The Acropolis Museum celebrates its birthday with a musical tribute

Today, June 20, 2023, the Acropolis Museum closes its 14 years of operation.

On the occasion of the museum’s birthday and honouring the memory of its late president Dimitris Pandermalis, the museum invites the Youth Orchestra of Dion to offer its visitors a free musical tribute to Greek poetry set to music in its forecourt at 9 p.m.

The multi-member orchestra comprises young children, mainly pupils and students, with a common feature of their impeccable artistic skill, passion and endless talent. Nikos Patris will conduct the orchestra.

Alexis Costalas will present the evening. Admission to the concert is free.

On this day, the Museum’s exhibition spaces with a regular tickets will open from 9 am to 12 midnight. During the same hours, the restaurant on the second floor with a view of the illuminated Acropolis will also be open.

The museum is located by the southeastern slope of the Acropolis hill, on the ancient road that led up to the “sacred rock” in classical times.

Set only 280 metres (310 yd), away from the Parthenon, and a 400 metres (440 yd) walking distance from it, the museum is the largest modern building erected so close to the ancient site, although many other buildings from the last 150 years are located closer to the Acropolis.

The design by Bernard Tschumi was selected as the winning project in the fourth competition. Tschumi’s design revolved around three concepts: light, movement, and a tectonic and programmatic element.

As the museum is built over an extensive archaeological site, some parts of the floor uses glass to allow visitors to see the excavations below. The museum also has an amphitheatre, virtual theatre, and hall for temporary exhibitions.

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