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New Acropolis Museum opening date

Finally after many years of speculation, disputes [1] & delays [2], an official date has been given for the opening of the New Acropolis Museum [3]. Parts of the building have been open for some time [4], but no public access has not yet been allowed to any of the museum’s main permanent exhibition spaces. The date set is 20th June 2009.

From:
International Herald Tribune [5]

Greece to open new Acropolis museum in June
The Associated Press
Published: February 13, 2009

ATHENS, Greece: Greek officials say a new museum showcasing masterpieces from the Acropolis will be inaugurated this summer after long delays.

Culture Minister Antonis Samaras said Friday the opening ceremony will be on June 20. Initially, Greece had planned to open the museum ahead of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

The new glass and concrete museum under the Acropolis is a centerpiece of Greece’s campaign for the return of the Elgin — or Parthenon — Marbles from the British Museum in London.

The British Museum has repeatedly refused to relinquish the 2,500-year-old sculptures, which formed part of the Parthenon Temple’s decoration until their removal to Britain 200 years ago.

Greek officials say the €129 million (US$166 million) new building will allow all the surviving Parthenon sculptures to be displayed together.