A century and a half ago, Athens was a humble, forgotten city of about 8,000 people. Today one out of every three Greeks packs into this city of more than three million.
The Parthenon and the other major monuments of the Acropolis have struggled to survive over the centuries. While the Persians, Ottomans, and British were cruel to the site in the past, the greatest dangers it faces now are acid rain and pollution. Consequently, a good share of the art treasures that once decorated the temples of the Acropolis have been removed from the site to enjoy the protective cover of nearby museums.
The rest of the museum beautifully displays truckloads of other artifacts, all complemented by modern exhibits. Its two lower levels are aligned with the foundations of the ancient ruins beneath the building . From top to bottom, the building is designed to maximize natural light for illuminating the space and exhibits.