Athens’ National Archaeological Museum Set to Expand

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world- is set to welcome a huge upgrade that will include new spaces, exhibits, a garden and dining areas. 

The Greek Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, announced on Monday that the first stages towards the renovation of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens- devoted to ancient Greek art- have taken place, following the approval of the technical stages of the architectural requirements that will be drafted.

“The emblematic and visionary work of the rebirth of the National Archaeological Museum is now in progress. We want a Museum with a strong and clear identity at a national, European and international level. A Museum that promotes Greek culture and Greek identity in the new age,” said Minister Mendoni.  

The expansion of the museum will include an underground car park, a new garden, dining areas and an upgraded entrance. The renovation will also focus on adding natural light to the current exhibits and spaces, highlighting Greek civilization through exhibits spanning the centuries.

According to the announcement, the aim of the new plan is to not only highlight ancient Greek art but to also start showcasing contemporary pieces, as both the main and temporary exhibition spaces will increase substantially in size. 

“It will be a Museum that inspires contemporary artistic creation and that rejuvenates; defining the rebirth of the wider area of Athens,” added Mendoni.

Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

French luxury house Dior invited 10 talented Greek photographers to capture their visions of the Grecian-inspired Cruise 2022 Collection at different locations throughout Greece, and the result is spectacular.

Mara Desipris, Christina Dimitriadis, Marilia Fotopoulou, Efi Gousi, Maria Koutroumpi, Dimitra Lazaridou, Ria Mort, Lia Nalbantidou, Ioanna Sakellaraki, and Olga Stefatou were all part of this artistic dialogue that “further perpetuates the spirit and power of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s creations for Dior, conceived as a celebration of local craftsmanship and savoir-faire. Discover the captivating beauty of these virtuoso interpretations,” announced Dior.

Collaborating with Grecian artisans and artists to realise the collection, Dior’s Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri has truly celebrated Greece for Dior Cruise 2022, which she described as a “tribute to the idea of community and a celebration of cultural exchanges.”

Dior arrived in Athens for its Cruise 2022 womenswear show in June this year and presented the collection and capsule at the awe-inspiring Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium entirely built of Pentelic marble; while the Cruise 2022 campaign was shot by leading fashion photographer Julia Hetta at the Temple of Zeus on the Ancient Greek archaeological site of Nemea.

The luxury fashion house has now released the latest images taken by each Greek photographer- giving a new perspective to the pieces, which are all inspired by Ancient Greek sites, temples, and costumes. The photos are featured in the latest issue of Dior Magazine- Issue NO. 36. 

Ria Mort

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Maria Desipris

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Ioanna Sakellaraki

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Efi Gousi

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Marilia Fotopoulou

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Lia Nalbantidou

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Olga Stefatou

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Dimitra Lazaridou

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Christina Dimitriadis

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Maria Koutroumpi

Insights Greece - Dior Through the Lens of Greek Photographers

Check out the entire collection here 

© HELLENIC MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND SPORTS – ODAP – TEMPLE OF POSEIDON, CAPE SOUNION