoys capturing the museum’s architectural beauty through his lens, focusing on the interplay of light, shadows, and reflections that bring the exhibits to life. Overall, the Acropolis Museum holds a special place in the hearts of locals, who see it as a symbol of Greece’s enduring legacy. Whether through writing, painting, history, or photography, the museum continues to inspire and enrich the creative community of Athens.
### Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropoleos), Athens: Directions and Transportation #### Directions: - **Address:** Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece - The Acropolis Museum is located near the Acropolis of Athens, in the historic area of Makrygianni. It is easily reachable by various means of transportation. #### Transportation Options: 1. **Metro:** - The Acropolis Museum is conveniently located near the Acropolis Metro Station on Line 2 (Red Line). You can easily reach the museum by taking the metro and walking a short distance to the museum entrance. 2. **Bus:** - Several bus routes have stops near the museum, including lines 15, 230, 500, and 550. 3. **Taxi/Uber:** - Taxis and Uber are readily available in Athens and can drop you off right at the museum entrance. 4. **Walking:** - You can also enjoy a pleasant walk to the Acropolis Museum from the surrounding areas, taking in the sights of historic Athens along the way. #### Accessibility: - The Acropolis Museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps available for visitors with mobility challenges. There are also accessible restrooms in the museum. ### Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropoleos), Athens: Ticket Booking and Discounts #### Ticket Booking: - **Online Booking:** You can purchase tickets in advance on the official website of the Acropolis Museum. - **On-site Purchase:** Tickets are also available for purchase at the museum entrance, but there may be lines during peak times. #### Discounts: - **Student Discounts:** Students with a valid student ID can avail of discounted tickets. - **Senior Citizen Discounts:** Seniors over a certain age may be eligible for discounted entry. - **Family Tickets:** Some museums offer special rates for families or groups. Inquire at the ticket counter for more information. ### Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropoleos), Athens: Local Amenities #### Parking: - **On-site Parking:** The museum has a parking lot for visitors, but spaces may be limited during busy times. - **Street Parking:** Limited street parking is available near the museum, but it can be challenging to find a spot. #### Restrooms: - **Accessible Restrooms:** The museum provides accessible restrooms for visitors with disabilities. - **Baby Changing Facilities:** Baby changing stations are available in the restrooms for families with young children. #### Dining Options: - **Café:** The museum has a café where you can grab a coffee or light snack during your visit. - **Special Dietary Needs:** The café may offer options for visitors with dietary restrictions or preferences. Inquire with the staff for more information.