Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
1. THE GLASS FLOOR
The museum has been built directly over an early Christian settlement. Glass floors
allow visitors to look directly down into the site while surrounded by Classical and
Archaic sculptures.
2. THE PARTHENON MARBLES
The marbles are displayed in the order in which they would have graced the Parthen-
on, with blank spaces significantly left for sculptures that remain in London.
3. THE CALF-BEARER
This joyous Archaic sculpture shows a bearded man carrying a calf, to be offered as a
sacrifice to Athena. The statue itself was a votive offering and dates to 570 BC.
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4. THE PEPLOS KORE
One of the most exquisite of the Archaic votive statues. Her gown, called a
peplos
,
was painted with decorative colours. Traces of paint are still visible on her eyes, lips
and curly hair.
5. KORE WITH ALMOND-SHAPED EYES
The most sumptuous of the votive
koroi
- her detailed drapery and fully formed body
show real development in sculpture. Her dress was painted with detailed patterns,
including a border with the distinctive “Greek key” pattern.
6. PEDIMENT OF THE ANCIENT TEMPLE
Part of the pediment of an ancient temple to Athena, built before the Parthenon and
later destroyed, shows Athena fighting against a Giant. It dates to 520 BC.
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