An Archaeology of Disability investigates the intersection of ancient architectural history and modern accessibility. Through tactile stone elements, projections, and sign language interpretation, the project reconstructs lost historical features of the Acropolis. The installation highlights the 5th-century BC ramp and complements existing plaster cast collections.
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An Archaeology of Disability is an artistic installation that explores the history of the Acropolis of Athens through the lens of disability, reconstructing lost elements of the site using contemporary perspectives on accessibility. The project features a projection, tactile stone elements, and sign language interpretations to offer a new understanding of ancient architectural spaces.
An Archaeology of Disability is an artistic and research-based project that explores the history of the Acropolis of Athens by focusing on the themes of disability and historical reconstruction. Originally presented at the 2021 Venice Biennale, the project was curated by David Gissen, Jennifer Stager, and Mantha Zarmakoupi with support from the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University. The installation seeks to address the question of how to describe and represent historical elements that no longer exist, using mediums like tactile stone objects, projections, and sign language to convey both architectural details and emotional experiences. The project proposes an 'archaeology of disability' as an alternative to traditional accessibility models. Instead of merely modifying existing heritage to make it accessible, the authors reconstruct lost elements of the Athenian site—such as the massive 5th-century BC ramp that connected the agora to the Acropolis—through the lens of disability. At the Gipsoteca, this temporary installation is integrated with a refreshed display of plaster casts of iconic Athenian monuments, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Kritios Boy. New explanatory panels and resources have been added to ensure these collections are accessible to all visitors, linking historical scholarship with modern inclusive practices.
The exhibition is accessible during regular museum hours at the Gipsoteca of Ancient Art. Visitors can use provided QR codes for mobile-friendly information or request large-print floor sheets at the reception desk.
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