Plans for New Athens Archaeological Museum Revealed

Photorealistic depiction of the new Athens Archaeological Museum. Photo source: Athens Municipality.

The Municipality of Athens and the Greek Culture Ministry presented this week plans for the new Athens Archaeological Museum to be constructed in the less-privileged Akadimia Platonos area as part of a wider regeneration program.

The winning proposal was presented during a press conference this week. Of the 16 finalists participating in an open competition announced last year, the proposal of architect George Tsolakis was selected.

Photorealistic depiction of the new Athens Archaeological Museum. Photo source: Athens Municipality.

The architectural team envisions the museum to become “a public space – museum in harmony with the natural setting and which will include exhibition spaces, archaeological excavation areas and multiple spaces for recreation and sports, encouraging participation”.

The Archaeological Museum of Athens at Plato’s Academy will be housed in a 14,362m2 building constructed with sustainable materials, will be fully accessible to people with disabilities and include a 500-seat open-air amphitheater. It will be the first dedicated exclusively to the history of Athens and will showcase treasures from all of Greece.

“The Archaeological Museum of Athens at Akadimia Platonos (Plato’s Academy) and the extension of the National Archaeological Museum on Patission Street constitute interventions that will change Athens’ cultural profile,” said Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during the presentation.

Also addressing the press, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis underlined the importance of projects that are inclusive and encourage participation. Referring to the winning design, Bakoyannis said it opens its “embrace” to the city, adding that lots of work is still required to secure the necessary funding that will move the project forward.

Last year, the municipality, the culture ministry and the Academy of Athens, Greece’s oldest research institution, signed a memorandum of cooperation for the redevelopment of the archaeological site at Akadimia Platonos. Bakoyannis said the project would focus on three key areas: “the necessary archaeological excavations, the creation of a new park and of the City of Athens Museum”.