ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses archaeological museums and displays in 19th and 20th century Greece in the context of the ideological approach of the time to Greek antiquities. The period examined extends from 1829, the year of the foundation of the first museum in Greece a date that signals a major change in Greek political affairs, with the Goudi Revolt, and marks the beginning of a period of decline in museum development. The chapter provides the official rhetoric about ancient heritage and its use of language. It outlines the evolution of the museum concept and offers some basic facts on museum development in Greece. The chapter looks at theoretical considerations regarding the display of antiquities as seen in museum legislation and other documents, before it sketches display practices. It examines whether displays of archaeology did, or did not, reflect the official ideology toward the antiquities. The chapter explains the issues that arose at the time regarding museum development in other European countries.
