Emperor Hadrian’s portrait presented at the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum honours the anniversary of the 1900 years since the ascent to the throne of Emperor Hadrian, from 15 January to 31 March 2017.

Emperor Hadrian was a friend and benefactor of Athens and the Acropolis Museum presents an exquisite portrait of his, found in Syngrou Avenue, in 1933, and kept at the National Archaeological Museum collections. Hadrian is the first Emperor depicted with a philosopher’s beard. His eyes are averted from life on earth and he gazes to the sky. The oak wreath crowning his head bears the eagle, the emblem of Zeus. This “political wreath” characterises the Emperor as the saviour of citizens.

Along with the portrait the public will be able to watch an interesting video, produced by the Museum, which showcases the Emperor’s immense building programme concerning the city of Athens in the 2nd century AD. Hadrian’s work is only second in importance to Pericles’ projects in Athens and signifies the revival of Greek Letters and Science during the time of the Roman Empire.

The two-story Gate located on the ancient road from the Acropolis in the Olympieion. The Gate signifies the boundary between the old Athens (city of Theseus) and the new city (Hadrian city). Among Hadrian’s projects was the completion of the temple of Olympian Zeus. The gigantic temple of Corinthian order across from the Acropolis was twice the size of the Parthenon and its interior housed the gold and ivory statue of Zeus. Other important works are the Pantheon and the Aqueduct in today’s National Garden.

INFO

Location: The Acropolis Museum, 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou St., Ground floor (Metro: Acropolis)
Dates: 15 January – 31 March, 2017
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday, 9.00 a.m-5.00 p.m. / Friday, 9.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. / Saturday-Sunday, 9.00 a.m.-8.00 p.m.
Tel: +30 210 9000900
Email: info@theacropolismuseum.gr
Admission: Free