Education for all, at the Museum
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The program is implemented with the support of the Antonios & Ioannis Angelicoussis Foundation and provides free-of-charge transportation to and from the Museum as well as their participation in an educational program within its permanent exhibitions.
The program was launched in November 2023 and will run throughout the year. It is scheduled every Monday, and it is estimated that up to 1500 children from socially vulnerable areas will participate.
The program involves primary school students from remote areas outside the city center, such as Elefsina, Megara, Villia, Erythres, Aspropyrgos, as well as schools hosting students from different nationalities in the center of Athens and elsewhere, giving them the opportunity to visit a museum and participate in an educational program.
The first cycle started in November 2023 with schools of the Elefsina area and has been completed recently with the communication support of 2023 Elevsis European Capital of Culture. The program runs throughout the year; it will be held every Monday and it is estimated that up to 1500 children from socially vulnerable areas will participate.
The selection of schools is made in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the respective Sub-Directorate of Primary Education.
The programs students attend are linked to their school curriculum while their design is age-specific. The visits enable students to get in touch with ancient culture and live the unique museum experience that will familiarize themselves with the Museum’s world and its exhibitions.
PROGRAM SUBJECTS
“Getting to know the Cycladic figurines”
Why are Cycladic figurines made from marble? How were they produced? Did they have any colors? How did the ancient people of Cyclades live? What did they do for a living?
The answers to such questions related to Cycladic Culture shall be delivered during the Museum of Cycladic Art program “Getting to know the Cycladic figurines”. All information derives from the objects themselves, as no written evidence of this culture has been found. The most representative exhibits of the Museum’s collection are the marble Cycladic figurines. Apart from the figurines, clay and marble vases and utensils are exhibited, as well as bronze weapons and tools. Upon attending a screening, children are invited to visit the museum’s Cycladic Art exhibition. Images, drawings, videos and activities offer students the opportunity to actively participate and interactively learn about Cycladic Culture. During the visit, children use documents containing various activities that will enable them to discover selected exhibits in a collaborative, interactive way.
“Images from Mythology”
Who were the Twelve Olympians? How do we learn about deities in a museum? How about heroes?
The answers shall be delivered during the Museum of Cycladic Art program “Images from Mythology”. Ancient Greeks decorated their vases with mythological scenes, such as the Labours of Hercules, the Trojan War and the Return of Hephaestus to Olympus. Moreover, they made figurines depicting gods or heroes.
Upon attending a screening, children are invited to visit the museum’s Ancient Greek Art exhibition. Vase representations, statuettes and other exhibits offer students the opportunity to learn about the gods and their symbols, heroes and their exploits as well as the Trojan War. During the visit, children use documents containing various activities that will enable them to discover selected exhibits in a collaborative, interactive way.
“Daily life in ancient Athens”
How did children live in ancient Athens? Did they go to school? What were their games? What did men and women do for a living?
The answers to such questions related to the life of the ancients shall be delivered during the Museum of Cycladic Art program “Daily life in ancient Athens”. Upon attending a screening, children are invited to visit the museum’s exhibition “Scenes from everyday life in antiquity” where the world of men, women and children in antiquity is presented. Everyday items include among others, mirrors, perfumery and jewellery, toys, sports accessories, tableware for banquets, coins and weapons.
Vase representations, statues, toys, weapons and other exhibits offer students the opportunity to learn about marriage and family, school and sports, entertainment and war in antiquity. During the visit, children use documents containing various activities that will enable them to discover selected exhibits in a collaborative, interactive way.
“Getting to know the Museum’s vases”
How were vases made? What were they used for? What information they provide about the daily life of our ancestors?
The answers to such questions shall be delivered during the Museum of Cycladic Art program “Getting to know the Museum’s vases”. Clay vases come to life and narrate stories about their making and decoration with mythical scenes and scenes from everyday life.
The vases come in different shapes according to their use. Large amphorae were used to store commodities, urns to transport water back home, oenochoe to serve wine in kylix and cups.
Upon attending a screening, children are invited to visit the museum’s Ancient Greek Art exhibition. Vases’ different shapes and representations offer students the opportunity to learn about the life of the ancients and their habits. During the visit, children use documents containing various activities that will enable them to discover selected exhibits in a collaborative, interactive way.
