On the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic
                                                 relations between Greece and Japan

                                      ATHENS METRO Exhibition :
                                              An Extraordinary Case of Public Art.

                         Tokyo National Museum April 7^th –May 10^th , 2009 

                                Organisers :  Tokyo National Museum
                                                                Embassy of Greece in Tokyo
                                             Sponsors :   Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece
                                                                ATTIKO METRO S.A.
                                                                Japan - Greece Society

                                                 With the cooperation of : Keio University

                They say that a city with Public Art is a city that thinks and feels.

                We invite you to see Athens Metro as an extraordinary case of Public Art.

                One of the unique and formidable challenges which the construction of the Athens Metro 
                faced is that practically the whole area under the city of Athens is an extended archaeological site.
                Therefore the works had to proceed without damaging the archaeological treasures buried
                underground.
                In fact the construction of the Athens Metro served as the vehicle for carrying out the greatest
                archaeological excavation that ever took place in Athens, spanning an area of 79.000 m2 and
                unearthing  more than 50000 ancient articles.

                The archaeological finds that came to light through the excavations have once again confirmed
                the cultural and  historical continuity of life in the city of Athens over a period of more than 3000 years,
                and valuable knowledge  was gained for both science and humanity.

                Today, many of  those  ancient articles are on public display for the first time in six prestigious
                Metro Stations,  inviting thus every rushing passenger,  Greek or foreign, to examine and admire them.

                At the same time ATHENS METRO implemented an extensive ‘Art Program’ in which  works
                of art created by distinguished contemporary  Greek artists grace almost all  Athens Metro Stations.

                The aim is to promote quality of life in the capital through the transformation of public spaces into
                beautiful  environments that stimulate thinking  and evoke positive feelings.

                Moreover, the exhibition at six stations of archaeological finds side by side with works of
                contemporary Greek art imparts in the most eloquent manner the message of the wealth and continuity
                of Greek Culture extending over 3000 years.

                In other words, ATHENS METRO not only embodies the very essence of Public Art
                but does so  in a unique way that combines ancient and modern, tradition and future.