The dazzling view of the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis, which has travelled around the world, crowns two years of coordinated, systematic work to light the ancient monuments of the birthplace of the athletic ideal. This unique spectacle bears the signature of the leading French artist Pierre Bideau, who, after the City of Light and in particular the Eiffel Tower, took on the task of “shedding light” on the monuments of the Greek capital as well.
“The lighting design for the Acropolis and the Parthenon was based on three main principles,” explains Pierre Bideau, expressing his immense joy at completing the lighting of Athens’ archaeological monuments. He wanted to give the whole ensemble a sense of coherence, emphasising the distinctive architecture of the ancient monuments by using lower-power lighting.
To implement the design, around 1,200 narrow-beam metal halide and sodium floodlights of 150W were used. They were installed so that the fixtures are not visible from any point in the Attica basin, an arrangement that serves the effort to change the familiar scene of a “burning” appearance in the unnatural orange colour that prevailed until now. For the interior lighting, on the other hand, warmer tones were chosen, which enhance the sense of depth in the majestic Athenian monuments.
The project was carried out with the full support of the Ministry of Culture, which contributed 855,000 euros, as well as the considerable support of the association “Friends of Athens”, whose members helped see the project through by each paying 2,934 euros. (These sums cover not only the Acropolis but also the lighting budget for the Columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Gate, Lycabettus Hill and the Parliament.)
More detailed information on the completion of this major project by Pierre Bideau will be available, with the assistance of the City of Athens, after the Olympic Games have finished. The high demands of hosting the greatest celebration on the planet mean that, for the time being, the authorities’ efforts must focus on effectively showcasing our country to the whole world. Nevertheless, we promise to return to the great project of lighting the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis, unfolding the details that led to this exceptional aesthetic result.
