Archaic Period

COLLECTIONS SCULPTURE
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The Sculpture Collection, with its rich and unique exhibits, presents the evolution of ancient Greek sculpture from 700 BC to the 5th century AD. The core of the Collection was formed in 1874 when sculptures from the temporary archaeological collections of Athens were gradually transferred to the Archaeological Museum that was under construction. The neoclassical building also housed most of the antiquities retrieved by accident.

The gradual handing over of antiquities recovered during excavation or acquired by the Archaeological Society (1884-1893) and also the relocation to the Museum of the most significant sculptures of the provinces contributed decisively to the enrichment of the Collection which nowadays numbers approximately 16.000 sculptures .

The works come from sanctuaries, necropolises and public buildings in Attica, Eastern Sterea Ellada, the Peloponnese and the Aegean islands. In addition, a significant number of sculptures come from Thessaly, Western Greece, Macedonia, Thrace and Cyprus.

Exhibition's objects

38 Part of a marble grave stele of an athlete, found in the Kerameikos, Athens. ca. 550 BC.
26 Marble statuette of kore (maiden) from Eleusis. ca. 500 BC.
10 Marble votive kouros (naked youth) from Ptoon. ca. 550 BC.
28 Marble statue of a sphinx, found at Spata, Attica 570-550 BC.
3372 Marble head of a kouros (naked youth) from Kerameikos. ca. 600 BC.
1959 Marble relief of the hoplitodromos, from Athens. ca. 500 BC
4889 Marble statue of a kore (maiden), found at Merenda, Attica 550-540 BC.
4890 Marble funerary kouros (naked youth) from Merenda, Attica. ca. 540-530 BC.
7901 Marble grave stele of a young javelin-bearer, found in Athens 550-540 BC.
15 Marble head of a kouros (naked youth), found at Ptoon in Boeotia. ca. 580 BC.
3938 Marble funerary kouros from Mesogeia, Attica. ca. 500 BC
3477 Marble base of a funerary kouros (naked youth) with relief scenes, found in Athens. 510-500 BC.
3476 Marble base of a funerary kouros (naked youth) with relief scenes, found in Athens 510-500 BC.
21 Marble statue of Nike, found on Delos, Cyclades. ca. 550 BC.
29 The marble grave stele of Aristion, work of Aristokles, found at Velanideza, Attica ca. 510 BC.
1 Marble female statue, found on Delos, Cyclades, dedication of the Naxian Nikandre ca. 650 BC.
14 Unfinished marble statue of a kouros (naked youth), found on Naxos, Cyclades. ca. 540 BC.
41 Marble impost block of a grave stele, found in the area of the ancient deme of Lamptrai in Attica. ca. 550 BC.
56 Poros funerary pillar of Dermys and Kitylos from Tanagra. 600-550 BC.
61 Marble male head, probably from a statue of a riding youth, found at Eleusis, Attica. ca. 560 BC.
2720 Marble statue of a kouros (naked youth), found at Sounion, Attica ca. 600 BC.
3686 Marble kouros (naked youth) from Kea. 530-520 BC.
3687 Marble torso of a kouros (naked youth), found in the area of Ilissos, Athens. Early 5th c. BC.
3851 Marble statue of a kouros (naked youth), found at Anavyssos, Attica ca. 530 BC.

See also

Collection of Antiquities of Thera

The Thera Room draws the attention of visitors mainly through the celebrated wall paintings, the "Spring Fresco" with the sparrows and the lilies, the "Boxing Children Fresco" and the "Antelope Fresco".

Sculpture Collection

The largest and one of the most significant collections of sculpture of Greek antiquity worldwide, dating from the 7th century BC to the 5th century AD.

Vase and Minor Arts Collection

Fifteen rooms, an exhibition area approximately 2.000 sq. m in total area, more than 250 display cases and pedestals with 5.500 exhibits.

Cypriot Antiquities

Through the exhibits various aspects of the ancient Cypriot life are highlighted, such as religion, art and commerce.
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