Greek Architecture of the British Museum

Exterior Ionic Order 

The swirling decorative features of the column capitals are called volutes, a hallmark of the Ionic order. Note how on the corner, where two meet, they protrude.

Compare to the Erechtheum on the Acropolis of Athens: Erechtheum Porch.

Note how this arrangement makes the volutes in the Temple of Apollo at Bassae unusual: Temple of Apollo at Bassae (i.e. all the volutes protrude).

Ionic Frontage


The building has an octostyle (8 column) frontage (like the Parthenon, although its cigar-shaped columns belong to the Doric order).

An explanation for the meaning of the pediment can be found here: http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/the_museums_story/architecture/south_pediment.aspx