Athens, December 16 – The Central Archaeological Council and the Central Council of Modern Monuments have unanimously approved the preliminary studies for the expansion and upgrade of the National Archaeological Museum, the world’s most significant repository of ancient Greek art. The architectural design is being handled by Chipperfield and Tombazis offices. These studies commenced following the ratification by Parliament in April 2024 of a 40 million euro sponsorship agreement from Spyros and Dorothy Latsis, in memory of Ioannis and Henrietta Latsis, to fund all studies related to both the National Archaeological Museum and the Epigraphic Museum.
Minister of Culture: A Museum Worthy of Greece
Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated, “Greece is getting the National Archaeological Museum it deserves.” She noted that the museum’s architectural identity combines neoclassical principles and modernist interventions, with the expansion providing a unified character to the monument, removing the discontinuities of previous additions. Simultaneously, it will upgrade its functionality, meeting the needs of a modern, international-standard museum.
The Minister emphasized that the new complex and public garden will become a landmark for Athens, focusing on extroversion, research, and sustainability. She also highlighted that long-standing issues, such as humidity, are being addressed, while seismic protection and energy efficiency of the building are being enhanced, ensuring suitable conditions for the exhibition of antiquities.
Architectural Proposal and New Functions
The proposal aims to create a public park, promote Greek identity, and expand the museum’s functions. It includes a new main entrance on Patission Street with a square and public foyer, as well as a green park with a bistro and courtyard. It also provides for the renovation of 1950s halls, strengthening the research center, and upgrading visitor infrastructure, such as an amphitheater, restaurant, gift shop, and temporary exhibition spaces.
Approximately 17,000 antiquities will be exhibited in two thematic areas and 13 sections, while the Prehistoric Collections spaces will increase from 1,100 to 2,500 sq.m. Temporary exhibitions will cover over 1,000 sq.m., and new areas are being created for educational programs, storage, and conservation laboratories. The library and historical photographic archive are also being upgraded.
Urban and Cultural Revitalization
The study aims at the overall revitalization of the Exarcheia, Patission, and Metaxourgeio areas, creating a cultural axis that will connect the Museum with the National Technical University of Athens, the Acropolis, and Pedion tou Areos. The expansion is considered necessary due to the increase in visitors and the need for modern infrastructure. Simultaneously, seismic reinforcement and the energy sustainability of the building are being enhanced.
The presentation of exhibits will follow a coherent chronological narrative from the Neolithic to Late Antiquity, offering a comprehensive experience to visitors. The new park will create a dialogue with the historic Ziller building, reviving the 19th-century aesthetic with winding paths and natural planting that enhances the sense of depth and tranquility.
Museological and Technical Approach
The museological concept foresees a four-level route, two in the extension and two in the historic building, with a central axis organizing visitor flow and utilizing natural light. The halls combine spacious exhibition areas with smaller reflection rooms, while the underground water feature provides orientation and a luminous atmosphere.
Educational spaces are located in the center of the monument, connected to the cafe courtyard for outdoor learning. The internal connection of the historic building with the extension ensures functionality and visitor flow, as well as the safe movement of antiquities.
Environment and Sustainability
At the Patission entrance, a grove of plane trees is being created, contributing to the reduction of heat and dust, and forming a pleasant antechamber for visitors. Access to the park will be universal, with ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways. The park will close at night with a discreet fence integrated into the vegetation.
Electromechanical studies focus on the protection of exhibits, temperature and humidity regulation, energy saving, and the possibility of future expansions. They include fire protection systems, natural gas, ventilation, electricity, and elevators.
Historical and Architectural Evolution of the National Archaeological Museum
The Museum was inaugurated in 1889 in its current location, with an entrance from Patission Street. The original design belongs to Ludwig Lange and was modified by Panagis Kalkos, Armodios Vlachos, and Ernst Ziller, maintaining the layout with two internal courtyards.
- 1871-1889: Construction of wings by Kalkos, Vlachos, and Ziller. Completion of the western facade and central hall in a Neo-Hellenistic style.
- 1903-1906: Expansion of the eastern wing by Anastasios Metaxas.
- 1932-1939: New three-story eastern wing by Georgios Nomikos, with an academic exterior and austere interior aesthetic.
- 1940-1941: Hiding of exhibits due to World War II.
- 1947-1964: Interventions by Patroklos Karantinos with modernist principles and remodeling of the vestibule.
- 1970-2016: Static reinforcements, upgrades after the 1999 earthquake, and works for the 2004 Olympic Games.
