Greece’s Museum Council has unanimously approved plans to expand and reimagine the National Archaeological Museum (NAM) in Athens, along with the neighboring Epigraphic Museum. The project promises a renewed narrative for ancient Greek art—from prehistory to late antiquity—while reshaping the visitor experience at one of the world’s greatest cultural institutions.
Expansion Meets Tradition
The NAM houses the largest and most significant collection of ancient Greek art worldwide. Its redesign will weave together treasures already on display, unseen artifacts from storage, and loans from regional museums, creating a fuller, nationwide story of Greek civilization.
A striking new building will rise in the museum’s front garden, with the main entrance moved to Patission Street to strengthen its ties to the city. The new complex includes visitor services, ticket halls, a restaurant and café, a bookstore, an auditorium, and education spaces. Permanent exhibitions will flow across two underground levels before connecting seamlessly with the neoclassical landmark. A rooftop garden will crown the extension, offering a green space for all.
A Fresh Storytelling Approach
The revamped museology moves away from displays organized “by collection.” Instead, it traces the evolution of Greek culture through thematic journeys and layered narratives: a central chronological axis with emblematic works, satellite themes that deepen exploration, and focused stories that enrich context. Families, students, and casual visitors alike will find tailored paths through the galleries.
The exhibition unfolds in two main chapters. The first—History and Collections of the Museum—highlights NAM’s own story, its architecture, and the donors and special collections that shaped it. The second—Ancient Greek Culture: History, Art and Society—guides visitors through 13 sections, following the artistic and cultural trajectory of the Greek world.
Immersive and Accessible Experiences
Interpretive tools will blend traditional and digital methods: layered texts, maps, timelines, interactive screens, augmented reality, and even tactile exhibits with Braille. Designed to be participatory, accessible, and engaging, the museum will balance scholarship with entertainment.
Reviving the Epigraphic Museum
The neighboring Epigraphic Museum—home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Greek inscriptions—will also receive a major update. Under the theme History and the Greek Language Through Stones, its reimagined galleries will spotlight the role of writing in shaping society, from civic decrees to everyday notes, offering fresh insight into the life and language of the ancient Greeks.
