The Acropolis changes its appearance: new elevator, disabled routes, lighting [εικόνες] The | Culture

The works to improve the archaeological site of the Acropolis continue and were the subject of a teleconference by Lina Mendoni.

Specifically, the Minister of Culture and Sports, Mr. Lina Mendoni, reviewed the progress of the work to improve the archaeological site of the Acropolis, in a teleconference of officials, in the presence of the Secretary General for Culture, Mr. George Didaskalos.

“Development on the Acropolis should be visible in the coming weeks”

“It is our priority,” said the minister, to move forward smoothly. eight projects that we have launched in the Acropolis, for updating the image of the archaeological site and the services provided, so that with its completion the space can meet the expectations of its visitors. With the reopening of archaeological sites in the coming weeks, the development of the projects should be visible. “

The old elevator has already been dismantled and the necessary support work on the rock is underway. Support anchors are 50% installed and work is expected to be completed in late May. Immediately after, the necessary excavation will be carried out at the base of the wall, to complete the configuration of the space for the installation of the elevator mechanism. With a slight deviation due to pandemic protective measures, the elevator installation is expected to be completed in late July.

Ms. Mendoni requested the services of the Ministry of Culture and Sports “close and systematic cooperation with the designers of the project for the improvement of routes for the disabled in the Rock, so that at the same time that the operation of the elevator works this project is complete. ” Considering the details of the site, it is planned to expand the existing access network by adding two new branches, on the existing route: one will lead to the flag area and the other to the old Acropolis Museum. The study on the routes of the disabled is scheduled to be presented to KAS in the second half of May.

The lighting upgrade app study, which has been unanimously approved by KAS, is being carried out on schedule, while samples of the lighting fixtures have already been delivered. It is recalled that the works of the lateral elevator and the updating of the Acropolis lighting are implemented with the sponsorship of the Onassis Foundation.

Mendoni: acceleration of work

In addition to these works, demolition of the crane base on the west side of the Parthenon began today. Mrs. Mendoni “requested the acceleration of the works, so that the works have progressed satisfactorily until the date of reopening of the archaeological site.” At the same time, the Acropolis Monument Preservation Service is examining which parts of the monument’s scaffolding are no longer needed and can be removed, while preparing specifications for the replacement of the rest, with lighter construction, to significantly improve the image. of the monument.

The rationalization of the electrical infrastructure with the installation, according to the position approved by KAS of the electrical generator of the archaeological site, continues. The recording of the wiring and the dozens of electrical panels has been completed and the evaluation of the assets is underway.

The planned works for updating the area’s lightning protection, according to the current (French) standard, have been completed within the schedule. This is followed by a comprehensive update study in accordance with the European standard, which will respond to even more intense phenomena. This project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2021.

The cooperation of the Ministry of Culture with the Center for Security Studies (KEMEA) for the security of the archaeological site is progressing normally, with small deviations from the original schedule due to the conditions of the pandemic.

Mendoni for the reopening of the archaeological site of the Acropolis.

Finally, regarding the reopening of the Old Acropolis Museum with new uses, the international tender for the restoration of the building will be launched in May. It was preceded by the inclusion of the project in the current NSRF 2014-2020 and the prior approval of an auction by the Attica Region, which finances the project with more than 2 million euros. The project completion time is 18 months from the start of work.

The Minister of Culture and Sports declared that “the reopening of the archaeological site of the Acropolis, as well as of all archaeological sites, will be carried out in accordance with protocols of safe use, which will specialize according to the instructions of EODY and observing all the rules of security for visitors and staff. ” The Ministry of the Interior is cooperating with the Ministries of Health, National Defense, as well as with the Hellenic Red Cross, a Memorandum of Cooperation has been signed, for the reinstallation of the ambulance at the Archaeological Site of the Acropolis and the health coverage of the visitors.