Educational programmes have been officially established in Greece in 1985, when Athens was proclaimed “Cultural Capital of Europe 1985”. The educational exhibition “The birth of writing” and the composition of the “Educational programs’ Committee” were the first steps towards the establishment of the educational programs in museum and archaeological sites. Since 2003, the Educational Programmes and Communication Department operates under the Directorate of Museums, Exhibitions and Educational Programmes. The Department is situated in Plaka, in Prytaneiou 9 Street, in a bourgeois-neoclassic house of the early 20th century. The location of the building at the foot of Acropolis, its incorporation into the life of Anafiotika, a historical traditional neighbourhood of Athens, and its proximity to all the monuments of the historical centre are the main factors which contribute to the creation of an appropriate environment for the implementation of the educational programmes.

 

 The main work of the Department is:

 

a) To design, organize and present educational exhibitions as well as programmes, activities and events in museums, archaeological sites, schools and special designed spaces. Our aim is to enhance the social and educational role of museums and stimulate public awareness in cultural heritage.

b) To provide further education and training to archaeologists’ and school teachers’ in order to improve their existing knowledge and ability as museum educators. Furthermore, we support scientifically the Regional Services of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism regarding the designing and implementing of innovative educational programmes and activities.

c) To publish and communicate an original educational material concerning museum educational policies and practices.

 

All the above mentioned activities are addressed to school community of all rages (primary and secondary education) and to the wide public in general. Therefore, for the achievement of the above mentioned goals the Department cooperates with the Ministry of Education and Life Long Learning and other European and Internatioanal Commitees and Organizations working on various Heritage Education Issues.