Greece's Main Museum Reopens Nine Rooms
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"THE NATIONAL Archaeological Museum, Greece's main showcase of ancient antiquity, is reopening with rare murals on show after repairing damage to the building caused by a 1999 earthquake, officials said on January 11. Museum director Nikos Kaltsas said nine rooms had been restored and would open in April. The rooms hold more than 3,000 ancient artefacts - including rare Bronze Age murals from the Aegean Sea island of Santorini. "Eight rooms will house pottery, pre-classical pottery, and one is dedicated to the civilisation of Santorini," Kaltsas said.
Life on the island of Santorini was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 16th century BC. Many archaeologists believe a tsunami created by the blast also wiped out the Minoan civilisation on the nearby island of Crete. The murals and other remains from the settlement of Akrotiri, on Santorini, had been kept intact by volcanic ash. One mural, with paintings of antelopes, suggests ancient trade links with Egypt. "The room highlights the history of the town's excavation," Kaltsas said.
The museum, in central Athens, had been damaged by the 1999 earthquake that killed 143 people and left thousands homeless near the capital. After a two-year restoration project, part of the museum was reopened in July to allow visits during the Athens Olympics. The renovation and restoration included adding an air conditioning system, a new security system, ultraviolet-screening glass over sensitive objects and elevators for the disabled. Plans to expand the museum are still under discussion."
- Source: ATHENS NEWS
- Date of publication of article: 14/01/2005
- Author: Paris Ayiomatis
- Page: A29
- Article code: C13113A293
- Link to the Athens News website: http://www.athensnews.gr
- Link to the present article: http://www.athensnews.gr/athweb/nathens.print_unique?e=C&f=13113&m=A29&aa=3&eidos=S
- Link to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens : http://www.culture.gr/2/21/214/21405m/e21405m1.html
2012-05-21