In the new wing of Golden Hall, accessed from the first floor of the shopping centre, you can find a world dedicated to edutainment, or, in other words, knowledge combined with fun. The Athens Olympic Museum and the XPLORE Entertainment Center constitute two unique areas of amusement and discovery of knowledge for both young and old!
Our first stop is the permanent exhibition of the Athens Olympic Museum. A linear journey through time transports us from mythology to the birth of the Olympic Games, through the historical years and into the modern era. Through this, we trace the path of the Olympic Games from their zenith in antiquity, their abolition, their subsequent revival in the modern era, and their evolution into the global event that enthrals us all. From the pursuit of our loftiest goals to the simplest moments of our daily lives, the philosophy and values of the Olympics are what give us hope for a better world, and it is why a visit to this learning space can prove to be of paramount importance for both children and adults.
During their visit, children and parents can engage with the ‘Agon, Family’ activity and participate in experiential activities like a footrace where young visitors, imitating ancient athletes, compete in a miniature version of the classical stadium in Olympia, while orders are given by games officials, music is played and cheers from the crowd are heard.
One of the museum’s unique exhibits is the interactive touch-wall map that catapults you back in time to witness the historic eras and the expansion of the Games across the ancient Greek world. An award-winning exhibit, this wall transforms from an atlas into a screen for animated stories, enhancing our knowledge of the history of the Olympic Games.
A particularly fascinating part of the exhibition are the halls dedicated to the revival of the Olympic Games and their triumphant return to Greece in 1896, and again in 2004. Witness the journey towards revival in the nascent Greek state of the 19th century, and Europe’s rekindled interest in ancient Greek heritage, the Olympic values of noble competition, and the reorganization of sporting and artistic tournaments. In this context, the French author and educator Pierre de Coubertin, along with the Greek scholar Demetrius Vikelas, sparked discussions about reviving the Olympic Games as a global event. In 1896 the first Modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, returning to their homeland a century later for the golden Olympiad in 2004.
Among the exhibits that chronicle the history of the Games are the kotinos, the wreath made of olive leaves, the ancient prize also awarded at the Athens 2004 Games, a collection of Olympic torches through the years, medals, and personal items of Greek Olympic and Paralympic champions. These will not only elicit admiration for the athletes’ achievements but also hopefully inspire future athletes and Olympians.
The Olympic Museum of Athens offers its latest initiative, the inclusive audio tour ‘Listen to Our Story’. This unique experience allows all visitors, including those living with visual impairments, to explore the spaces of the Olympic Museum. Through 30 audio and 8 tactile stations, everyone has the opportunity to touch, hear, and above all, feel some of the most distinctive exhibits hosted in the museum.
The activities ‘Agon, Family’ and ‘Listen to Our Story’ form part of the ‘Agon, an Olympic Legacy’ program of the Olympic Museum of Athens, exclusively sponsored by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
If you want to visit the museum, you can purchase family and individual tickets at affordable prices. Better yet, book tickets online and enjoy a 10% discount. The museum operates under the auspices of the Greek and International Olympic Committees and is a member of the International Network of Olympic Museums.
For more information, visit www.athensolympicmuseum.org or call 210 688 5560.
In the new space of Golden Hall, we also find XPLORE, a prototype space for entertainment and education. It is a world teeming with interactive games and exhibits, models, and creative activities. Divided into three zones – Science, Adventure, and the Ocean, each focusing on different aspects of science, education, and nature tailored to your children’s ages and your personal preferences.
The thematic zones of Science & Adventure are recommended for children aged 4 to 12 years, while the Oceans aquarium, unique in Athens, is open to all visitors, regardless of age.
Dive into the captivating world of XPLORE Science, where the thrill of discovery has never been more fun! Here, children and adults alike interact with the fundamental concepts of physics and mechanics through innovative, interactive exhibits – all designed with the perfect blend of enjoyment and learning. Discover how energy, sound, force, and light are produced, learn about air pressure, the power of water, and the basic functions of the human body.
Enter a fascinating thematic zone where, through the STEM educational method, children learn how science contributes to our lives. They apply knowledge gained from their physics lessons, develop critical thinking skills to devise their own solutions, and understand the world around them through hands-on experimentation.
Descending one level reveals a 1200 square meter space devoted entirely to adventure and learning, all through imaginative play. At XPLORE Adventure, creativity and free-flowing fun reign supreme. Children test their abilities and enjoy themselves in various real and fantastical environments, focusing on emotional empowerment at both individual and group levels.
Children get the chance to drive on a kart track, becoming ambassadors of safe driving, and later they can discover everything about dinosaurs, become superheroes, present a news bulletin, and even be the next architects of XPLORE’s virtual city!
On the same level as XPLORE, you can find the XPLORE Oceans aquarium – the first of its kind in Athens! Here, you will be given the opportunity to discover the enchanting world of our global seas, inhabited by countless colourful and fascinating creatures. The impressive Athens aquarium awaits you with over 2,000 fish and sea creatures from 140 different species. A total of 19 large tanks host sharks, rays, seahorses, crabs, rare tropical fish, and, of course, the famous clownfish from Disney’s ‘Finding Nemo’.
Through free audio-guided tours available in Greek and English visitors both young and old have the chance to learn all about the unique beauty and importance of the oceans, fostering a greater understanding and respect for this diverse and captivating world. The XPLORE Oceans aquarium is for all ages and for anyone who loves the sea and wants to see the marvelous creatures of the deep up close.
Tip! Tickets are discounted if purchased online, and there are also packages that combine two or even all three zones of XPLORE.
Information: www.x–plore.gr | Phone: 210 688 5450
