Museums

Museums operating in Athens can be divided in two categories. On the one hand, there are the important institutions hosting world treasures from antiquity and the Byzantine era. These include the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum and the Byzantine Museum. Next to them, there are a number of state thematic museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the War Museum.

One the other, there are a large number of thematic, public and private museums with smaller collections in a variety of fields ranging from history to ceramics and from railway to music instruments.

BENAKI MUSEUM

Koumpari Street& Vasilissis Sofias Avenue
Nearest Metro :  Syntagma (Line 2 & 3)
Telephone:  +302103671000
Website: http://www.benaki.gr/
Access for persons with limited mobility:  Yes

This group of collections comprises many distinct categories totaling more than 30.000 items illustrating the character of the Greek world through a spectacular historical panorama: from antiquity and the age of Roman domination to the medieval Byzantine period; from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the centuries of Frankish and Ottoman occupation; to the outbreak of the struggle for independence in 1821; from the formation of the modern state of Greece in 1830, up to 1922, the year in which the Asia Minor disaster took place.

Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9:00 to 17:00, Thursday from 9:00 to 12:00, Sunday from 9:00 to 15:00, Tuesday Closed

MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART

Neofytou Douka Street
Nearest Metro : Panepistimio
Telephone:  +302107228321
Website: http://www.cycladic.gr
Access for persons with limited mobility: Yes

Devoted to the study and promotion of ancient Greek art, the Museum of Cycladic Art hosts two permanent collections. The Cycladic Collection, with marble statuettes and ceramic pots from the prehistoric period of the Cycladic islands (3200-2000 B.C.); and the Ancient Greek Collection, which exhibits objects of art from the 15th century BC to the 4th century AD. The museum also hosts several temporary collections in its new wing, which is housed in the magnificent neo-classical Stathatos Mansion.

Opening Hours:
Monday from 10:00 to 16:00
Wednesday from 10:00 to 16:00
Thursday from 10:00 to 16:00 10:00-20:00, when temporary exhibitions are on)
Friday from 10:00 to 16:00
Saturday from 10:00-15:00
Closed on Tuesday & Sunday

NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF ATHENS

Patision Avenue
Nearest Metro :  Omonoia
Telephone: +302108217724
Access for persons with limited mobility: Yes

The National Archaeological Museum is a must to visit. One of the richest museums concerning ancient Greek art in the world, its collections are representative of all the cultures that flourished in Greece: from the prehistoric age until the later age of Turkish dominance, including frescoes from prehistoric Thera and statues from the classical period, such as a bronze statue of Poseidon.

Opening Hours:
Summer season from 08:00 to 19:30
Winter season from 08:30 to 15:00
Monday from 13:00 to 19:30

MUSEUM OF GREEK CHILDREN'S ART

Kodrou Street
Nearest Metro : Acropoli
Telephone:  +302103312621
Website: http://www.childrensartmuseum.gr

The museum's collection includes paintings and 3-D artwork by children up to 14 years old.
A must see for children who love arts and crafts.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00
Sunday from 11:00 to 14:00
Closed on Mondays

MUSEUM OF ANCIENT MARKET

Adrianou Street
Nearest Metro : Monastiraki
Access for persons with limited mobility: Yes

The museum of Ancient Market is accommodated in the restored Gallery [Attalou], monument of the 150 B.C. His exhibits have direct relation with the operation of democratic regime of Ancient Athens, since the Market was the heart of public life. The gallery (Attalou) was revealed in the excavations of the Archaeological Company between the years 1859-1902. At the period 1953-56 it was restored and it has been reconstructed in order to accomodate the discoveries of excavations of Market. In 1957 the Greek State undertook the administration and the safety of the Museum and the archaeological space.

Opening Hours:
Summer season from 08:00 to 19:30
Winter season from 08:00 to 17:00

More information about museums and archaeological sites in Athens can be found at www.breathtakingathens.com