The Acropolis Museum in Athens will mark this year’s European Cultural Heritage Days with a special thematic presentation titled, “Health: Tracing a Universal and Timeless Good.” Taking place on Sunday, September 29, the event promises an intriguing journey into the ancient world of health and hygiene, with a special focus on the archaeological findings from the ancient neighborhood beneath the museum, unearthed during the excavation of the Makrigianni Plot, and artifacts from the museum’s newly launched Excavation Museum.

In addition to the presentation, which will be conducted separately in Greek and English, entrance to the Museum exhibition areas will be free for visitors on the 29th, from 5pm to 8pm.

Exploring Ancient Health Practices

Guided by archaeologists from the Acropolis Museum’s Educational Programs Department, visitors will gain insight into the ancient Greeks’ approaches to health and hygiene. The 90-minute tour will explore the systems and methods they used to care for both body and soul, including the scientific knowledge they had and the religious beliefs that influenced their health practices. The presentation delves into how ancient health practices were deeply intertwined with both scientific understanding and spiritual rituals, offering a well-rounded view of their quest to maintain health—a concept considered universally valuable and enduring.

Participants will also get to explore the remnants of the ancient Makrigianni neighborhood, which provide a snapshot of daily life in ancient Athens. Meanwhile, the museum’s newly opened Excavation Museum adds further depth, showcasing a collection of objects related to ancient medicine and cultural beliefs surrounding health.

Part of Europe’s Shared Cultural Heritage

The Acropolis Museum’s event is part of the broader European Cultural Heritage Days celebration, which this year revolves around the theme “Tracing Routes, Networks, and Links in Cultural Heritage.” The goal is to highlight the connections between different cultures and their shared histories. This celebration also echoes the Council of Europe’s ongoing initiative, “Europe: A Common Heritage,” which aims to promote cultural exchange and the protection of Europe’s diverse cultural legacies.

This thematic presentation will be offered in two languages: English at 10am and Greek at 12 noon. Each session will last 90 minutes, providing ample opportunity for participants to fully engage with the history and practices of ancient Greek health and hygiene. Due to the event’s limited capacity, only 20 participants per session can be accommodated, so early online registration is required. Interested visitors can register at events.theacropolismuseum.gr.

Additional Information and Free Museum Entry

To participate in the event, registered attendees must present their reservation code at the museum’s ticket counters no later than 20 minutes before the program starts. While a general admission ticket is required for the thematic tour, visitors will also have the chance to enjoy the museum’s exhibition areas for free later in the day. From 5pm to 8pm on September 29, the museum will open its doors free of charge, giving everyone a chance to explore its extensive collections, including treasures from the Parthenon and the ancient city below.

For further information, please visit the Acropolis Museum website.