ACADEMY OF ATHENS 

 

he Academy of Athens occupies the right side of a grandiose neo-classical architectural complex, which also includes the National Library (on the left) and the University of Athens (in the middle). The three structures, designed by the Danish architects Christian and Theophil Hansen, stand on the adjacent large lots between Akadimias Street and Panepistimiou (Venizelou) Street in the center of the city.  The Academy was designed by the younger of the Hansen brothers, Theophil, and built between 1859 and 1887.  The main entrance to the building is flanked by two tall Ionic columns carrying statues of Athena and Apollo (ill. 2-3, 5).  The side tympana are topped with sculpted owls, symbols of wisdom and of the goddess Athena (ill. 1).  In front, two large sculptures of seated philosophers, usually identified as Socrates and Plato, but perhaps representing Socrates and Aristotle, guard the main staircase (ill. 2, 4, 6).