The Hindu : Front Page : Acropolis statues bid adieu to hilltop home

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 15, 2007
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Acropolis statues bid adieu to hilltop home

— Photo: AFP

Monumental shift: A part of the frieze from the northern end of the Parthenon being shifted to the new Acropolis museum on Sunday.

ATHENS: Greek officials on Sunday successfully moved the first of the ancient Acropolis’ sculptural masterpieces from its hilltop home for the last 2,400 years to a new museum at the foot of the citadel.

Despite a strong breeze, three cranes lifted the 2.3-tonne block, which originally stood high on the Parthenon temple, from an old museum on the rocky hill and carried it safely 400 metres to a new glass-and-concrete Acropolis Museum. The operation took more than 90 minutes.

“Conditions are very good, the wind is not a problem,” said Alexandros Mantis, the archaeologist responsible for the world heritage site, before the start of the huge operation. “I am sure everything will go well.”

Sunday’s load was a section of the Parthenon frieze, a 160-meter strip sculpted in relief with some 360 human and 250 animal figures from a religious procession.

Using padded harnesses, the artefacts — none of which have ever left the Acropolis before — will be moved in styrofoam-filled boxes made of plywood and metal. Up to four crates will make the trip each day, with the whole transfer taking a minimum six weeks. Taking into account possible delays due to bad weather, officials say the move will be completed by early January at the latest.

The Parthenon sculptures will be exhibited on the three-level museum’s top floor, whose glass walls offer a direct view of the ancient temple. The works will be mounted in their original alignment on a model of the Parthenon’s upper section.

Designed by U.S.-based architect Bernard Tschumi, the new museum cost $182 million and is expected to officially open in late 2008. — AP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page