Museums & Antiquity
In the heart of Athens, there is one museum that truly shines. The Acropolis Museum, modern and fully renovated, is undeniably the city's main attraction. Greeks take great pride in this state-of-the-art structure, showcasing remarkable displays and spectacular Acropolis views. Since opening in 2009, it has quickly become a must-visit spot for both locals and travelers from around the globe.
Upon visiting the modern Museum of Acropolis, you will have the opportunity to admire statues and friezes, artifacts and everyday objects used in the past. Visitors can see the sanctuaries that had been built on the slopes of the Actopolis, looking down through the glass floors. Access to the museum is prompt and smooth, as it is located just a few minutes on foot from the Acropolis metro station.
Moving on, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens boasts being the largest museum in the country. The largest collection of Greek antiquities in the whole world can be found here, stretching from the Mycenaean all the way to the Hellenistic era. You are welcome to admire vases, amphorae, bronze and marble statues, even utensils and everyday objects from ancient history. Visitors are kindly expected to use the metro from Metaxourgeio to Omonoia and then change to the green line towards Kifissia. Victoria station is the closest one from the museum, since you can then reach it within 10 minutes.
Benaki Museum on the other hand offers a more intimate experience. You will find an imposing historic neoclassical building in the city center. The collection of Benaki family was donated to the Greek State in 1931. Visiting the museum, you will see collections from the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras. Once more, connectivity is great. You may access the museum from the metro stations of Syntagma or Evaggelismos.
Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art is another major point of attraction in Athens. Its exhibits depict the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus, focusing more on Cycladic Art from 3,000 BC. The museum was established in 1986 and is situated in Kolonaki square, boasting easy access from Syntagma metro station.
The Numismatic Museum is one of the oldest in the city, since it was founded in 1834. There you will find impressive collections of coins, medals and precious stones from ancient Greece, Rome, Byzantium, the Ottoman period and modern Greece, as well as all over the world. You can access the museum on Panepistimiou street, getting off at the metro station of either Syntagma or Panepistimiou.
Kerameikos Museum houses findings from excavations in Kerameikos. This was in fact the ancient cemetery of Athens. Funerary urns, grave offerings and funerary monuments of impressive style and elegance are included in the exhibits. To get to the museum, you use the metro until Kerameikos or Thissio.
A fully renovated building houses the Municipal Gallery at Metaxourgeio. The building was a silk processing factory until 1875 and the whole neighborhood was named after it. Renovation works began in 2007, so that the building would house prominent cultural events. Since 2010 it is home to the Municipal Gallery.
The Byzantine and Christian Museum features a large collection from the early Christian period to the post-Byzantine years. It is accessed via metro, getting off at Evaggelismos metro station. The Hellenic Children's Museum is located in the heart of Plaka and is the perfect place for a family visit.
Ilias Lalaounis Museum was founded in 2001 and features jewelry and other decorative arts. The jewels on the first floor are inspired by the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, even from pre-historic times. The displays on the second floor are inspired by nature and by modern technology. The museum is conveniently located next to the Acropolis. Then, there is the War Museum. At the junction of Vasilissis Sofias avenue and Rizari street, next to the Byzantine museum and close to Evaggelismos station, this is a great place to visit in between your other Athenian explorations.
The National Art Gallery is a must-see for art enthusiasts. Among the finest masterpieces on permanent display, you will have the opportunity to admire "The Engagement of the Children", "Arts and its Spirits", "Springs Symphony" and "Here Comes the Bridegroom" by Nikolaos Gizis, "Lyssandros Kaftantzoglou" by Nikiforos Lytras, "The Port of Copenhagen" by Ioannis Altamouras and a lot more impressive items.
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