Acropolis Museum

Overview

The Acropolis Museum is a world-class museum built directly over an archaeological excavation, displaying the original sculptures, friezes, and artifacts from the Acropolis. Its top-floor Parthenon Gallery is aligned precisely with the temple above.

Highlights

• Parthenon Gallery: The top floor recreates the Parthenon's frieze at actual scale, with originals and casts of pieces held by the British Museum.
• Caryatids: Five of the six original Caryatid columns from the Erechtheion, displayed at eye level.
• Glass Floor: The ground-floor glass reveals the active excavation of an ancient Athenian neighborhood below.

History

Designed by Bernard Tschumi and opened in 2009, the museum was built partly to strengthen Greece's case for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum. It holds over 4,000 objects.

Visitor Tips

• Friday Evenings: Extended hours until 10 PM on Fridays with a rooftop restaurant open.
• Audio Guide: Essential for understanding the sculptural programs.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.