23 June 2009 | The Acropolis Museum, housing more than 4,000 works from the ancient world, has finally opened its doors to visitors, after three decades of planning, construction and controversy.

The new building, designed by architect Bernard Tschumi, now displays thousands of ancient Greek treasures that were previously either kept in storage or housed in a smaller museum space down the road. The space allows the sculptures to be seen in a natural light while the special glass and climate control prevent them from being damaged by sunlight.

The museum’s top floor is dedicated to the frieze that used to decorate the 2,500-year Parthenon, while also affording a view of the actual ruins of the temple.

But what is perhaps most striking at the museum are the pieces that are missing – reproduced in bright white plastic pieces alongside the originals.

The most famous missing parts are the so-called Elgin Marbles, removed from the Parthenon in the nineteenth century by Lord Elgin, who brought them to London and sold them to the British Museum, where they are on display to this day.



The Greek government’s decade-long appeals for the return of the Marbles have gone unanswered. Among Britain’s arguments for keeping the statues in London is that, in this way, they are part of a world heritage collection, available for the whole world to enjoy. Another point cited often is that the pollution in Athens could damage the marbles if they are returned – the state-of-the-art museum now makes this latter argument groundless.

Greece hopes that, following the museum’s opening, public opinion will turn in favour of the Marbles’ return. It expects that around two million people will visit the museum a year – about 15 per cent of the 13 million who visit the Acropolis each year.

It remains to be seen whether the Elgin Marbles will remain in London or be returned to their place of origin. In the meantime, the new Acropolis Museum is worth paying a visit anyway. For now, entry to the museum costs 1 euro, although it will be increased to 5 euro later in the year.

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