The Symbol of Democracy, More Accessible for All
The Onassis Foundation honors the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the delivery of facilities improving access to the Acropolis.
The Acropolis, seen anew. Seen better, and by more of us. With a new state-of-the-art inclined elevator and two disabled walkways, the eternal symbol of democracy has been made more accessible for persons with movement disabilities, the elderly, and children from all over the world.
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The Acropolis – recognized internationally as the embodiment of democracy and everything it has achieved – is timelessly inspired by, and continues to inspire us all as citizens. Today, it offers new ways for persons with movement disabilities, the elderly, and young children to go up and visit its monuments, reminding us all that equal access, equal rights, and democracy are matters of culture and education.
"Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we find ourselves before a monument of universal value – a shining beacon of optimism. Here on the Acropolis, we see the Onassis Foundation’s respect for, and active interest in the preservation of cultural heritage, the democratization of knowledge, open access, and equal rights."
Photo: Andreas Simopoulos
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Photo: Andreas Simopoulos
The works also include the renovation of two existing disabled walkways, which extend out from the inclined elevator access point to pass by the Propylaea and reach the South Slope, as well as two new golf carts to assist visitors with movement difficulties. Out of respect for the heritage site and its monuments, the entire project followed the findings of a special study for the restoration of the grounds of the space, conducted by the scholar, and President of the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments, Manolis Korres.
The design and delivery of the works were undertaken to meet the needs of people of all ages from all over the world, who honor the Acropolis with their presence. A supervisory team of Culture Ministry archeologists were on hand at all times to ensure that the monuments were safe and properly protected throughout the process.Culture concerns society as a whole. These works on the Acropolis are characteristic of the Onassis Foundation’s respect for, and active interest in the preservation of cultural heritage, the democratization of knowledge, open access, and equal rights.