At the base of the Acropolis, less than 1,000 feet from the Parthenon, Tschumi’s concrete-and-steel structure rises on pilotis above an exposed archeological dig. In the galleries, filtered daylight washes over sculptures that date from the Archaic to the late Roman periods of classical antiquity. The museum also incorporates a 200-seat auditorium, a café overlooking the archeological excavation, a store, and a restaurant with views of the Acropolis.
Jury: “It is very contextual and powerfully respectful of the urban fabric of Athens while doing a dance around the ruins.”
Client: “Bernard Tschumi understands that content and architectural schemes are inseparable. The process was oriented to both problem solving and creativity. Since opening in June 2009, we have received over 3 million visitors … [who] engage with the museum in a positive manner and are constantly surprised by what comes around the corner.” —Dimitrios Pandermalis, president, New Acropolis Museum
