Ancient Greek culture

The new director of the Acropolis Museum has called for an end to the long-running dispute for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece, noting that London's parliament could rule on the issue.

"It's time for the matter to be closed," Nikos Stampolidis told AFP in an interview.

The architectural study for the renovation of Vasilissis Olga Avenue was approved yesterday by the Central Council of Architecture of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has once again issued a call for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum to Athens, so that they may be displayed at the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the Acropolis, in an interview with the Daily Telegraph published yesterday.

French fashion house Dior will unveil its 2022 Cruise collection on Thursday, the first large show with spectators since the start of the Covid pandemic, at the site of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens.    

Cruise collections fall between usual spring/summer and autumn/winter collections - and French houses often visit other countries for the launch.     

The entire area looks as if the archaeologists just collected their shovels and brushes and left.

The Athens Ephorate of Antiquities (EFA) has embarked on one of its greatest challenges, tackling the restoration of the 6th century BC Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the great monuments of the ancient world.

The metro station Panepistimio in central Athens will close at 4 p.m. on Tuesday due to a planned protest rally at the Propylaea.

This means the trains will pass from the station without stopping.

Given our ever-growing familiarity with digital cultural experiences, the Acropolis Museum's newly launched virtual edition is a welcome development.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shared a picture of fireworks exploding over the ancient Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis hill during New Year's day celebrations, in a New Year's message on Twitter.

The image, shot by Petros Giannakouris of the Associated Press, was one of four depicting New Year's celebrations around the world.

Museums will open to the public Monday, after three months of shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

There will be some distancing rules for visitors: 1.5 meters distance in closed spaces and 2 meters outside.

Wearing a mask in museums is mandatory and touring groups are limited to eight persons.