2 Euro Proof

The name of the institution refers to Plato’s ancient Academy. In the 4th century BC, the philosopher founded a school near Athen that took its name from an area dedicated to the hero Akademos. The present-day institution, however, does not stand in an unbroken organisational tradition of this school of philosophy. Rather, the reference to Plato expresses the aspiration to promote research and scholarly exchange institutionally.

Plans for a modern academy emerged as early as after Greek independence in the 19th century. They formed part of the establishment of state educational and scientific institutions, as well as the transformation of Athen into the capital. The building intended for the academy therefore already existed long before it began its activities. Only after several unsuccessful attempts did the institution acquire its legal and organisational foundation.

The academy building, together with the university and the former National Library, belongs to the so-called Athenian Trilogy on Panepistimiou Street. It was designed by the Danish architect Theophil Hansen; construction was overseen by Ernst Ziller, who worked in Greece. The building was financed by the Greek-Austrian entrepreneur and diplomat Simon Sinas. Its neoclassical design consciously adopts forms of ancient Greek architecture. Statues of Plato and Sokrates stand in front of the building, while tall columns bear figures of the goddess Athena and the god Apollon.

The academy has traditionally divided its work into areas for the natural sciences, the humanities, and the ethical and political sciences. Its tasks include scientific research, publications, dictionary and language projects, the supervision of research centres, and providing advice on specialist matters. Its members are elected from the fields of science, literature, and art.

The choice of the anniversary as the occasion for the coin thus refers not only to a round date. It also commemorates the establishment of modern scientific institutions in Greece and their deliberate connection with the cultural heritage of antiquity.