The Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with the National Research Centre for Natural Sciences "Demokritos", is setting up a digital information kiosk on the life and works of the ancient Greek philosopher and thinker Aristotle at the Lyceum Archaeological Site in Athens.
Through the installation of interactive information systems and the use of the possibilities of digital technology, information about the Lyceum site, but also about Aristotle, is presented in a comprehensible and lively way, while at the same time creating an innovative cultural experience for visitors that also appeals to younger people.
The Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, stated, "With this special action, the archaeological site of Aristotle's Lyceum will be restored as a cultural destination in the center of Athens. With Aristotle's philosophical school as a reference point in the sanctuary of the Lyceum, the ecumenical work and emblematic figure of the Greek philosopher, one of the leading figures of all times with worldwide influence, are highlighted. Together with the upgraded historic Athens Conservatory, located in close proximity, but also with the Byzantine Museum, the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the National Gallery, the archaeological site of the Lyceum forms a unique cultural and development pole that contributes to the revitalization of the center of Athens. The intervention aims to create an educational and philosophical experience for the visitors of the archaeological site, with the use of digital technology and architecture that contributes to the connection of the Lyceum with the Athens Conservatory and the "Roof of Greek Ideas", a project implemented - in the framework of a particularly fruitful collaboration - by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the National Natural Sciences Research Center "Dimokritos".
The intervention concerns the installation of a pavilion in the southern part of the archaeological site, which will host four interactive touch screens that will provide access to multimedia information(texts, images, videos, representations, etc.). The composition consists of four rectangular units covered by a corrugated metal roof. Access to the pavilion is via ramps and in the inner courtyard of the palaestra there are three grandstands for standing and viewing. A sound installation is provided at selected points along the visitor routes to inform visitors.
The Chairman of National Natural Sciences Research Center "Demokritos'', George Nunesis, stated: "We are pleased with the approval of the proposal by the Ministry of Culture, which concerns the creation of an innovative cultural experience for the archaeological site of Aristotle's Lyceum. The goal is to create a hub around ancient Greek philosophy in the heart of Athens, encouraging reflection and discussion about philosophy, using modern technologies that emphasize its universality. The reason for this proposal was the project "Roof of Greek Ideas", carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Sports with the "Demokritos" National Natural Sciences Research Center at the Athens Conservatory. The approved proposal is the result of the collaboration of "Demokritos'' with the architectural firm Foster+Partners and the World Human Forum under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. It is a collaboration that combines knowledge, research and creativity in the fields of technology, architecture and philosophy. Our vision for this proposal is to be a model for intervention in archaeological sites that highlights the relationship between the site and intangible philosophical ideas and enriches the visitor experience.”.
Internationally renowned academics, scientists and artists oversee the selection of information material (written texts, audiovisual material) and the gradual construction of a hub for Aristotle, his life and work. The digital installation allows easy renewal and enrichment of the information material according to the progress of research. The theme concerns the archaeological site of the Lyceum (importance of its location, role of gymnasiums in antiquity), Aristotle, his work and the distinction of sciences according to Aristotle: poetics (medicine, shipbuilding, carpentry, agriculture, engineering, construction, painting), practical (ethics, politics), theoretical (first philosophy, mathematics, natural philosophy, natural history), his life and travels (from the time of his teaching at Plato's Academy and throughout his stay in Athens) , the impact of Aristotle's work over time (translation projects of Arab intellectuals, convergence of Christianity and Aristotelianism during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, conflict between Aristotelianism and modern science during the 16th and 17th centuries).
In the "Roof of Greek Ideas" interactive exhibitions are organized by the Ministry of Interior and "Demokritos" in collaboration with the Athens Conservatory. The themes of the exhibitions are from the field of philosophy and humanities, starting from the theme of democracy.
