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Celebrating 15 Years of the Acropolis Museum

white stone wall carvings of people in ancient Greece

Classic art and architecture is synonymous with Greece. Renowned for its pursuit of perfection and harmonious proportions, it found its pinnacle in the Acropolis of Athens. More than 2,500 years ago this ancient citadel, perched atop a rocky hill, became a sanctuary for architectural and artistic masterpieces. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, stands as the most iconic structure on the Acropolis, showcasing the Doric order's grandeur.

Today, the Acropolis Museum, a beacon of ancient history and cultural heritage, marks its 15th anniversary in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture to bring the wonders of the Acropolis to your fingertips, offering a captivating virtual journey through time.

Unearth the past: explore the newly inaugurated excavation area

Immerse yourself in the heart of ancient Athens as you explore the recently unveiled ancient city beneath the Acropolis Museum. For the first time, enjoy navigating through this ancient city using Street View by wandering through the remains of these building remains and uncover the hidden stories of the people who once lived and worked in the shadow of the Acropolis. Then, continue your virtual journey by exploring the rest of the museum above.

  • A view of the excavation area beneath the museum, where visitors can marvel at the remains of the structures of the Acropolis and step into 2,500 of history.

    Newly open excavation area of the Acropolis Museum

  • The west pediment of the Parthenon depicts the mythological contest between Athena and Poseidon for supremacy over the land of Attica. Among the figures on this pediment are Kekrops and Pandrosos, significant figures in Athenian mythology.

    Parthenon: West pediment. Kekrops and Pandrosos (5th century BC)

  • Dressed in a short chiton decorated with leaf-like motifs in green, red and blue color with a yellow outline. His trousers are decorated with colorful diamonds whose size diminishes downwards, signifying the elasticity of the fabric. He wears red boots with bronze pins.

    The Persian or Scythian Rider (5th century BC)

  • A marble bust capturing the subject's likeness with remarkable detail, showcasing their facial features, hairstyle, and sometimes even clothing or jewelry. The smooth, cool surface of the marble lends an air of elegance and sophistication.

    Marble bust (3rd century BC)

  • Greek statue of a young woman dating back to around 540 BC. The Kore stands in a traditional pose, wearing a long-sleeved chiton and a short himation draped over her shoulders. She holds an offering in her left hand, which was likely a fruit or flower.

    The "Lyon Kore" (6th century BC)

Through the publication of over 200 high resolution images, you can study up close the intricate details of the Parthenon marbles, such as the frieze depicting the Panathenaic procession. You can marvel at Phidias' craftsmanship and learn about elements of unique cultural interest such as The Magic Sphere, a ceremonial object for the worship of Helios.

The Acropolis Museum's treasures on Google Arts & Culture are available on the web and in the app (iOS/Android).

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