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BY FERNE ARFIN
Step into the Archaic Gallery of Athens' New Acropolis Museum and you feel you've interrupted ancient gods and goddesses, debating the fate of us mortals.
It's easy to imagine in the daylight-filled gallery.
Between its smooth grey columns, 100 of the oldest sculptures in western civilisation float and dart in and out of view.
The view of the museum from the Acropolis itself
Photo Credit: Ferne Arfin
During a recent sneak preview of the museum, Prof. Dimitrios Pandermalis referred to the gallery as his "society of sculptures".
Showing guests around the 6th century B.C. statues he described them with the warmth one usually reserves for one's dearest friends.
As he paused to watch workmen carefully unwrap and position a huge stone lion killing, Prof. Pandermalis discreetly dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief.
He had not properly seen this particular piece for about 30 years, he explained.
Some of the sculptures on display in the Parthenon Gallery
Photo Credit: Ferne Arfin
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