Exploring the Cultural Treasures of Athens: A Comprehensive Guide to the Museums of Athens
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Discover the rich tapestry of Greek history and culture as you delve into the captivating treasures housed in Athens museums. These cultural gems provide intriguing glimpses into life in Europe’s oldest capital, the cradle of civilization. Immerse yourself in unique exhibitions showcased in both grand and intimate museums scattered across Athens, making it an essential and fascinating experience during your visit.
Join us in exploring the diverse array of small and large museums that collectively transform Athens into a haven for the curious and culturally inclined.
The Great Museums of Athens – The Acropolis Museum
As its name suggests, the Acropolis Museum contains finds from the Acropolis; the glory of the collection lies in its sculptures, particularly the archaic sculptures.
Visitors should be sure to see the Ramping Horseman and the series of figures of kore or young girls. The girls look as they would have done when taking part in the Panathenaic Procession.
Also on display are those bits of sculpture from the Parthenon frieze, which Lord Elgin did not take to England, and The Caryatides from the Erechtheum.
Where is the Acropolis Museum Located?
Ethniki Odos 1 9, Athens 106 74 (Click here to see the map.)
How much does it cost to visit the Acropolis Museum?
Winter season (1 November – 31 March)
- General admission: €5
- Reduced admission*: €3
Summer season (1 April – 31 October)
- General admission: €10
- Reduced admission*: €5
Get your Acropolis museum ticket online now and when you’ll visit the museum you’ll skip the line through express security check!
What time does the Acropolis Museum open? Acropolis Museum Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
- Last admission: 7.30 p.m.
- Galleries cleared at 7.45 p.m.
- The Museum is open every Friday until 10 p.m.
- Monday: Closed.
- Museum Closed: 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25 December, and 26 December.
The Agora Museum (Stoa of Attalos)
The Agora Museum is housed in the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos and it has finds from the Agora, dating from the Neolithic to the Turkish period.
The museum’s pottery collection is superb; unfortunately, relatively little is on display, as this is a working collection for scholars.
Visitors should surely see the ancient Athenian working machine, or form of the ballot box, known as the Kleroterion.
In addition, the museum has many inscriptions on display and numerous items from daily life through the centuries.
Where is the Agora Museum Located?
24, Adrianou Street, Athens 105 55 (Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the Agora Museum?
- Adult: €8
- Student: €4
- Combined ticket: €33
The combined entrance includes the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Aristotle’s School (Lyceum), Kerameikos, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Library.
Book online the Combo ticket now and save money
What time does the Agora Museum open? Agora Museum Opening Hours:
- 01 Apr – 31 Oct Mon, 11:00-20:00
- 01 Apr – 31 Oct Tue-Sun, 08:00-20:00
- 01 Nov – 31 Mar Mon, 11:00-15:00
- 01 Nov – 31 Mar Tue-Sun, 08:00-15:00
The Benaki Museum
HaIf the fun of visiting the Benaki Museum on Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias is seeing the lovely view of Athens from the Museum’s rooftop cafe.
The collection was started by a wealthy Athenian, A. Benakis, and highlights the Greek War of Independence, the Monarchy, the PhilheIlenes, and the early travelers in Greece.
Courtesy: Chris / flickr.com
The museum’s collection of Greek costumes is the finest in the country, as is its collection of Islamic pottery. The museum is always cool and delightful in summer.
Where is the Benaki Museum Located?
1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave., 106 74 Athens (Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the Benaki Museum?
- Adults: €6
- Students and children: Free
- Thursdays: free entrance
What time does the Benaki Museum open? Benaki Museum Opening Hours:
- Wednesdays and Fridays: 9 am – 5 pm.
- Thursdays and Saturdays: 9 am-midnight.
- Sundays: 9am – 3pm.
- Mondays and Tuesdays: closed
The Byzantine and Christian Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens is in the large home of the 19th-century Duchess de Plaisance; astonishingly, the palace was in the open country when it was built a little more than 140 years ago.
The Byzantine and Christian Museum is an excellent place to visit before touring the Byzantine churches of Athens, as exhibits set forth the development of church architecture in Greece.
Courtesy: Pieter De Praetere / flickr.com
The museum’s collection of icons is superb and somewhat overwhelming for any not accustomed to this art form.
Where is the Byzantine and Christian Museum Located?
22 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens, 106 75 (Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the Byzantine and Christian Museum?
- Adults: €4
- Seniors over 65: €2
- Students and youth less than 19 years old: free entrance
What time does the Byzantine and Christian Museum open? Benaki Museum Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 9 am to 4 pm.
Mondays: closed.
The Museum of the Kerameikos
As one would expect from a museum in the Potters’ Quarter, the Kerameikos Museum has a superb collection of ancient pottery.
In addition, many of the funeral steles from the Kerameikos cemetery are on display here, as well as some of the sculptured figures that decorated the more ornate tombs.
Courtesy: Shadowgate / flickr.com
Where is the Kerameikos Museum Located?
148 Ermou, Athens, 10 553 (At the end of Ermou Street, to the west of Monastiraki Square – Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the Kerameikos Museum?
- Adults: €8
- Students: €4
- Combined ticket: €33
The combined entrance includes: Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Aristotle’s School (Lyceum), Kerameikos, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Library.
What time does the Kerameikos Museum open? Kerameikos Museum Opening Hours:
01 Jun – 31 Oct: Tue-Sun, 0900-1600
01 Nov – 31 May: Tue-Sun, 0800-1500
The National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum on Patission Street deserves not one but many visits.
Especially in summer, the National Archaeological Museum is crowded, and it is difficult to see its riches at leisure.
Good tours do exist that take one rapidly through the museum without overlooking any of its most important exhibits. However, we strongly recommend a second visit if you want to dig in a little deeper.
The Mycenaean Hall, just inside the National Archaeological Museum entrance, contains the famous gold of Mycenae, including the gold mask that Schliemann believed to be that of Agamemnon.
Even if this was not the case, the regal splendor of the mask is haunting. The elegant gold Vaphio cups in the Mycenaean Hall are also irresistibly beautiful.
In the Cycladic Hall, you’ll find the Cycladic idols with clean, modern lines that many which many have compared to the work of Modigliani. The Harp Player is just one of them that deserves a special mention.
Courtesy: wikipedia.org
As you continue to walk through the museum, you will be viewing exhibits chronologically ordered from the Geometric (9th & 8th) to the Archaic (7th and 6th) to the Classical (5th and 4th) and finally to the Hellenistic (3rd to 1st) period.
Monumental stone youths, or kouroi, give way to monumental bronze statues, such as the statue of Zeus or that of Poseidon found off Cape Artemision.
Funeral steles, portrait busts from throughout Greece, and architectural fragments and ornaments fill the museum.
On the upper floor, you’ll get the chance to admire delightful frescoes from the island of Santorini (Thera), dating from the Minoan period, and various small collections.
The National Archaeological Museum has the finest collection of Greek antiquities in the world and should be visited slowly, carefully, and more than once.
Courtesy: Tilemahos Efthimiadis / flickr.com
Where is the National Archaeological Museum Located?
The museum is five minutes from Victoria Station and a 10-minute from Omonia. Address: 44 Patission Str, 10682, Athens (Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the National Archaeological Museum?
- Adults: €7
- Students and seniors (over 65 years old): €3
- Youth (less than 18 years old): free entrance
What time does the National Archaeological Museum open? National Archaeological Museum Opening Hours:
- 01 Apr – 31 Oct Mon-Sun, 08.00-20.00
- 01 Nov – 31 Mar Mon, 13.00-20.00
- 01 Nov – 31 Mar Tue-Sun, 09.00-16.00
The National Gallery of Greece
This new picture gallery, whose main building is located within walking distance from Syntagma Square, has modern Greek paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Often, there are special exhibits of young artists on display. Anyone interested in modern art will find this a rewarding collection.
Courtesy: Tilemahos Efthimiadis / flickr.com
Where is the National Gallery of Greece Located?
Address: Army Park, Goudi, 115 25 Athens. The entrance is from Panagiotis Kanellopoulos Avenue (Click here to see the map).
Main building: Michalakopoulou 1, Athens, Greece (Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the National Gallery of Greece?
- General admission: €5
- Reduced entry ticket: €3 (Students, Citizens over 65)
Free entrance for
- Holders of ICOM & AICA cards
- Students of Fine Arts
- Children under 12 years old
- People with special needs and their attendant
Free admission days
From 1st November 2018 until March 2019, the first Sunday of the month.
What time does the National Gallery of Greece open? The National Gallery of Greece Opening Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 09. 00 – 17.00
- Saturday, Sunday: 09. 00 – 16.00
- Εvery Tuesday and all the Bank Holidays the museum is closed
National Historical Museum
The Old Parliament Building on Stadiou Street is now home to this collection, which deals with Greek history in the 18th and 19th centuries during the Greek struggle for independence from the Turks.
The National Historical Museum has many fine etchings and paintings of heroes during that struggle and stirring battle scenes.
Where is the National Historical Museum Located?
Address: 13 Stadiou St. 10561 Athens. (Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the National Historical Museum?
- Full admission: € 3
- Reduced admission: € 1.5
Free admission days:
Every Sunday, the International Museum Day (May 18th) and the following holidays:
- March 25th
- October 28th
What time does The National Gallery of Greece open? The National Gallery of Greece Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday 8:30-14:30
- Closed on Mondays
The Small Museums of Athens – The Jewish Museum of Greece
The Jewish Museum at 39 Nikis street, beside the Athens synagogue, has a fascinating – and heartbreaking – collection of items illustrating life among Greek Jews before World War II.
Heads up: A guided tour of any museum you like is highly recommended. We suggest you to visit GetYourGuide.com and see all the available online tickets and tours
There were 80,000 Greek Jews before the war; only 8500 survived. Some of those who survived, notably Nikos Sravroulakis, organized this museum.
Where is the Jewish Museum Located?
Address: 39, Nikis street, Athens, 10 557. (Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the Jewish Museum of Greece?
Admission fees:
- Adults: €6
- Students: €3
Guided tour fees for groups: €50 (upon arrangement)
What time does the Jewish Museum of Greece open? The Jewish Museum of Greece Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9.00-14.30
- Sundays: 10.00-14.00
- Saturdays: closed
The Kanellopoulos Museum
The Kanellopoulos Museum is in an elegant neoclassical house on the upper reaches of the Plaka, at the intersection of Theorias and Panou Streets.
You’ll inevitably pass by the museum while walking down from the Acropolis towards Plaka. Making a quick stop to walk through its fascinating exhibits will certainly be worth your while.
The collection is that of one family and ranges through Greek art from the Neolithic to modern times. The house is at least as interesting as the collection itself.
Where is the Kanellopoulos Museum Located?
12 Theorias street, 105 55 Plaka, Athens. (Click here to see the map).
How much does it cost to visit the Kanellopoulos Museum?
Admission fees:
- Adults: €2
- Students: €1
Guided tour fees for groups: 50 € (upon arrangement)
What time does the Kanellopoulos Museum open? The Kanellopoulos Museum Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 8:30 am to 3 pm.
- Monday: closed
The Museum of the City of Athens
The Museum of the City of Athens is housed in the palace of King Otto on Klafthmonos Square and it is one of the few remaining examples of the neo-classical style that used to be so popular under the new monarchy.
Exhibits on the ground floor recreate the period of Otto, while the upstairs is designed to resemble the times when Otto and Queen Amalia lived here.
Where is the Museum of the City of Athens Located?
5-7 Paparigopoulou Str, Athens, (Click here to see the map).
How much does visiting the Museum of the City of Athens cost?
Admission fees:
- Adults / Students: €3
What time does the Museum of the City of Athens? The Museum of the City of Athens Opening Hours:
- Monday: 09:00- 16:00
- Tuesday: closed
- Wednesday: 09:00- 16:00
- Thursday: 09:00- 16:00
- Friday: 09:00- 16:00
- Saturday: 10:00- 15:00
- Sunday: 10:00- 15:00
The Folk Art Museum
The Museum of Folk Art on Kidathineon Street is easy to miss, as only a small plaque on the door of number 17 announces its presence.
It would be a shame to miss this delightful museum of Greek life throughout Greece; all those who cannot travel outside Athens should make a particular point to visit this superb collection of costumes and items of daily life (spinning wheels, agricultural tools, metalwork, embroidery).
The Museum of Folk Art also contains an entire room painted by the famous modern Greek primitive painter Theofilos Hadjimichael (1868-1934)
Blank Wall Gallery
Founded in 2014, Blank Wall Gallery is a small exhibition space that photographers for photographers founded. The gallery features both group and solo exhibitions by local and international artists and helps emerging photographers showcase their work in downtown Athens.
- Address: 55 Fokionos Negri St, Kypseli
- Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Saturday: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
Private appointments are available upon request
Museum of the Ancient Greek Technology
Nominated European Museum of the Year in 2019, the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, is one of the hidden gems of Athens. It examines and showcases the contribution of ancient Greece to science through around 300 operating models of ancient Greek inventions.
- Address: 6 Pindarou Str and Akadimias, Kolonaki
The museum is located at 8, Pindarou street in Kolonaki - Opening Hours: Daily and on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm
- Admission: €5 (reduced rates for students, children, teachers, and senior citizens)
and includes guided tours in Greek and English
Katakouzenos House Museum
The Katakouzenos House Museum project is an astonishing revival of a historical Athenian residence that was transformed into an educational institution. It’s one of the very few house museums in Athens and it’s definitely worth a visit.
- Address: 4 Amalias Avenue 5th floor, Syntagma, 105 57
- Opening Hours: Please call them (+30 210 322 2144) before your visit and ask for opening hours and ticket prices.
The Athens Pinball Museum
This is an amazing museum for all the arcade and pinball lovers out there. The museum features a large collection of fully functional vintage pinball machines and a cozy cafe for breaks in between games. It’s an excellent choice for a fun afternoon in Athens.
- Address: Dionisiou Areopagitou & Makri 2, 11742 Athens
- Admission: €10
Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum is the first museum dedicated to the art of jewelry in Greece and one of the very few of its kind in the world. It opened its doors in 1994 and has operated as an international decorative art hub.
- Address: 12 Kallisperi & Karyatidon, 11742, Athens
- Opening Hours:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Sunday: 11.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
Mondays, Tuesdays and National holidays the museum is closed - General Admission: €5,00
Students, Senior Citizens, and Groups: €4,00
Museum of Popular Musical Instruments
The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments or Popular Musical Instruments is both a museum and a research center that exhibits over 600 instruments from the last three centuries. A must-see for all music lovers.
- Address: 1-2 Diogenes St, Plaka, Athens
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 2 pm. Wednesday from 12 to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays
- Admission: Free
Athens War Museum
The Athens War Museum was founded in 1975 to honor those who fought for Greece’s independence throughout the centuries. It showcases the struggles of the Greek people and showcases rare items and heirlooms from times of war.
- Address: 2 Rizari Street and Vass. Sofias Avenue
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Sunday from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Closed on Mondays
- Admission: Free
Theatrical Museum
Founded by the famous historian Yiannis Sideris in 1938, the Theatrical Museum is a must-visit for those who want to explore the core concepts of theater and drama in its birthplace.
- Address: 50 Acadimias Street
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2:30 pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Admission: Free.
Greek Historical Costume Museum
The Greek Historical Costume Museum offers an intriguing look into Greek history by showcasing costumes from different periods and areas and explaining how they reflect social status and convey messages.
- Address: 7 Dimokritou st, Kolonaki, Athens
- Opening Hours: Mon, Weds, Fri: 10-1. Thurs: 5:30-8:30
- Admission: Free
The Hellenic Motor Museum
Built in 2011, the Hellenic Motor Museum is home to more than 300 vehicles that belong to shipping magnate Theodore Haragionis. Its collection includes modern and vintage iconic cars that excite all car aficionados.
- Address: 3rd September, 33-35 Iouliannou & Patission Streets
- Opening Hours: The Hellenic Motor Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 9 pm and on Sunday from 11 to 6 pm.
Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art
Housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion, the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits modern works of art collected by shipowner Basil Goulandris and his wife over five floors and frequently hosts exhibitions by international artists.
- Address: Eratosthenous Street 13 Pangrati, Athens, Greece
- Opening hours: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- General Admission: €8,00
- Children, Students, Senior Citizens: €6,00
Numismatic Museum of Athens
The Numismatic Museum of Athens is one of the city’s hidden gems. It houses an extensive collection of ancient and modern coins in a neoclassical building with a cozy outdoor cafe.
- Address: El. Venizelou 12, Athens 106 71
- Opening hours: Every day from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Admission: Free
Free Admission Days for Museums in Athens
If you are visiting Athens in the near future, you can visit some of the best museums in the Greek capital for absolutely free! Note that there are exemptions for certain days listed below for privately owned museums. We advise you best to check in advance.
Most museums in Athens are free from November to March on the first Sunday of the month.
- 6 March (Memory of Melina Mercouri)
- 18 April (International Monument Day)
- 18 May (International Museum Day)
- 5 June (World Environment Day)
- The last weekend of September (European Days of Cultural Heritage)
- 27 September (International Tourism Day)
- The museum’s official holidays should be open, including 6 January, Orthodox Good Friday, Orthodox Easter Saturday and Monday, Orthodox Monday of the Holy Spirit, 15th of August, and 28th of October.
Museums in Athens for Free – Tips
Certain folks are privileged with free admission or at least discounted admission. Every museum varies.
- Children under 12 years old
- Students under 19 years old from E.U. countries
- People over 65 years old
- People with special needs and their attendant
- Holders of the cards: ICOM, CIMAM, AICA
- Journalists, guides, soldiers.
Important, please read:
Museum Hours: It is vital to check for up-to-date information on all museums as close as possible to the time of one’s visit. Museums are usually closed on Tuesdays and on 1 January, 25 March, Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas. Some museums are open all day, some mornings and others afternoons. Be sure to check for accurate, up-to-date information at the National Tourist Organization (Tel: +30 210 8707000).
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