5th International Meeting for the Restoration of the Acropolis Monuments (4–6 October 2002)

Abstract

The 5th International Meeting for the Restoration of the Acropolis Monuments took place in Athens from 4 to 6 October 2002. Organized by the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments (YSMA) of the Ministry of Culture of Greece, the meeting followed the scheme of earlier meetings by focusing on the presentation of reports of the research and projects carried out in recent years (1995-2002). The works on the Acropolis were visited, a photographic exhibition on activities from 1975 to 2002 was inaugurated at the Benaki Museum, and two documentary films were shown. The meeting was opened by Professor E.Venizelos, the Minister of Culture, and Professor C. Bourras, President of the Committee. The audience consisted of numerous Greek professionals and specialists from other countries, which included Italy, Germany, the UK, USA and]apan. Greece has benefited from its membership of the European Union, and European money is used in the restoration of Acropolis monuments. The preparations for the football World Cup of 2004 have also provided the motivation for many restorations. An interesting case is the new administrative building of the National Bank that has been built over the remains of the ancient walls of Athens, which can now be observed through glass floors. Several major museums (including the National Archaeological Museum in Athens) are closed for renovation. The works on the Acropolis of Athens are considered high priority and a larger number of archaeologists and scientists are concentrated on this site than