From 2016 to 2019, the Department of Conservation, Physical-Chemical Research & Archaeometry of the National Archaeological Museum implemented the “OPEN MUSEUM” action. Based on an idea of the then director Ms. Maria Lagogianni-Georgakarakou and with the contribution of the archaeologist-museologist Despina Kalesopoulou, the action included a series of eight presentations in the exhibition galleries of the museum, which highlighted to the public the multifaceted work carried out for research, conservation and the enhancement of antiquities. With the help of technology and personal contact with the staff of the Conservation Department of the National Archaeological Museum, visitors had the opportunity to learn about important aspects of its scientific activity. The presentations were followed by a visit to the corresponding conservation laboratory. The seven themes were:

1. Seeking the Original Look: the Restoration of Museum Sculptures (Georgianna Moraitou)

2. Polychrome and Gilded: a Different Look in the World of Ancient Greek Sculpture (Ioannis Panagakos, Kalliopi Tsakri and Kostas Alexiou)

3. Secret Care: Preventive Conservation as Means of Protection (Panagiotis Lazaris)

4. Sensitive Colors: From the Painted Wooden Panels of Pitsa (David Delios)

5. Sensitive Colors: To the White Lekythoi and Clay Figurines (Stamatina Koutouvali)

6. Invisible Supports: the Inner Secrets of Bronze Statues (Georgia Karamargiou, Gerasimos Makris and Pantelis Feleris)

7. Restoring Beauty: The Conservation of an Unknown Aphrodite Statue (Ioannis Panagakos and Kalliopi Tsakri)

8. The Contribution of Museum Painters: towards the “Reading” of Antiquities (Maria Chidiroglou)
   

The content of the presentations is to be published in a book by the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (H.O.C.RE.D.) with a title of “OPEN MUSEUM. Behind the Scenes at the National Archaeological Museum Conservation Laboratories“.

The action was selected as an exceptional nomination for the KECK Award 2024.