ATHENS, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Greece celebrated International Museum Day on Saturday by opening the doors of its museums to the public with free admission and a variety of activities.
This year's celebration centered on the role of museums in education and research. In the Museum of Cycladic Art, located in the center of Athens, specialists helped visitors explore the art of the Cycladic culture.
"What we try to propose is a very vital and active museum which invites visitors to come and experience the collections in a totally different way," Panagiotis Iossif, scientific director of the museum, told Xinhua.
As part of special happenings for the day a choir performed traditional songs.
"I am grateful to be able to look from so closely all the art," Lila Lovpias, a French tourist, said, adding that she was also impressed by the work of conservation.
Before leaving, she stuck on the wall at the entrance two pieces of paper on her impressions, taking part in one of the activities.
Athanasia Theodorou had an extra reason to visit the Museum of Cycladic Art on Saturday, as her daughter Kleio was a member of the choir, she told Xinhua.
She strolled through all the galleries and was moved by the artifacts and the work done to protect them, she said.
"It is an opportunity for every citizen of the country to visit (a museum) to see our culture and the impact of other peoples on our cultural heritage," Theodorou said. ■