ATHENS, Greece — Thousands of ancient artifacts from the Acropolis never seen by the public will be showcased at a landmark new Athens museum expected to open next year, Greek officials say.

The exhibition area will contain more than 4,000 works — 10 times the number currently on display at a cramped museum on the Acropolis. Some have been kept in storage for decades.

“We are talking about masterpieces that have never been seen,” said senior project official Nikos Damalitis.

These will include bronze and pottery artifacts from the slopes of the fortified hill, while all the 2,500-year-old Parthenon sculptures in Greek possession will be displayed in their original positions on a full-size model of the temple.

Missing will be the Elgin Marbles — works removed from the Parthenon 200 years ago and now in London’s British Museum — for whose return Greece has lobbied long and unsuccessfully.

Friday, March 31, 2006 / The Associated Press

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