This weekend, September 28–29, Greece joins the rest of Europe in celebrating European Heritage Days (EHD), a pan-European initiative highlighting the richness of our shared cultural heritage. EHD brings together citizens through a wide range of participatory cultural events, placing European cultural heritage in the spotlight. As part of this celebration, all state-run archaeological sites, museums, and monuments in Greece will offer free entry to visitors.
EHD 2024 is a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, involving all 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention, first signed in Paris 70 years ago. Reflecting the spirit of this landmark treaty, the annual event opens the doors of buildings, monuments, and sites—many of which are typically closed to the public—to encourage citizens to explore, appreciate, and protect Europe’s common cultural heritage for future generations.
Routes, Networks, and Connections
The theme of EHD 2024, Routes, Networks, and Connections, focuses on both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It reflects the myriad ways communities, peoples, and countries have been interconnected over time, fostering shared values, practices, and achievements that continue to shape modern life.
In Greece, this theme has been paraphrased as “Tracing Routes, Networks, and Connections in Cultural Heritage,” providing an opportunity to delve into heritage from two distinct perspectives:
- Physical Routes: Explore the paths people have traveled in times of war and peace—whether for conquest, trade, pilgrimage, agricultural exchange, or discovery—and the lasting impact their presence has left on foreign lands, or the influence they’ve absorbed from other cultures.
- Thematic Connections: Delve into the ideas, values, and practices that have shaped networks of social, religious, and cultural exchange throughout history. From ancient festivals and religious practices to sporting events, many of these connections remain visible in our lives today.
Free Entry and Thematic Events
The Greek Ministry of Culture has announced that all state archaeological sites, museums, and monuments will provide free entry during this celebratory weekend, with many institutions hosting thematic events. Before visiting, it is advisable to confirm the opening hours and special programs with the museum of your choice.
For a detailed list of scheduled events, visit the official social media pages of EHD Greece:
Instagram: @ehpk_greece
Facebook: EHDaysGR
A complete overview of events taking place across Europe can be found here.
The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum will mark European Heritage Days 2024 with a special thematic presentation titled “Health: Tracing a Universal and Timeless Good.” This program offers an insightful journey into the world of health and hygiene in antiquity, exploring the ancient neighborhood beneath the Acropolis Museum and showcasing related artifacts from the newly opened Excavation Museum. Led by the museum’s archaeologists, participants will discover how ancient Greeks perceived health, the practices they used to care for the body and soul, and the scientific and religious methods they employed to safeguard well-being.
- Date: Sunday, September 29
- Time: 10 a.m. (English-speaking guided tour)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Participation: Limited to 20 people per session. Registration is required. Sign up at events.theacropolismuseum.gr.
- Entry: To participate, obtain a general admission ticket by presenting your reservation code at the ticket counters up to 20 minutes before the tour begins.
Additionally, on Sunday, September 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy free entry to the museum’s exhibition areas.
