Exquisite exhibits from the Minoan Civilization will take center stage at the halls of the National Archaeological Museum, while the findings from the Antikythera Shipwreck—one of the most renowned and wealthiest wrecks of antiquity—will be reunited and reintroduced to the public as a cohesive collection, as part of major transformations and an expansion to Greece’s largest and most prestigious museum.
The planned renovation was decided as part of the museum’s preliminary museological study, which was unanimously approved by the Museum Council following a detailed presentation yesterday.
Meanwhile, the frescoes from Tiryns will receive a fresh new look, as missing fragments that were discovered will be restored to their original positions.
A total of approximately 11,000 artifacts—7,252 sculptures and vases, along with 3,500 objects from prehistoric collections—have already been selected for exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum. These cover the period from early prehistory, around 6,800 BC, to late antiquity (400 AD). Notably, 10% of these artifacts will be displayed to the public for the first time.
Following further studies, the number of exhibits set to occupy the museum’s 11,100-square-meter space is expected to surpass the current total of 15,000 antiquities. This expansion is anticipated to attract even more visitors than the 600,000 annual guests the museum currently welcomes, making it the second most-visited museum in Greece after the Acropolis Museum.
“At the core of this new archaeological presentation will be the human experience, as depicted in myth, daily life, and social interactions. The exhibition will also highlight the ideas and values expressed through ancient art—concepts that continue to inspire, influence, and add meaning to human life across the ages,” explained Nikoletta Saraga, head of the Department of Archaeological Museums, Exhibitions, and Educational Programs at the Ministry of Culture, during her presentation.
