Archaeological Collection in Athens airport (Greece) #1

Description

Location: Athens airport (Greece), mezzanine of the Departures area (Level 2)
Taken on: January 16, 2025
Format: JPEG
File size: 7 MB
Dimensions: 3985 x 2908 pixels
DPI: 300
Photographer: Andrey Kashukov, Cyprus

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The image shows a modern exhibition hall inside Athens International Airport, specifically the Archaeological Collection located near the departure gates. This unique museum space offers travelers an unexpected cultural encounter. The display cases are brightly lit and organized along the walls and central aisles, housing a variety of ancient Greek artifacts. These include terracotta vessels, fragmented pottery, stone tools, and figurines that span various periods of ancient Greek civilization. The careful lighting, neutral wall tones, and glass enclosures highlight the historical objects while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Reflections on the polished tile floor add depth and elegance to the scene. The large artifact in the background appears to be an inscribed stone stele or relief, underscoring the historical significance of the display.

The Archaeological Collection of the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” is a unique cultural exhibit located within the main terminal of Greece’s largest airport. Inaugurated in 2003, this permanent exhibition is situated in the departures level (Entrance 3, between check-in counters 1 and 2) and offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience a slice of Greece’s ancient heritage immediately upon arrival or before departure.

The exhibit features approximately 170 artifacts that were unearthed during the construction of the airport in the Mesogeia region (the area east of Athens). These discoveries provide a fascinating archaeological narrative of the region, spanning from the Neolithic period (circa 6,000 BC) to the Post-Byzantine era. The items are presented in sleek, glass display cases under soft lighting, creating an inviting and contemplative atmosphere in the middle of a busy transportation hub.

Highlights of the collection include:

• Ceramic vessels used in daily life and ritual activities.

• Tools and implements from prehistoric settlements.

• Funerary objects, including grave goods and small sculptures.

• Architectural fragments, such as columns and stelae.

• Inscriptions and figurines that reveal details about the social, religious, and political life of the ancient inhabitants of Attica.

Each item is accompanied by explanatory labels in Greek and English, allowing international travelers to easily appreciate the historical context. The exhibit is curated by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports in collaboration with airport authorities.

More than just an educational display, the Archaeological Collection serves as a reminder that Greece’s legacy is deeply embedded in the very ground beneath modern infrastructure. It reinforces the idea that history is not separate from daily life, but an integral part of the country’s identity—even in transit spaces like airports.

Key Facts:

• Location: Athens International Airport (Departures level, Entrance 3)

• Established: 2003

• Entry Fee: Free (open to all travelers)

• Managed by: Hellenic Ministry of Culture & Sports