Parthenon Restoration Project

The Parthenon is a temple of the Greek goddess Athena built in the 5th century BC on the Acropolis of Athens. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, and is considered to be the one of the world's greatest cultural and recognisable monuments. We are very fortunate to be able to introduce our two speakers, Ms Maria Ioannidou and Mr Nikolaos Toganidis who will give an historically significant lecture imparting their knowledge and experience on the extensive program of the restoration of the Parthenon.

Maria Ioannidou is the Director of the Acropolis Restoration Service, will be speaking about the restoration projects being carried out in the Parthenon, the Propylaia ceilings and in the temple of Athena Nike. "The Acropolis restoration works have created their own methodology and they have won international acclaim for their high quality and innovative applications."

Nikolaos Toganidis is the architect responsible for the project, who will be discussing the historical phases of the Parthenon from 447BC to 2007. The main restoration efforts on this masterpiece of Greek classical art will also be examined, including the aims, principles, individual programs, prototype works, specially designed equipment and methods used during the current restoration.

After the Wilkinson Lecture you have the opportunity to view the world premiere of the Parthenon Restoration Exhibition in the Nicholson Museum, and also enjoy refreshments and Greek music in the Quadrangle.

Parthenon Restoration Project interview & articles

A Radio National intervew between Phillip Adams and Nikolaos Toganidis.
Listen/Download the Parthenon Project interview from abc.net.

30-year campaign for chips off an old block
Read more from The Sydney Morning Herald

Greece makes booty call for lost marbles
Read more from The Australian

Hosted by: Faculty of Architecture, Design & Planning

When: Wednesday, 24 October 2007, 7.00pm
Venue: MacLaurin Hall, The University of Sydney

The Parthenon: Who owns Cultural Heritage?

As part of the Parthenon Project hosted by The University of Sydney, a panel of Greek and Australian experts will use the example of the Parthenon marbles to raise the broader issues of who owns cultural heritage. They will address many questions including: what if the marbles had been taken 1,000 years ago rather than 250 years ago? What if they were made by artisans from for example the south of Italy - who would claim ownership of them then? And what are the moral, ethical, historical, social and political issues that resonate through all cutural heritage that has been removed from its place of origin?

See Sydney Ideas for more information.

When: Sunday, 28 October 2007, 4.00pm
Venue: Seymour Theatre Centre

Family Day at the Nicholson Museum

Marvel over the Parthenon – that famous temple dedicated to Athena, at the top of the Acropolis of Athens – by hearing specialist talks and handling contemporary Greek archaeological material. Children’s activities scheduled.

See Nicholson Museum for more information.

When: Sunday, 28 October 2007, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Venue: Nicholson Museum, The University of Sydney

Public lecture: The New Acropolis Museum in Athens

Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis, President of the Organization for the Construction of the New Acropolis Museum.

See Nicholson Museum for more information.

When: Tuesday, 30 October 2007, 6.30pm
Venue: Nicholson Museum, The University of Sydney

Booking essential.

The Parthenon Restoration Exhibition has been organised by the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments, and explores images of recent archaeological and restoration work on the anient Athenian temple of Athena, the Parthenon and of the New Acropolis Museum. The exhibition will be on display in the Nicholson Museum until Christmas.

See Nicholson Museum for more information.

When: 12 October - 14 December 2007
Venue: Nicholson Museum, The University of Sydney