The final designs for the National Archaeological Museum extension in Athens have won unanimous approval from the Ministry of Culture’s two top advisory councils, moving the project to its next phase.
The Central Council of Modern Monuments (KSNM) and the Central Archaeological Council (KAS) gave a positive opinion, with observations, on the final studies on Thursday 15 October.
Architect David Chipperfield, whose London-based practice leads the design, attended the meetings with members of the design team.
The studies cover the full scope of the National Archaeological Museum extension and upgrade. They include the architectural design, structural and technical works, the museological plan, landscape architecture, lighting, electrical and mechanical systems, the exhibition design and the conservation of the building’s architectural, functional and decorative features.
Who designs and funds the National Archaeological Museum extension
David Chipperfield Architects designs the project together with the Greek practice Tombazis and Associates.
Work on the studies began after the Hellenic Parliament ratified, in April 2024, a €40 million sponsorship agreement from Spyros and Dorothy Latsis, in memory of Ioannis and Erietta Latsis. The donation funds all of the studies.
The studies cover the entire city block and museum complex, which also includes the Epigraphic Museum. The ministry describes the Epigraphic Museum as unique in the world.
The approval follows earlier steps in the same process. Greek City Times reported in April when Greece approved the museographic preliminary study for the new exhibitions. In June, the special urban plan for the site was approved, while the strategic environmental impact study is still going through approval.
Mendoni: “a strategic investment in culture”
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the museum is one of the world’s most important guardians of cultural heritage.
“Its upgrade and extension are a strategic investment in culture, in scientific research and in the country’s outward reach,” Mendoni said. “It is an emblematic cultural project, with respect for the historic monument, with new exhibition spaces and the redesign of the surrounding area, in the heart of Athens.”
She added that, with the positive opinion on the final studies, the project moves to its next phase in line with the timetable and the institutional framework. Mendoni also thanked the design teams, and especially Chipperfield, for their cooperation with the museum and the ministry.
A new entrance on Patission Street
The architectural approach aims to highlight the neoclassical facade of the historic building and keep its leading role. At the same time, it sets out a new relationship between the monument, the extension, the greenery and the city.
The plans extend the existing building towards Patission Street. They create a new main entrance and a spacious reception plaza, as well as internal links between the extension and the historic building so that the complex works as a single museum.
A large public park with rich planting, meeting areas, places to relax and a café-restaurant is also planned. Visitor facilities will include a central foyer with ticketing and information, cloakrooms, toilets, a restaurant, a multi-purpose amphitheatre, a shop and temporary exhibition galleries.
The designers also made changes after earlier comments, according to reports on the meetings. The height of the facade on Patission Street was reduced and will range from 5.25 to 7.25 metres depending on the slope of the ground.
In addition, escalators will link the basement and ground floor to ease visitor flow. Inside, compressed earth will improve the microclimate and acoustics, while the outer faces will use compressed concrete for durability. The garden pavilions now have a simpler design and marble rather than timber cladding.
From the Neolithic to Late Antiquity
The core museological idea tells the story of Greek civilisation from the Neolithic period to Late Antiquity across four levels, two in the extension and two in the historic building.
A central axis guides visitors through the exhibition, linking the different historical periods and tracing the development of Greek art, especially sculpture.
In the extension, the permanent collection will unfold in two types of space. Flexible, free-flowing galleries will use long views and natural light, while smaller, more controlled rooms will offer a more focused experience.
A central atrium with a water feature at basement level will bring in natural light, help visitors find their way and create a distinctive atmosphere, according to the ministry.
The ministry said the upgrade is not only about extending the museum. It also includes technical and structural upgrades, better exhibition conditions and a reorganisation of the museum’s operations, to protect the historic building and its collections.
Source: Hellenic Ministry of Culture
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