Museum of Acropolis, Athens: The History it Shares with its Ancient Namesake

When John Milton first quoted, Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence, everyone agreed that nothing could have been truer.

Located on the Aegean coastline, with scatterings of rivers, and deep harbours that connect to the countless islands with their oleander and olive trees is the city that has deep ties with the past. A city that holds the heart of citizens across the world. A city that has its roots dipped in rich culture. The capital city of the country where Western objective philosophy, democracy and the Olympic Games first originated millennia ago - Athens. Ranked top in the Greece tour packages, Athens is one of the most glorious cities of ancient Greece. A city, which travellers rarely want to miss out on.

Named after the daughter of Zeus, the Greek goddess of wisdom Athena, who blessed this city with abundance and prosperity, Athens holds the core of Greece. A core that is full of myths of human-like gods, unbeatable warriors, and ancient culture filled with blood and so much history. And one place that holds all of it intertwined within its walls is the museums of Athens city. Whether we talk about the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the Museum of Illusions or the Museum of Acropolis, Athens holds close to the heart the many wonders that years of war and glory left behind.

But before we dive deeper into the history and the famous Museum of Acropolis located at the foothill of its namesake in Athens, let us take a look at what this blog has in store for you.

Explore the Museum of Acropolis

• The Giant Structure of Acropolis
• Things to See in Acropolis
  • Parthenon
  • Propylaea
  • Odeon of Herodes Atticus
  • Theatre of Dionysus
  • Porch of the Maidens
• Museum of Acropolis
• Museum Timings

The Giant Structure of Acropolis

If Athens shall appear great to you, consider then that her glories were purchased by valiant men, and by those who learned their duty - Pericles

The Acropolis played a crucial role in the life of Athenians. Located on a limestone hill above the city, it was one of the many strongholds of Athens. The ancient citadel was not only home to kings who held councils, games and trades but was a place for worship. Scattered throughout the citadel are several temples dedicated to Athena and other buildings that enhance and speak about Athenian culture.

The Acropolis is not merely a collection of stones; it is a living testament to Greek mythology. The Erechtheion, with its porch of the Caryatids, speaks of the mythical contest between Poseidon and Athena for the city's patronage. It is as if the stones themselves whisper tales of gods and heroes.

Out of all the things to do in Greece, exploring the ruins of the Acropolis is something that should not be missed.

Things to See in Acropolis

Parthenon

Located at the highest hill point of the Acropolis, this celestial temple is dedicated to the goddess Athena. History whispering through its ancient marble columns – the ruins of the majestic Parthenon still speak of a time when it stood majestic. Each column of the Doric-styled temple speaks of a time when priests and priestesses held ceremonies to honour the deity.

Propylaea

A monumental gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, Propylaea is a sheer architectural marvel. With its colossal columns reaching skyward, Propylaea served as the partition between secular and religious parts of the Acropolis.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Nestled beneath the Athenian Acropolis, is the large amphitheatre of Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Constructed in 161 AD in the loving memory of his wife, it is here that Herodes Atticus once hosted musical extravaganzas and theatrical marvels.

Theatre of Dionysus

Named after the Greek of wine and pleasure, the Theatre of Dionysus is the very birthplace of Greek tragedy and comedy. The amphitheatre, perfectly crafted to accommodate thousands, is a living testament to the human need for storytelling.

Porch of the Maidens

The Porch of the Maidens, also known as the Erechtheion, stands proudly, a living testament to the architectural genius of ancient Greece. The sheer craftsmanship of this sacred site is enough to transport you to a bygone era. Supporting the structure with elegance are six Giant sculpted structures of Caryatids, maidens frozen in time as if caught mid-dance.

The Acropolis has weathered wars, earthquakes, and the passage of countless generations.  Despite the looting and the years following the many wars, the citadel has still retained a part of its ancient structure.

Though it may have been thousands of years, mystery still surrounds many parts of it. Archaeologists and classicists have found artefacts, sculptures, and ruins that were excavated in the many museums of Athens. The New Acropolis Museum of Athens hold most of these finds and is the best place in Greece to take a peek into the past.

Museum of Acropolis

The Acropolis Museum stands as a tribute to its namesake, the Acropolis – the sacred rock that has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. Nestled against the backdrop of the Acropolis, the museum is more than just a storehouse of artefacts. It is a living testament to the rich tapestry of Athenian history. The museum not only holds a collection of relics but acts as a bridge transporting travellers to the illustrious past of Greece.

Originally, an old museum was situated on the archaeological site of the Acropolis. Built in the late 1800s, it showcased many stone sculptures, statues, pottery and the remains from the Parthenon, Propylaea, old temples of Athens, the Theatre of Dionysus and other buildings located on the Acropolis. But because of its limited space and growing public interest towards things of the past, the construction of a larger and more spacious museum was proposed.

Located on the south side of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, at the slope of the Acropolis hill, is the New Acropolis Museum of Athens. In all of Greece, The New Acropolis Museum of Athens holds the most essence of the original Acropolis. Despite its modern structure, the museum houses more than 4000 artefacts Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine times. It is home to ancient art, statues, and intricately carved-out stones that tell their own story of Greece’s glorious past.

Since the museum is built atop an active excavation site, some parts of the floors are lined with glass floors to let visitors glimpse the excavations happening below. It is a great site for history enthusiasts and lovers of archaeology. Occasionally, the museum also holds exhibitions, activities, and plays that provide visitors with a front-row experience of ancient Athens.

A collection of artefacts are exhibited throughout the ground, first and third floor. Parthenon sculptures line the rectangular hall, imitating how the ancient temple would have looked in the past. As for the second level, it is an auxiliary space for restaurants; museum shops cafes and places for people to relax.

Museum Timings

When planning to explore the Acropolis Museum, timing is the key to unlocking the full magic of this historical treasure trove. Other than holidays and occasional days, the museum is open for exhibits and events throughout the year.

On a typical summer day in Athens, Greece, the Acropolis Museum is open for visits between 9 am - 8 pm with a two-hour extension on Fridays and a three-hour reduction on Mondays. In winter, one can visit this museum in Athens between 9 am - 5 pm on Mondays to Thursdays. On Fridays, the museum is open to the public between 9 am - 10 pm. Weekends are special with guided tours and activities between 9 am - 8 pm.

Since the museum is a popular tourist destination, many prefer visiting in the early mornings to wander through the exhibits at their own pace, sipping in the details without the hustle and bustle of midday hours.

Athens is a hub for art, architecture, history and archaeological findings. Beyond the iconic New Acropolis Museum, Athens has more than 70 museums scattered throughout the city. Holding an extensive collection of archaeological finds found throughout the years is the largest museum in all of Greece - The National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

No matter the fact that centuries have passed, Athens still holds the old-world charm. Much like the rest of Greece, the city has so much going on for it that travellers from across the world, be they history buffs, art admirers and lovers of all kinds cannot help but fall in love with it over and over again. No wonder it is slowly topping the charts for many honeymooners and couples. Browse through our Greece tour packages for couples and indulge in blue skies, art, and age-old ruins that speak of valour, love and history.