Introduction

The art and architecture of the Athenian Acropolis is part of the curriculum in most schools throughout the world. The interest of pupils, teachers and the general public together with the conviction that the best form of conservation is preventive conservation, beginning with education, formed the impetus for the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments (ESMA) in collaboration with the 1st Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, to launch educational programmes as early as 1987.

Today the Department of Information and Education of the Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA) in collaboration with the 1st Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, provides information about the activities of ESMA and YSMA in keeping with modern international practice of informing the public about important public enterprises. It also exposes pupils to the art and architecture of classical antiquity, familiarising them with the great projects of conservation and restoration being carried out on the Sacred Rock.

In addition, in collaboration with the Acropolis Museum, educational programmes and seminars for educators are organized at the Museum.

Specifically the Department:

• Organises educational programmes for specific groups and in particular for school classes – of around 25 pupils each – on the subject of the Acropolis and its monuments.
• Conducts seminars for educators and students on classical architecture and art, as well as on the restoration of classical monuments.
• Produces educational resources  on the subjects of classical art and architecture and also on the Acropolis restoration project, which are lent or donated to schools.
• Organises special symposia for educators under the general heading:«Educators and programmes about the Acropolis», the proceedings of which are published.
• Designs exhibitions in cooperation with the personnel of the YSMA and other institutions.
• Creates units of lessons about the Acropolis and the restoration of its monuments through the Internet (E-Learning). The goal is the gradual digitization of all the educational programmes and publications in order to provide easy access to all those interested and to enlarge the number of people who can be admitted.