Close National Archaelogical Museum of Athens
The new extension evokes an ancient Greek city, a City of Spaces open to all. Drawing from a neoclassical formal plan, it seamlessly integrates with a contemporary grid of similarly scaled spaces. Beneath the Garden, visitors discover a world of light, history, and exploration. A vast open gallery floor stretches from Patision Street to the front façade of the existing building. Here, pools of light define spaces beneath a deep coffered ceiling structure that floats effortlessly overhead. This structure supports both its own weight and the weight of the Garden above. In the new National Archaelogical Museum of Athens, storage transforms into excavation.
As visitors enter, the halls elevate with the presence of artifacts that come to life within the softened Athens light. Here, they freely wander and reflect at their own pace. It becomes a City of Spaces inhabited by both archaeological artifacts and people. Furthermore, the silence of the light slowly reveals the beauty of the treasures. A cylindrical garden court offers a place of repose with plants "spilling" down, offering views to the sky, a garden above, and the portico of the existing Museum. In the center, the 1300-year-old olive tree serves as the centerpiece within the lily pond.
Moreover, the entire perimeter retaining wall of the underground extension displays archaeological findings that would otherwise remain hidden behind closed doors. This design illuminates what has been unearthed and hidden away. By mimicking the archaeological process, the storage walls allow all visitors to appreciate the breadth of the historic civilization in the walls that hold the earth. This display is completely open, visible to the general public, and accessible to conservationists and curators alike.
Additionally, the design emphasizes the integration of natural light, which enhances the visibility of the artifacts and creates a serene environment. As visitors transition from the exterior to the interior, they experience a seamless blend of ancient and modern elements. This thoughtful arrangement fosters a deeper connection between the guests and the historical treasures, encouraging exploration and contemplation. Thus, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens not only preserves history but also invites continuous discovery and reflection.
The new extension evokes an ancient Greek city, a City of Spaces open to all. Drawing from a neoclassical formal plan, it seamlessly integrates with a contemporary grid of similarly scaled spaces. Beneath the Garden, visitors discover a world of light, history, and exploration. A vast open gallery floor stretches from Patision Street to the front façade of the existing building. Here, pools of light define spaces beneath a deep coffered ceiling structure that floats effortlessly overhead. This structure supports both its own weight and the weight of the Garden above. In the new National Archaelogical Museum of Athens, storage transforms into excavation.
As visitors enter, the halls elevate with the presence of artifacts that come to life within the softened Athens light. Here, they freely wander and reflect at their own pace. It becomes a City of Spaces inhabited by both archaeological artifacts and people. Furthermore, the silence of the light slowly reveals the beauty of the treasures. A cylindrical garden court offers a place of repose with plants “spilling” down, offering views to the sky, a garden above, and the portico of the existing Museum. In the center, the 1300-year-old olive tree serves as the centerpiece within the lily pond.
Moreover, the entire perimeter retaining wall of the underground extension displays archaeological findings that would otherwise remain hidden behind closed doors. This design illuminates what has been unearthed and hidden away. By mimicking the archaeological process, the storage walls allow all visitors to appreciate the breadth of the historic civilization in the walls that hold the earth. This display is completely open, visible to the general public, and accessible to conservationists and curators alike.
Additionally, the design emphasizes the integration of natural light, which enhances the visibility of the artifacts and creates a serene environment. As visitors transition from the exterior to the interior, they experience a seamless blend of ancient and modern elements. This thoughtful arrangement fosters a deeper connection between the guests and the historical treasures, encouraging exploration and contemplation. Thus, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens not only preserves history but also invites continuous discovery and reflection.
