Acropolis Now!

Will we lose our Marbles? The opening in June of the new Acropolis Museum has provoked much discussion concerning the ‘Elgin Marbles’ that were taken from the Parthenon frieze by Lord Elgin and now have pride of place in the British Museum. On the one hand the Ottoman authorities did authorise the removal; they have been well-preserved and on view at the British Museum since 1816, contributing to the study of Ancient Greece; smaller sections are in six other museums worldwide. On the other hand they are an integral part of Greece’s most famous monument, taken during Turkish occupation - and now have a good home to go to (the minister opening the museum stated: “All of the artefacts are parts of our soul… Mostly the ones missing! With the anticipation that eventually – better sooner than later – they will be re-united in their birth place and in the integral form they were meant to be”). Of course this opens a much wider debate concerning the rights of museums and the original countries of origin that is beyond the remit of this article but which will surely provoke much discussion!

Without a doubt now is the time to visit the new Acropolis Museum (perhaps after a return to the British Museum). The top floor, the same size and shape as the Parthenon, displays the four sides of the Parthenon frieze with gaps or replicas for missing pieces (mainly with a discrete ‘BM’ caption!) as well as the Caryatids from the Erechtheion (except the one in ‘BM’).

Created in the 5th century BC to celebrate the rise of the city-state to the zenith of its power, the Acropolis is a symbol of the glory of Ancient Athens. Every city in Ancient Greece had its own acropolis, the equivalent of the fortress in medieval times and consisting of the words Akron (summit) and Polis (city). The recent Royal Academy exhibition ‘Byzantium’ was sponsored by the Benaki Museum in Athens – as well as Byzantine artefacts it displays many remarkable items from the history of Greece from ancient times to Independence.

VJV Special Event - Ancient Greek Dinner
Authentic Ancient Greek cuisine including ‘inomelo’ and wine. A dancer will perform an Ancient Greek dance.