€6.3 million YPPOA is funding the construction of the Desmotes Faliro Protection Shelter following the withdrawal of a €4 million donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation in May 2022.

The project involves the construction of a cylindrical shelter with a wooden roof, which will gradually sink into the ground in the form of a “spiral”, so that visitors descend from the light of the external environment into an underground burial space. According to a preliminary design study that was approved by the YPPOA Council of Museums three months ago, archaeological finds will be presented at the end of the circular route, which will descend to a depth of 3.75 meters.

The projected building will consist of two separate parts: a ground floor with an area of ​​325 sq.m. with a roof and information services about the territory and expositions, as well as an underground room with an area of ​​450 sq.m. where the three “Binders” mass grave clusters (79 male skeletons) discovered in 2016 will be highlighted. According to the preliminary design study, the cylindrical shape of the shelter was chosen to fit harmoniously into the wider environment of the SNFCC, but at the same time retain their individuality in in relation to the imposing buildings of the park.

A gentle ramp takes visitors from the Esplanade down a descending path that cuts them off from their former natural environment so they can focus on the finds and the special atmosphere they create. Observation will be carried out from two points thanks to a large glass gallery behind which exhibits will be located, which are currently moved from their positions for preparatory work on construction. The room will be maintained at a constant temperature and humidity.