On this page of the free Athens travel guide, you can find the most important Athens museums which you should take the time to visit on your Greece vacation. You can also find several niche museums if you wish to expand your knowledge while visiting Athens.
For all Athens museums, you may find:
- the name of the Athens museum and perhaps a photo or a video;
- a short description of the Athens museum;
- a list of the most important things you should see inside the Athens museum, with links directing you to official information on each artifact/exhibit;
- visiting information including opening times, ticket prices, address and map location, telephone if available, and details on how to get there using public transport.
Acropolis Museum
The glass walls of the Acropolis Museum offer a panorama over the temples on the Acropolis of Athens. The glass floors allow visitors to see the remains of an old Christian settlement.
The incredible Acropolis Museum was designed by the famous Bernard Tschumi.
What to see in the Acropolis Museum
- The statues of the Parthenon. Inside the Acropolis Museum, you can admire the statues of the Parthenon, in the exact order in which they were once displayed in the iconic temple. The spaces left specifically empty represent the statues which can be visited in the British Museum of London.
- Peplos Kore. One of the most detailed ancient statues. Today, you can still see some paint remains on the eyes, lips, and hair. The cape called a peplos was also once painted.
- Kore with almond-shaped eyes. This is probably the most imposing statue of the deity. The ornate clothes and the nicely shaped body are proof of how sculpting had evolved in Greece. The dress is painted, and, on one side, you can see the specific Greek motive.
- Ancient Temple gable. A part of the gable of the ancient temple dedicated to Athena, built before the Parthenon and later destroyed. The gable illustrated Athena fighting a giant.
- Kritios Boy. Illustrating an athletic boy, it marks the passing from the ancient to the classical sculpture, introducing a naturalist pose.
- Mourning Athena. This small marble relief illustrated the goddess Athena as a girl, without a sword and shield, dressed in an Attica peplos.
- The Caryatids. The original female-shaped statues which used the portico of the Erechteion were brought inside the Acropolis Museum for preservation. They no longer have arms, but in the past, they used to hold bowls with drinks.
- Temple of Athena Nike frieze. A small yet dynamic frieze illustrating fighting scenes.
Go on a virtual tour of the Acropolis Museum →
Tickets, opening times, and other useful information
Opening times
The Acropolis Museum is open 7 days per week.
During winter, it is open from Monday to Thursday between 09.00 and 17.00, on Fridays between 09.00 and 22.00, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 09.00 and 20.00.
During summer, the Acropolis Museum is open on Monday between 08.00 and 16.00, on Friday between 08.00 and 22.00, and between 08.00 and 20.00 on all the other days.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €5.00 in winter and €10.00 in summer.
Reduced tickets (college students from non-EU countries, children and teenagers under the age of 18 years from non-EU countries, senior citizens from EU countries over 65 years) cost €3.00 during winter and €5.00 during summer.
Acropolis Museum
Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) from Ahthoupoli to Elliniko reaches the Akropoli station. Buses 24, 40, 57, 103, 106, 108, 111, 126, 134, 135, 136, 137, 155, 206, 208, 227, 230, 237, 790, 856, Α2, Α3, Α4, Β2, Β3, Β4, Ε2, Ε22 reach the nearby Makriyianni bus stop. Another option is taking a tram to the Leoforos Vouliagmenis station.
Tel. +30 21 0900 0900
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is the home of important historical artifacts which surpass the borders of Greece, coming from some of the most important cultures in the world. Among its displays, here you can admire the golden treasure of Mycenae, as well as the first statues which manage to illustrate the complexity of human nature.
What to see in the National Archaeological Museum
- The Cycladic Collection. Look below in this list to learn more about the Museum of Cycladic Art, housing the largest collection of this civilization.
- Thira Frescoes. In the 16th century BC, the entire settlement of Akrotiri on Thira (Santorini) was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. These unique and beautiful frescoes depicting flowers, birds, fishermen, and monkeys were extracted from the ashes, in perfect state.
- The Mycenae Collection. The people of Mycenae were famous for their battle skills, but also for their gold. A part of their golden treasure is on display in the National Archaeological Museum.
- Hellenistic sculptures. In the National Archaeological Museum, you can see the transition from the sturdy ancient sculptures to the ones from the Hellenistic period. The latters are more sensual, and this feature can be seen in the statuary group from the year 100 BC, composed of Aphrodite, Pan, and Eros.
- The Bronze Collection. Though many of the important works of art made of bronze were melted to obtain the metal for forging weapons, you can still admire some impressive statues in the National Archaeological Museum. Search for the 460 BC statue of Poseidon.
- Classical sculptures. The marble statues forming this collection come from Greek temples. The most important sculptures once decorated the Epidaurus.
- Vases and Minor Arts Collection. This collection offers an insight into the art of pottery, with vases and other vessels from the Neolithic to the 4th century BC. Most of them come from graves and sanctuaries.
- The Egyptian Antiquities. With a bronze statue of priestess-princess Takusit from the year 715 BC as its centerpiece, this wing is interesting to visit to make a comparison. Also, to discover what the Ancient Greeks borrowed from the Egyptians.
Check out the cafe of the National Archaeological Museum, if you want to have a quick bite or a coffee.
Museum map: Download .pdf
Tickets, opening times, and other useful information
Opening times
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is open 7 days per week.
Between 1 November and 28 February, it is open on Mondays between 13.00 and 20.00, and from Tuesday to Sunday between 08.30 to 15.30.
During the month of March, it is open on Tuesdays between 13.00 and 20.00 and from Wednesday to Monday between 08.30 and 16.00.
In all the other months, it is open on Tuesdays between 13.00 and 20.00, and from Wednesday to Monday between 08.00 and 20.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €5.00 in winter and €10.00 in summer.
Reduced tickets (college students from non-EU countries, senior citizens from EU countries over 65 years) cost €3.00 during winter and €5.00 during summer.
Free access is provided to children and teenagers under the age of 18 years from EU and non-EU countries, college students from EU countries, visitors with disabilities from EU and non-EU countries and their escorts. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Days with free admission for all visitors: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, last weekend of September, 28 October, first Sunday of every month between 1 November and 31 March.
Save money with the three-day Special ticket package! The full-priced special ticket costs €15.00, while the reduced is €8.00. It is also valid for other Athens Museums: the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Numismatic Museum, and the Epigraphical Museum.
National Archaeological Museum
Address: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 1 (Green line) or 2 (Red line) reach Omonia station. You can also get off the line 1 at the Victoria subway station. Buses Β5, Α6, Β6, Ε6, Α7, Β7, Ε7, Α8, Β8, Α12, Β12, Γ12, Ε12, 022, 035, 046, 060, 200, 224, 605, 608, 622 will also drop you in the area.
Tel. +30 21 3214 4800
Byzantine and Christian Museum
With artifacts ranging from complex metalwork to detailed icons, this museum manages to illustrate the great history of the Byzantine Empire. This impressive collection contains over 15,000 objects from the Byzantine period, from great churches and monasteries spread all over the world. The collection of the Byzantine and Christian Museum includes sculptures, manuscripts, icons, and various other religious objects.
What to see in the Byzantine and Christian Museum
- Marble table support of Orpheus. Orpheus surrounded by animals is a parallel to Jesus and the apostles. It is very common in Byzantine art to take pagan myths and twist them to fit the new religion.
- Marble table support of the Good Shepherd. This is yet another allegory. While the shepherd fits the image of Jesus collecting the stray sheep, it is actually an image copied from the Acropolis. In the latter, the man is actually carrying the animal as an offering to the goddess Athena.
- The Manuscripts Collection. There are over 500 Byzantine and Post-Byzantine manuscripts, dating from the 6th to the 19th century. The most important piece of this collection is the 14th-century Chrysobull issued by emperor Andronicus II Palaiologos.
- Wall painting from Episkopi Eurytania. The church of Episkopi, in Eurytania, was submerged under the waters of the artificial lake of the Kremasta Damn. However, the 10th and 13th-century paintings were removed and put on display inside the museum.
- Theotokos Glykophilousa (“Episkepsis”). The mosaic icon was created in the 13th century. It depicts the Virgin holding baby Jesus in her arms, with their cheeks touching. This type of icon is very rare, with only around 40 still remaining in the world.
- Double-sided icon of St. George and scenes from his life. Large double-sided icons were extremely rare in the Byzantine Empire. This icon is special because it was sculpted, thus illustrating the body of the saint in relief.
- Icon of Archangel Michael. This 14th-century icon depicts Archangel Michael on a gold background.
In summer, you may be lucky enough to catch a concert in the courtyard of the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Byzantine and Christian Museum is open every day except Tuesdays.
Between 7 January and 28 February, it is open on Mondays between 08.30 and 15.30, and from Wednesday to Sunday between 08.30 to 15.30.
During the month of March, it is open on Mondays between 08.30 and 16.00 and from Wednesday to Sunday between 08.30 and 16.00.
In all the other months, it is open daily except Tuesdays between 08.00 and 20.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €4.00 in winter and €10.00 in summer.
Free access is provided to children and teenagers under the age of 19 years, college students from EU countries, visitors with disabilities from EU and non-EU countries and their escorts. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting free admission.
Save money with the three-day Special ticket package! The full-priced special ticket costs €15.00, while the reduced is €8.00. It is also valid for other Athens Museums: the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Numismatic Museum, and the Epigraphical Museum.
Byzantine and Christian Museum
Address: Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athina 106 75, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 3 (Blue line) reaches the nearby Evangelismos station. Buses 054, 100, 203, 204, 220, 221, 224, 235, 608, 622, 732, 815, Χ14, Χ95, Α5, Ε14 and trolleybus 3 reach the Rigillis bus stop. Bus 250 reaches the Evangelismos bus stop. Buses 450, 550, and trolleybus 10 reach the Ethniko Idryma Ereunon bus stop. Buses 060, 022 reach the Loukianou bus stop.
Tel. +30 21 3213 9517
Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum is one of the most important museums in Greece. Located in an 1867 neoclassic villa and several other buildings, it has a valuable collection of Hellenic art objects, dating from the Neolithic until the present day. In its 36 rooms, it holds over 20,000 objects.
What to see in the Benaki Museum
- The Treasure of Evia. A collection of gold and silver vessels from the years 3000-2800 BC mark the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age. Their designs and decorations are simple.
- The Treasure of Thebe. In the late Bronze Age, people started wearing jewelry to display their wealth. In this collection, you can admire engraved gold rings once used as personal seals.
- The Treasure of Thessalia. This incredible collection of Greek and Roman gold jewelry from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC includes a precious gold diadem and diadem centerpiece with a Herakles Knot. This type of decoration was thought to have therapeutic qualities and therefore was widely used in Hellenistic and Roman jewelry.
Besides Prehistoric, Ancient Greek, and Roman Art, here you can also visit collections on Byzantine Art, Islamic Art, Chinese Art, Coptic Art, Post-Byzantine and Neo-Hellenic Art, and Pre-Columbian Art. In addition, you can discover historic heirlooms, paintings, drawings and prints, childhood, toys and games, and the studio of Yannis Pappas.
If you wish to see everything in the Benaki Museum, you should plan an entire day for your visit.
On the first Wednesday of every month, there are special tours by the curator of the Benaki Museum Islamic collection. For reservations, please call +30 21 0325 1314.
The roof of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture offers a stunning view of Athens.
Go on a virtual tour of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture →
Or go on a virtual tour of the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art →
Tickets, opening times, and other useful information
Opening times
The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is open on Wednesdays and Fridays between 10.00 and 18.00, on Thursdays and Saturdays between 10.00 and 00.00, and on Sundays between 10.00 and 16.00. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art is open from Thursday to Sunday, between 10.00 and 18.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €9.00, and it includes an audio guide.
Reduced tickets cost €7.00 and are offered to students, seniors over 65 years, European Youth Card holders.
Free access is provided to people under the age of 22 years and visitors with disabilities.
Save money with the Benaki Museum Experience Ticket! It costs €25.00 and grants a visitor one entrance per exhibition in all the Benaki Museum buildings. It is valid for 3 months.
Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
Address: 1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave., 106 74 Athens | See on map
Public transport | Subway line 2 (Red line) can take you to Syntagma station, while line 3 (Blue line) can take you to Syntagma station or Evangelismos. Buses 022, 054, 100, 203, 204, 220, 221, 224, 235, 608, 622, 732, 815, Α5, Γ5, Ε14, Ε6 and trolleybus 3 also drop you at a bus stop near the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture.
Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
Address: Dipilou 12, Athina 105 53, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 1 (Green line) and 3 (Blue line) can take you to the Monastiraki station. Buses 026, 027, 031, 035, 049, 731, 811, 812, 815, 820, 836, 838, 839, 851, 856, 865, 914, Α16, Β18, Γ16, Ε63 and trolleybus 21 can take you at a bus stop near the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art.
Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art
The Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art is dedicated to the study and promotion of ancient cultures from the Aegean and Cyprus. The museum houses the largest collection of Cycladic art in the world, with an emphasis on that from the 3rd millennium BC. With works of art from the years 3200 – 2200 BC, you can admire icons that are older than 5,000 years!
What to see in the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art
- Female figurine of the Dokathismata variety. The simple, prolong figure, with crossed arms, is typical to Cycladic sculptures. You may find it similar to works of Brâncuși, Giacometti, Picasso, and Modigliani, to whom it served as inspiration.
- Dove vase. Sculpted entirely out of a block of marble, this is a remarkable offering vessel, found inside a tomb. Birds represent an element found often in Cycladic art, but their meaning is yet unknown.
- Figurine of a hunter-warrior. With his long arms crossed against his chest, and incised eyes and mouth, this figurine is classified as a “post-canonical” type. The belt set diagonally across his body indicates the fact that he was a hunter.
- Torso of a marble statue. This figurine is the only Cycladic sculpture of this size representing a man. Some say it is the work of a sculptor named the Goulandris Master.
- Seated figurine. Figurines like this seated cup-bearer are quite rare in the Cycladic sculpture. They are however proof that besides the figurines depicting goddesses, sculptors also tried to capture moments from everyday life.
- Amphora. This 6th century BC vessel represents Dionysos, the god of wine. On one side, you can see him with two Satyrs, while on the other there is a conversation scene with Athena and Hermes.
Visit the Museum of Cycladic Art after 13.00. This way, you’ll be able to avoid the groups and the students who visit every morning.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful information
Opening times
The Museum of Cycladic Art is open every day except on Tuesday. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays it is open between 10.00 and 17.00, on Thursday it is open between 10.00 and 20.00, and on Sundays between 11.00 and 17.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €7.00.
Reduced tickets cost €3.50 and they are offered to seniors over 65 years, students, and young adults between 19 and 26 years of age. On Mondays, everyone benefits from the same reduced fee of €3.50.
Free access is provided to children and teenagers under the age of 18 years, visitors with disabilities from EU and non-EU countries and their escorts, journalists. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art
Address: Neofitou Douka 4, Athina 106 74, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) can take you to Syntagma station, while line 3 (Blue line) reaches both Syntagma and Evangelismos stations. Buses Α5, Ε6, Ε7, Χ14, 054, 200, 203, 204, 220, 221, 224, 235, 408, 608, 622, 732, 815 and trolleybuses 3, 7, 13 will also leave you at nearby bus stops.
Tel. +30 21 0722 8321
Museum of Greek Culture: Museum of Greek Folk Art
The main building of the museum housed a large collection of Greek folk art on 5 levels, with exhibits from the 1650s to the present day, including traditional tapestries and costumes, ceramics, wood carvings, metal works, dolls, and filigree jewelry. A new building for the museum is being built. The museum also has two annexes: the Bath-House of the Winds and the House on Panos Street.
What to see in the Museum of Modern Greek Culture
- Frescoes from the Island of Lesvos. In the popular paintings section, admire the frescoes of the self-taught artist Theophilos Hadjimichail, brought from the Island of Lesvos.
- The Bath-House of the Winds. This is the only hammam in Athens that still exists nowadays. Go on a virtual tour →
- The House on Panos Street. The permanent exhibition inside the House of Panos Street is called Men and Tools: Aspects of labor in pre-industrial society.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
Both annexes are open every day except on Tuesday. On all the other days these two Athens museums are open between 08.00 and 15.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket to one annex costs €2.00.
Reduced tickets cost €1.00 and they are offered to students from non-EU countries and senior citizens over 65 years from EU countries.
Free access is provided to children and teenagers under the age of 19 years, students from EU countries, visitors with disabilities, and journalists. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Days with free admission for all visitors: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, last weekend of September, 28 October, first Sunday of every month between 1 November and 31 March.
The Bath-House of the Winds
Address: Kirristou 8, Athina 105 56, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 1 (Green line) and 3 (Blue line) can take you as far as Monastiraki Square.
Tel. +30 21 0324 5957
The House on Panos Street
Address: Panos 17-19, Athina 105 55, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 1 (Green line) and 3 (Blue line) can take you as far as Monastiraki Square.
Tel. +30 21 0321 4972
Numismatic Museum of Athens
The permanent collection of the Numismatic Museum of Athens presents the history of coins from the ancient Greeks to the modern days. This valuable coin collection can be admired inside the house of Schliemann. He was the archaeologist who uncovered the treasures of Mycenae, now exposed in the National Archaeological Museum.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Numismatic Museum is open every day except on Mondays. On all the other days it is open between 08.30 and 15.30.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €6.00. The reduced ticket costs €3.00.
Save money with the three-day Special ticket package! The full-priced special ticket costs €15.00, while the reduced is €8.00. It is also valid for other Athens Museums: the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Numismatic Museum, and the Epigraphical Museum.
Numismatic Museum of Athens
Address: Eleftheriou Venizelou 12, Athina 106 71, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) will take you to the nearby Panepistimio station. Trolleybuses 2, 3, 4, 11, 13 will also drop you at the nearby bus stops.
Tel. +30 21 0363 2057
Epigraphical (Inscription) Museum of Athens
Unique in Greece, and among the largest museum of this type in the entire world, the Epigraphical Museum of Athens houses over 13,500 inscriptions, mostly Greek, and from Greece. Visitors have access to four of its eleven rooms, the courtyard, and the lobby.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful information
Opening times
The Epigraphical Museum is open every day except on Mondays. On all the other days it is open between 08.00 and 15.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €2.00.
Free admission is granted to children and teenagers under the age of 18 years, college students of EU countries, journalists, people with disabilities. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting free admission.
Days with free admission for all visitors: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, last weekend of September, 28 October, first Sunday of every month between 1 November and 31 March.
Save money with the three-day Special ticket package! The full-priced special ticket costs €15.00, while the reduced is €8.00. It is also valid for other Athens Museums: the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Numismatic Museum, and the Epigraphical Museum.
Epigraphic Museum of Athens
Address: Tositsa 1, Athina 106 82, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 1 (Green line) or 2 (Red line) reach Omonia station. You can also get off line 1 at the Victoria subway station. Buses Β5, Α6, Β6, Ε6, Α7, Β7, Ε7, Α8, Β8, Α12, Β12, Γ12, Ε12, 022, 035, 046, 060, 200, 224, 605, 608, 622 will also drop you in the area.
Tel. +30 210 8232950
Photo by Tilemahos Efthimiadis from Athens [CC BY-SA 2.0]
Museum of Greek Popular Music Instruments
When you visit this museum, you can listen to the influences of the Middle East and Europe over Greek music. These influences are also reflected in the musical instruments the Greeks used. They are beautiful works of craftsmanship, sometimes made out of silver and ivory.
The garden of the Museum of Musical Instruments hosts concerts in its courtyard in summer.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments is open every day except on Mondays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays it is open between 10.00 and 14.00. On Wednesdays, it is open between 12.00 and 18.00.
Tickets
Admission is free of charge.
Museum of Greek Popular Instruments
Address: Diogenous 1, Athina 105 56, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 1 (Green line) and 3 (Blue line) can take you as far as Monastiraki.
Tel. +30 21 0325 0198
Museum of Ancient Greek Technology
The Museum houses about 300 operating models of ancient Greek technology. The inventions cover a period of time between 2,000 BC to the final years of Ancient Greece.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology is open daily between 09.00 and 17.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €5.00.
Free admission is provided to children and teenagers under the age of 18 years, and to people with disabilities. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Museum of Ancient Greek Technology
Address: Pindarou 6, Athina 106 71, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) will take you as far as Panepistimio station.
Tel. +30 21 1411 0044
Herakleidon Museum
The Herakleidon Museum is an interactive center for popularized science. In their two buildings, they don’t only offer captivating exhibitions on Physics, Arts, and Mathematics, but also educational programs for children and adults.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Herakleidon Museum of Athens is open daily. On Mondays and Tuesdays, it is open between 10.00 and 15.00, and from Wednesday to Sunday, it is open between 10.00 and 18.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €7.00.
Reduced tickets cost €5.00 and they are offered to teenagers between 12 and 18 years of age, college students, teachers, senior citizens.
Free admission is provided to children under 12 years of age and journalists. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Herakleidon Museum
Address: Iraklidon 16, Athina 118 51, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 1 (Green line) and 3 (Blue line) can take you to the nearby Thissio station.
Tel. +30 210 34 61 981
Museum of the History of Greek Costume
You can learn about the varieties in the Greek costumes by admiring the collection of this museum. Its collection has over 6,000 objects, including clothing, ornaments, and jewelry.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Museum of the History of Greek Costume is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10.00 and 13.00, and on Thursdays between 17.30 and 20.30.
Tickets
Admission is free of charge.
Museum of History of Greek Costume
Address: Dimokritou 7, Athina 106 71, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) takes you to the nearby Panepistimio station.
Tel. +30 21 0362 9513
City Museum of Athens
This was the first house ever built in Athens, once the city was declared the Capital of the new Kingdom of Greece, in 1834. The first king of Greece, Otto, also built another building next to it, where he lived while his Royal Palace was being built.
Today, the City Museum of Athens houses a collection of paintings and furniture which paints a picture of the modern city and its history.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The City Museum of Athens is open every day except on Tuesdays. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, this Athens museum is open between 09.00 and 16.00. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open between 10.00 and 15.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €5.00.
Reduced tickets cost €3.00 and they are offered to pupils and college students, and senior citizens.
Free admission is provided to people with disabilities. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
City Museum of Athens
Address: loannou Paparrigopoulou 5, Athina 105 61, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) takes you to the nearby Panepistimio station.
Tel. +30 21 0323 1387
Hellenic War Museum
From prehistoric battle axes to weapons used nowadays, on the 2 floors of the Hellenic War Museum you can discover an impressive military collection. In the courtyard, there are military aircraft and tanks in which visitors can enter, to see every detail from up-close.
What to see in the Hellenic War Museum
- Alexander the Great’s war plans.
- The Saroglos Collection. This collection includes medieval swords and armors, florets from the Renaissance period, dueling pistols, engraved scimitars, and even katanas.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Athens Hellenic War Museum is open daily. During winter, it is open between 09.00 and 17.00. During summer, it is open between 09.00 and 19.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €4.00.
Reduced tickets cost €2.00 and they are offered to children and teenagers under 18 years from non-EU countries, college students from non-EU countries, and senior citizens over 65 years from EU countries.
Free admission is provided to children and teenagers under 18 years from EU countries, college students from EU countries, people with disabilities and their escorts, journalists. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Hellenic War Museum
Address: Rizari 2, Athina 106 75, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 2 (Red line) and 3 (Blue line) can take you to the nearby Syntagma station. Buses 054, 200, 203, 204, 211, 214, 220, 221, 223, 224, 235, 250, 408, 419, 601, 603, 608, 622, 815, A5, Γ5, Ε7 and trolleybuses 3, 7, 13 can also drop you at the nearby Rigilis bus stop.
Tel. +30 21 0725 2974
Jewish Museum
Before the Nazi occupation and the Genocide, many Greek Jewish communities could trace their roots from before Classical Greece. Learn about the history of Jews in Greece through the over 15,000 artifacts displayed inside the Jewish Museum, together with documentation on the Holocaust.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Jewish Museum is open every day except on Saturdays. From Monday to Friday it is open between 09.00 and 14.30, and on Sundays between 10.00 and 14.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €6.00.
Reduced tickets cost €3.00 and they are offered to students.
Jewish Museum
Address: Nikis 39, Athina 105 57, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 2 (Red line) and 3 (Blue line) can take you to the nearby Syntagma station. Tram lines 1 and 2 can also take you to Syntagma Square.
Tel. +30 21 0322 5582
Political Exile Museum
Modern Greece has gone through the Balkan Wars, the two World Wars, a civil war, and a military dictatorship. In all those times of struggle for the people, the rulers sent those who were against them to exile in the Greek islands. This museum focuses on the political exile to the island of Agios Efstratios, collecting items and artwork from political detention and exile camps.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Political Exile Museum is open every day, except on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday it is open between 10.00 and 13.00. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open between 11.00 and 14.00.
Tickets
Admission is free of charge.
Political Exile Museum
Address: Ag. Asomaton 31, Athina 105 53, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 1 (Green line) and 3 (Blue line) can take you to the nearby Thissio station.
Tel. +30 21 0321 3488
National History Museum
Once the first building of the Greek Parliament, it is now a museum focused on the Greek Independence War. However, it is not limited to that, as the Museum also houses a collection of historical items starting from the capturing of Constantinople in 1453 to the Second World War.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The National History Museum is open every day except on Mondays. From Tuesday to Sunday it is open between 08.30 and 14.30.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €3.00.
Reduced tickets cost €1.50.
Days with free admission: every Sunday, 25 March, 18 May, 28 October.
National History Museum
Address: Athens 105 61, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) can take you as far as Panepistimio or Syntagma. Subway line 3 (Blue line) and Tram lines 1 and 2 can also take you to Syntagma Square.
Tel. +30 210 32 37 617, +30 210 32 37 315, +30 210 32 22 266
Goulandris Natural History Museum
Founded in 1965 by Angelos and Niki Goulandris, the Natural History Museum is located outside the city center, in an elegant villa in Kifissia. The first exhibition halls focusing on plant biology were designed by the British Natural History Museum. It also has exhibits on Entomology, Marine Biology, Herpetology, Ornithology, Geology, and Paleontology.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Goulandris Natural History Museum is open every day except on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday it is open between 09.00 and 14.30. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open between 10.00 and 15.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €6.00.
Reduced tickets cost €4.00 and they are offered to children and teenagers under 18 years, and college students.
Free admission is provided to people with disabilities and journalists. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Goulandris Natural History Museum
Address: Levidou 13, Kifisia 145 62, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 1 (Green line) can take you to the nearby Kifissia station.
Tel. +30 21 0801 5870
Industrial Gas Museum
The Industrial Gas Museum of Athens presents the old Gasworks through a 13-stop walk through the museum. You will discover vast archive materials, everyday objects from the plant, photographs, film screenings, and interviews with previous employees and residents from the area.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Industrial Gas Museum is open every day except for Mondays. During winter, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10.00 and 20.00. During summer, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10.00 and 18.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €1.00.
Industrial Gas Museum
Address: Pireos 100, Athina 118 54, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 3 (Blue line) can take you to the nearby Kerameikos station.
Tel. +30 21 3010 9300
Hellenic Motor Museum
The Hellenic Motor Museum in Athens exhibits 120 amazing samples from the international automobile industry. You can admire the works of brands like Bentley, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, and Bristol. You can also (re)discover car models that are no longer produced these days: Avion Voisin, Adler, Packard, Facel Vega, Delage, Iso, Dino, Stanguelini, Siata, Frazer Nash, Elva, and Miller.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Hellenic Motor Museum is open daily. From Monday to Friday it is open between 10.00 and 14.00. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open between 11.00 and 18.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €8.00.
Reduced tickets cost €5.00 and they are offered to children between 6 and 12 years of age, college students, and senior citizens over 65 years.
Free admission is provided to children up to the age of 5 years. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Hellenic Motor Museum
Address: Ioulianou 33, Athina 104 33, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 1 (Green line) will take you to the nearby Victoria station.
Tel. +30 21 0881 6187
Museum of Greek Children’s Art
If you’re feeling curious or are traveling with your kids, you should definitely stop at the Children’s Art Museum. You can find here the works of young artists (4 – 14 years old) from school camps, but also from refugee camps. They also host various activities for children.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Museum of Greek Children’s Art is open every day, except on Mondays. From Tuesday to Saturday it is open between 10.00 and 14.00, and on Sundays, it is open between 11.00 and 14.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €3.00.
Museum of Greek Children’s Art
Address: Kodrou 9, Athina 105 58, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 2 (Red line) and 3 (Blue line) will take you to nearby Syntagma station. Tramlines 1 and 2 will also take you as far as Syntagma Square.
Tel. +30 21 0331 2621
Emotions Museum for Children and Teenagers
This unique museum uses interactive exhibitions, play, and stories to encourage children and teenagers to discover their emotions. It also comes to the aid of parents and teachers in dealing with the emotional development of the children they are responsible for. Children have to be at least 5 years old to enter this Athens museum.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Emotions Museum for Children and Teenagers is open for foreign visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, between 10.00 and 13.00.
Tickets
An exhibition ticket costs €4.00.
A workshop ticket which includes access to the exhibition costs €8.00.
Emotions Museum for Children and Teenagers
Address: Karatza 7, Athina 117 41, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) will take you to the nearby Syngrou-Fix station. Tramlines 1 and 2 will also drop you at the Syngrou-Fix tram stop.
Tel. +30 21 0921 8329
Pavlos and Alexandria Kanellopoulos Museum
Inside a neoclassic villa, you can admire a beautiful collection of antiquities.
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Kanellopoulos Museum is open every day except on Tuesdays. From Wednesday to Monday it is open between 08.30 and 16.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €4.00.
Reduced tickets cost €2.00.
Pavlos and Alexandra Kanellopoulos Museum
Address: Athens 105 55, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway lines 1 (Green line) and 3 (Blue line) take you to the nearby Monastiraki station. Bus number 230 also drops you at a nearby bus stop.
Tel. +30 21 0321 2313
Lalaounis Museum
The Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis displays his creations in this museum. Founded in 1993, the Lalaounis Museum is devoted to the art of jewelry and the decorative arts. Admire the over 4,000 pieces of jewelry and micro sculptures from the over 50 collections designed by Ilias Lalaounis between 1940 and 2000!
Tickets, opening times, and other useful travel information
Opening times
The Lalaounis Museum is open every day except for Mondays. From Tuesday to Saturday it is open between 09.00 and 15.00. On Sundays, it is open between 11.00 and 16.00.
Tickets
A full general admission ticket costs €5.00.
Reduced tickets cost €4.00 and they are offered to students and senior citizens.
Free admission is provided to children and teenagers under 18 years, people with disabilities and their escorts, artists, and journalists. Proper identification needs to be provided for getting a reduced ticket or free admission.
Days with free admission: every Saturday.
Lalaounis Museum
Address: Athens 117 42, Greece | See on map
Public transport: Subway line 2 (Red line) can take you as far as the Acropoli station.
Tel. +30 21 0922 1044
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