Greece, is a living museum in itself, with its ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and picturesque islands. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, the country boasts a rich tapestry of museums that showcase its cultural heritage, from world-famous archaeological treasures to folklore collections. Museums can be found all over the country and even on many of the islands, with the majority of museums located in the capital city of Athens.
In fact, there are over 70 museums in Athens, offering something for every type of visitor, and ranging from world-renowned institutions like the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum to smaller, specialised museums.
Read on for the My Greek Island guide to some of the best museums to visit in Athens, along with a look at museums in Greece that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
In addition to this blog post, we have a dedicated podcast episode available on all Podcast platforms, to give you all that vocabulary in Greek you will need during your visit to a museum in Athens, or anywhere in Greece.
To find out more, listen to our 'At the Museum' Bitesize Greek episode on Spotify.
The top 5 Museums to visit in Athens
Athens is a city steeped in history and mythology, which is evnident as you walk throught he city and enjoy the history around you. The city is also a treasure trove of museums showcasing Greece’s unparalleled cultural legacy. So whether you’re fascinated by ancient artefacts, modern art, or history spanning millennia, Athens offers an unforgettable journey through time, with the top 5 museums to visit showcased below.
The Acropolis Museum
Neighborhood: Acropolis/Koukaki
Closest Metro Station: Acropolis (Line 2, Red Line)
Official Website: www.theacropolismuseum.gr
No visit to Athens is complete without a trip to the Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the iconic Acropolis with the most stunning views to the Parthenon. The museum houses priceless artifacts from the Parthenon and other ancient monuments. Highlights include the stunning Caryatids and the Parthenon frieze, displayed in a space bathed in natural light. The museum’s modern design beautifully complements its ancient treasures, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The National Archaeological Museum
Neighborhood: Exarcheia
Closest Metro Station: Omonia (Lines 1 & 2, Green and Red Lines) or Victoria (Line 1, Green Line)
Official Website: www.namuseum.gr
One of the largest and most important museums in the world, the National Archaeological Museum is home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts from across Greece. From the gold treasures of Mycenae to the famous bronze statue of Poseidon, this museum covers the entirety of Greek history and culture. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to dive deep into the origins of Western civilization.
Museum of Cycladic Art
Neighborhood: Kolonaki
Closest Metro Station: Syntagma (Line 2, Red Line or Line 3, Blue Line) or Evaggelismos (Line 3, Blue Line)
Official Website: www.cycladic.gr
Located in an iconic building on a main road in the heart of Athens, the Museum of Cycladic Art is dedicated to the unique art of the Cycladic islands,and features a collection of strikingly modern-looking marble figurines from the Early Bronze Age. It’s a fascinating place to explore the artistry and craftsmanship of an ancient civilisation that flourished in the Aegean Sea.
Benaki Museum
Neighborhood: Kolonaki
Closest Metro Station: Syntagma (Line 2, Red Line or Line 3, Blue Line)
Official Website: www.benaki.org
The Benaki Museum offers a journey through Greek history, from ancient times to the 20th century. Its extensive collection includes Byzantine icons, folk costumes, and Ottoman-era artefacts. For art and history lovers, the Benaki Museum provides a comprehensive perspective on Greece’s rich cultural evolution.
National Gallery
Neighborhood: Pangrati
Closest Metro Station: Evangelismos (Line 3, Blue Line)
Official Website: www.nationalgallery.gr
The National Gallery, aka the Alexandros Soutzos Museum, recently renovated and expanded, is a must for art lovers in Athens. It houses an extensive collection of Greek and European art, showcasing works from the post-Byzantine era to the 20th century. With its state-of-the-art facilities and stunning exhibits, the museum is a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and historical evolution.
Museums Beyond Athens: Gems Across Greece
While Athens is the epicenter of Greek cultural heritage, other parts of Greece boast museums worth visiting. Below is a short list of some museums worth adding to your itinerary when you visit Greece.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki): Featuring exhibits from Macedonia, including finds from the royal tombs of Vergina, thought to be linked to Alexander the Great’s family.
Archaeological Museum of Delphi (Delphi): Houses the famous Charioteer statue and artefacts from the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, once considered the center of the world.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum (Crete): Showcases the Minoan civilisation with its vibrant frescoes, pottery, and the enigmatic Phaistos Disc.
Archaeological Museum of Olympia (Olympia): Focuses on the ancient Olympic Games and features the renowned Hermes of Praxiteles statue.
Museum of Prehistoric Thera (Santorini): Offers insight into the Bronze Age city of Akrotiri, a Minoan settlement preserved by volcanic ash.
So on your next trip to Greece, make sure to add some of these world-class museums to your itinerary and obtain ab better understanding of the depth and breadth of the Greek culture and history. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply curious, Greece’s museums are bound to leave you inspired and enriched.
Museum Free Admission days
In Greece, several museums and archaeological sites offer free admission days, where you can enjoy free access to many major museums, including the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and other archaeological sites like the Acropolis, Delphi, and Olympia. Make sure to check the museum's official website or contact them in advance to confirm free admission eligibility, as policies can vary. The free admission days typically include:
First Sunday of every month (from November 1st to March 31st)
March 6th: In memory of Melina Mercouri, a celebrated Greek actress and Minister of Culture.
April 18th: International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day).
May 18th: International Museum Day.
September’s Last Weekend: European Heritage Days (exact dates vary annually).
October 28th: Ohi Day (Greek National Holiday).
My Greek Island 48 hours in Athens Guide
Also check out the My Greek Island guide for 48 hours in Athens. The document includes all places mentioned on the Podcast episode 48 Hours in Athens (Episode 64) including the top neighbourhoods to stay, prepared in the form of an e-map. The e-map overlays onto your own google map and includes top recommendations, with additional tips for these recommendations.
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