Acropolis Museum, Athens (must see)

The modern Acropolis Museum is a four-story, full-glass depository of all artifacts discovered in and around the Acropolis since 2009. Collections are presented on the first three floors, while the fourth floor houses a museum shop and café serving authentic Greek cuisine.

At the entry, visitors are welcomed by an ancient owl, the revered bird of Athena goddess, dating back to 500 BC. The array of exhibits includes freestanding sculptures of deities and humans, marble figures, fragmented artifacts, and friezes. The exterior entrance and walkways are paved mostly with glass to allow visitors a glimpse of the excavated remnants of the ancient civilization beneath.

The collection is chronologically arranged, starting with discoveries from the Acropolis slopes, such as statues and reliefs from the Sanctuary of Asclepius. The Archaic Collection is displayed in a double-height gallery, showcasing fragments of painted pedimental statues with mythological scenes, including Hercules grappling with monsters. On the level below, the post-Parthenon Collection comprises sculptures from the Temple of Athena Nike and architectural elements from the Propylaea and the Erechtheion. This includes five of the original six caryatids from the south porch; the sixth one is held at the British Museum.

Well-organized and air-conditioned, the Acropolis Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of ancient Athens, as well as affords visitors panoramic views of the Acropolis itself. Multimedia presentations enhance the experience, and personal guides available on site provide for a deeper understanding of displayed artifacts.

Tip:
Start with the informative video on the third floor. Then work your way downward, and take a break on the outdoor terrace on the second floor.