Holiday makers will find a new attraction to visit in the next few days, the New Acropolis Museum. The official opening of the museum in Athens is taking place on 20 June, with opening to the public from the following day. If you are living on the Greek Islands, why not hop on a ferry and take a look at this fascinating building and the collections - it is well warranted. The museum was designed by Bernard Tschumi who not only built the magnificent and huge glass and concrete building but ensured that the exhibits, in particular the sculptures would be seen in natural light.
While you are there, the biggest must-see is the top floor to see the huge frieze and wonderful show-stopping view of the Parthenon. Visitors can only gain access on the first three days of opening ( Sun 21, Mon 22 and Tues 23 June) through e-tickets bought via the musum website www.theacropolismuseum.gr . Entry is only 1 euro. From Wednesday 24 June, tickets can be purchased via the site or at the museum itself.
The Minister of Culture says on the New Acropolis Museum website, "188 years since the declaration of the Greek Independence and 27 years since Melina Merkouri took the historic initiative to build it, a duty is fulfilled and a dream is realised. The paramount monument of Ancient Classical Times now has its own Museum – at last. In difficult times people need symbols to hold tight and stand straight. The Grand Opening of the new Acropolis Museum may be such a symbolic event. Where the Aesthetics of Logic, the Ethics of Freedom and the Rationality of Beauty, are all fused together and carved in stone for eternity."
Location
New Acropolis Museum is situated in the historical area of Makriyianni, south east of the Rock of the Acropolis. Only 300m from the Acropolis and approximately 2kms from Syntagma, the main city square of Athens. The museum is directly linked to the Athens underground by the Acropolis station, located on the eastern side of the museum
For more information visit the New Acropolis Museum website
