By Maria Alexiou

In a city as ancient as Athens, museums present fantastic chances for guests to interact with the vast cultural and historical heritage of the city. There is no doubt that there is a museum in Athens to satiate your curiosity, whether your goals are to explore ancient ruins, discover more about the history of the ancient city, or peruse galleries showcasing ancient or contemporary art.

The Acropolis Museum
One of Athens' architectural gems, the Acropolis Museum stands in stark contrast to the marble volume of the Acropolis. The floor to ceiling windows let sunlight shine on the statues while offering visitors awe-inspiring views of the Acropolis across the street. Situated just 300 meters southeast of the Parthenon on the ancient road Dionysiou Areopagitou, it contains over 20,000 pieces that were discovered during excavations in Athens. To fully understand the significance of the Acropolis in the Mycenaean Period, start the tour on the first floor at the northeast corner and try to avoid going between 10:00 and 14:00 on weekdays. Furthermore, the Acropolis Museum is open until 22:00 on Friday nights. Savor a special menu based on traditional recipes at its restaurant, which is open until midnight and offers stunning nighttime views of the Acropolis. Situated on the museum's second floor, the restaurant boasts an expansive public terrace offering stunning views of Athens' historic hills.
15, Dionysiou Areopagitou str., 11742 Athens, tel. 210 900 09 00 / Opening hours: Mondays 9 am - 5 pm, Tuesdays – Sundays 9 am - 8 pm, Fridays 9 am - 10 pm

National Archaeological Museum
Greece's largest museum, the National Archaeological Museum, is regarded as one of the most significant in the entire globe. It was the first museum established in the newly liberated Greek state, having been founded in 1829 following the revolutionary struggle. A sculpture collection that shows the evolution of ancient Greek sculpture from the seventh to the fifth centuries BC is housed in the museum. Highlights include the Golden Mask of Agamemnon, which was discovered in Mycenae by H. Schliemann. Other noteworthy sections include the Metallurgy collection and the Vase and Minor Objects collection. The museum, housed in an 8,000 square meter neoclassical building from the 19th century, is home to over 11,000 exhibits. Make sure you allow enough time to explore the museum, and don't miss the 700 plants on display in the recently renovated atrium garden—many of which have references to Greek mythology.
44, 28th of October (Patission) str., Athens, tel. 213 214 4800 / Opening hours: Wednesdays to Mondays 08:00 – 20:00, Tuesdays 13:00 – 20:00

Cycladic Art Museum
The Cycladic Art Museum was established in 1986 to house the collection of Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris. Today, it is home to one of the largest private collections of Cycladic art worldwide. The two buildings of this museum house over 3,000 objects from all phases of Cycladic, Ancient Greek, and Cypriot art in both permanent and temporary exhibits. Neofytou Douka Street is a modern building connected to the restored Neoclassical Stathatos Mansion of the 19th century by a glass-roofed corridor. Remember to stop by the recently opened Cycladic café—it'sthe ideal spot for lunch or coffee.
4, Neophytou Douka str., Athens, tel. 210 72 28 3213 / Opening hours: Μonday-Wednesday - Friday-Saturday10:00 to 17:00, Thursday 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday 11:00 to 17:00. Tuesdays closed

The Byzantine and Christian Museum
There are 25,000 objects in the Byzantine and Christian Museum's outstanding collection that date from the third to the twentieth century A.D. Admire the reconstructions of early churches and the immaculately preserved mosaic floors in the museum's rich conservation department, and marvel at the veritable treasure trove of early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, and post-Byzantine artifacts. Those who are eager to explore Athens' numerous churches can get a sneak peek at the early Christian church artifacts and icons. The building was originally the eccentric French-American philhellene, the Duchess of Plaisance, whose design was influenced by the Greek War of Independence.
22, Vasilissis Sofias str., Athens, 106 75 / Opening hours: Mondays 09:00-14:00, Tuesdays closed, Wednesday-Sunday 09:00-16:00

EMST National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens
Located in the former FIX brewery, the National Museum of Contemporary Art opened for business in 2000 and features an impressive permanent collection in addition to memorable exhibitions. With more than 1,400 pieces of art, the collection includes both modern art using cutting-edge new media and historic art from the second half of the 20th century.
Kallirois Ave. & Frantzi Str., (former Fix brewery) +302111019000
Open daily 11:00-19:00, Thurs 11:00-22:00, closed on Mondays

The War Museum
The War Museum was built in 1964 as a memorial to all those who sacrificed their lives to defend the nation's freedom. It displays numerous significant eras in Greek history, such as the military battles such as the Balkan Wars, the Asia Minor Campaign, and Greek forces' participation in Korea. Swords, pistols, and military gear from the 18th and 19th centuries are also displayed. The fighter planes in front of the entrance and the full-scale model of the Daedalus are two particularly noteworthy exhibits. It is advised that guests begin their tour in the hall of antiquities on the first floor.
Vasilissis Sofias & 2, Rizari str., Athens, 210 7252974 / Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-19.00

National Historical Museum
The National Historical Museum, which is housed in a structure that was once the first Greek House of Parliament, uses archive materials, images, costumes, and flags to chronicle Greece's history since the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453. The bronze statue of General Theodoros Kolokotronis, which serves as the museum's emblem, is situated in front of the entrance.
Old Parliament Building, 13 Stadiou Str., 10561, Athens, tel. 2103237617

Numismatic Museum of Athens
The Numismatic Museum of Athens, one of the country's first public museums, has an extensive collection of coins and medals from the Classical, Macedonian, Roman, and Byzantine periods to the founding of the Modern Greek state. The neoclassical Iliou Melathron building, which is close to Syntagma Square, is home to the collection. Originally the home of renowned archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann—the father of Mycenaean and Trojan archaeology—it was constructed and designed by German architect Ernst Ziller.
Iliou Melathron, 12, El. Venizelou (Panepistimiou) str., Athens,, tel. 210 3632057 / Opening hours: Thursdays – Sundays 08.00 – 20.00, Mondays, Wednesdays 08.30 – 15.30, Tuesdays closed

Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum collection, located just a short stroll from Syntagma Square, spans 2,300 years of Jewish history in Greece. The museum was initially housed in a tiny synagogue, but in 1997 it was able to expand to its current location thanks to an increase in visitor traffic and an expanding collection of artifacts. It displays more than 10,000 artifacts that investigate the Greek-Jewish experience in both religious and secular terms.
39, Nikis str., Athens, 105 57, tel. 210 32 25 582 / Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9.00-14.30, Sundays 10.00-14.00. Saturdays closed

What lies beneath? Celebrating 15 years of operation, the Acropolis Museum unveils the "Excavation Museum".
Αn ancient neighborhood where people of various national origins and religious beliefs lived productively for over 4,500 years was discovered at the base of the Acropolis Museum, a unique embrace of ruins that traces Athens’ ancient past through the centuries. Constructed along the sleek, uninterrupted southern face of the rock, it accommodates human habitation and activity from the fourth millennium BC to the twelfth century AD. Free citizens, metics, and slaves reared their offspring and buried their dead, established their homes and jobs, worshipped local deities or embraced eastern mystery cults. A few of these individuals not only strolled but also produced some of the masterpieces, the Parthenon and Acropolis monuments that we still revere today. The most well-preserved archaeological remnants include roads, houses, baths, workshops, and graves, while a plethora of artifacts, including coins, vases, and sculptures offer important insights into the lives of the people who inhabited the area during its protracted historical journey. Acropolis Museum's architecture incorporates this ancient neighborhood of Athens in a unique way, allowing it to interact with the magnificent examples of Greek art on display on its floors. The semi-open “museum beneath the museum” houses 1,150 of the thousands of objects the research has uncovered in a 35-meter showcase.
Οpen during the Museum’s opening hours. To access the excavation site and its exhibits, a general admission ticket to the Acropolis Museum is required.

Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, located in a posh area of Kolonaki, houses the Benakis family art collection, which Antonis Benakis and his three sisters donated to Greece. This amazing collection, which consists of over 40,000 pieces, provides a distinctive perspective on the cultural and historical significance of the Greek world. The exhibition spans the era from Greek antiquity to the 19th century, giving those who are familiar with Greek culture a useful refresher and giving those who are unfamiliar with it a thorough overview.
1, Koumbari & Vasilissis Sofias str., 106 74, Athens, tel. 210 367 1000 / Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 10:00 - 18:00, Thursdays 10:00 - 00:00, Sundays 10:00 - 16:00

Benaki Museum/Piraeus 138
Large exhibition spaces, an amphitheater, and a courtyard are used in the industrial-style Benaki Museum/Pireos 138 building to honor contemporary music, architecture, design, and art. The museum mostly concentrates on temporary collections and festivals, so it doesn't have many permanent exhibitions. The Benaki Museum/Pireos 138 attracts visitors not only for its collections but also for its gift shop, which offers unique home decor items, and its ground-floor café, which serves meals and coffee.
138, Piraeus & Andronikou str., Athens, 118 54 / Opening hours: Thursday-Sunday 10:00-18:00, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00-22:00

Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art is located in the Kerameikos neighborhood and features artifacts and objects from all over the world, including the Middle East, India, Iran, Northern Africa, and Turkey. The more than 10,000 items in this museum are arranged in chronological order, with collections spanning the periods of the 7th and 12th, the 12th and 16th, and the 16th and 17th centuries. Not only does the Museum of Islamic art house important pieces such as the astrolabe of Ahmad ibnal-Sarraj (1328/29) and a velvet saddle from Bursa, but it also has a marble reception room and fountain from the 17th century, as well as collections of armor and weapons. Discover a tomb and a piece of ancient Athens wall in the basement, which is located beneath the museum.
22, Agion Asomaton & 12, Dipilou str., 105 53, Athens, tel. 210 325 1311 / Opening hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Herakleidon Museum
The museum and its annex are housed in two charming, small neoclassical buildings in Thissio's historic district, close to the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis. This museum provides an in-depth look at Greek technological achievements during various wars for those interested in military technology. Among the highlights is the powerful warship Trireme. Remember to stop by the gift shop, which has a large assortment of mementos inspired by the recurring exhibitions of visual arts, such as those by Toulouse-Lautrec, M.C. Escher, and Constantin Xenakis.
16, Herakleidon str., Athens, Thission 118 51, tel. 210 34 61 981 / Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00-18:00

Industrial Gas Museum
The Greek Ministry of Culture swiftly concluded that the site's historical significance demanded its preservation after the Athens gasworks closed in 1984. The Industrial Gas Museum first welcomed visitors in 2013. Through highly interactive means, visitors can examine the machinery, production methods, and workings of the historic plant at the museum. Visitors can imagine clearly what this plant might have looked like when it powered the city of Athens thanks to photographs and audiovisual displays.
Technopolis City of Athens, 100, Piraeus str., 118 54 Gazi / Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-18.00

Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
This museum was founded by Ilias Lalaounis, one of the most well-known jewelers in the world, and has an unrivaled collection of jewelry. The Lalaounis Jewelry Museum's permanent collection includes 50 collections created by Lalaounis himself in addition to a wide range of other modern pieces that draw inspiration from historical eras such as the Renaissance or Classical Antiquity. Visitors to the Lalaounis Museum will not only be able to admire jewelry, but they will also be able to watch demonstrations at the museum's very own jewelry workshop and learn how it was made in the past. For those who can't resist purchasing a new piece of jewelry while on vacation, the gift shop is the ideal place to go.
4A, Kariatidon & 12, Kallisperi str., 117 42, Athens / Opening hours: Mondays-Saturdays  9:00-15:00, Sundays closed

The National Gallery-Alexandros Soutsos Museum
The National Gallery of Greece, situated in Athens, is the foremost institution dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of Greek art. Established in 1900, the gallery houses an extensive collection that spans from the post-Byzantine era to contemporary times. Its vast array of paintings, sculptures, and prints offers a comprehensive overview of Greek artistic evolution. The gallery is also known for its impressive collection of European art, featuring works by notable artists from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Recent renovations have modernized its facilities, providing visitors with an enhanced experience through state-of-the-art exhibition spaces and educational programs. The National Gallery serves as a cultural beacon, celebrating Greece's rich artistic heritage and fostering appreciation for the visual arts.
50 Vasileos Konstantinou Str., Athens, www.nationalgallery.gr

Municipal Gallery of Athens
The museum is housed in a neoclassical building that has undergone numerous transformations, including being a shopping center, a silk processing plant, and the Hellenic Police headquarters. This free gallery showcases important pieces that speak to contemporary social issues, mostly by Greek artists.
Leonidiou & Millerou str., Metaxourgio, 104 36 Athens / Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00-15:00, Saturdays 10:00-19:00, Sundays closed

Museum of Modern Greek Culture
One of the city's newest museums is nested in the charming Plaka neighborhood within a complex that features a fascinating “mosaic” of building remains - the late Roman wall, an early Christian basilica, portions of a 17th-century villa and chapel, as well as magnificent houses from the 19th and 20th centuries - all arranged around a lovely courtyard. The museum exposes us to the daily life of a not too distant but distinct “past” in Greece, through unique objects, interactive digital applications, multimedia, and a range of visuals, from the cities of the 19th and 20th centuries to the rural countryside.
10, Arreos Str., Plaka, Wed-Sat-Sun 8:00 - 20:00, Mon, Thur, Fri 8:30 - 15:30, Tuesdays closed www.mnep.gr

Museum of Ancient Agora
The Museum of Ancient Agora has an extensive collection of artifacts that were unearthed from the vicinity of the Athenian Agora. The majority of the discoveries have come from wells, graveyards, and shrines. They include commonplace items like pennies and enormous marble monuments, one of which famously shows Democracy overthrowing Tyranny in Athens. Families with young children and tourists with limited time for sightseeing should definitely visit this museum because it is a short walk through.
24, Adrianou str., 10555, Athens, tel. 210 3210185 / Opening hours: daily 08:00 – 20:00, Tuesdays 10:00 – 20:00

Athens Olympic Museum (OK)
The Athens Olympic Museum, which is housed inside the Golden Hall Mall, provides the best contemporary museum experience. Visitors teleport through two millennia of Olympic history as they move through its interactive displays, audiovisual programs, and chronologically arranged exhibits. The museum starts in ancient Olympia, the location of the first Olympic Games, and moves forward to the present day, where there is a display honoring the 2022 Winter Olympics. Thanks to donations from former athletes, authentic Olympic uniforms, medals, and torches are on display for every Olympic Games. Notably, the museum includes a section on the Paralympic Games and also documents the ways in which disability, race, and gender have influenced the Games over time.
Athens Olympic Museum, 37A Kifissias Av. (Golden Hall Mall), Maroussi, tel. +30210 6885.560, info@athensolympicmuseum.org open Monday-Saturday 10:00-18:00, Sundays closed

Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation / Museum of Contemporary Art
Cool off at the nearby Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation (also known as the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art) after baking in the sun at the magnificent Panathenaic Stadium. The Museum is located in the center of Athens and is home to a renowned collection of modern and contemporary art, which includes rare works of art by European avant-garde artists. The collection includes pieces by renowned modern and contemporary Greek artists such as Parthenis, Bouzianis, Vassiliou, Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, Tsarouchis, Moralis, Tetsis, Takis, Chryssa, Stamos, and others, as well as works by Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Picasso, Braque, Léger, Kandinsky, Miró, Giacometti, Balthus, Pollock, Bacon, Lichtenstein, and Botero. There are also guided tours available in Greek, English, and French. The Museum Shop provides a wide selection of unique, custom-made items inspired by the collection and created by Greek artists, while the café-restaurant serves inventive Mediterranean cuisine with a twist and has a quiet, urban garden.
13, Eratosthenous str., Pagkrati, tel. +30210 7252.895 , goulandris.gr  / Opening hours: Wednesdays-Thursdays & Saturdays-Mondays 10:00 – 18:00, Fridays 10:00 – 20:00. Tuesdays closed

Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology
Situated in the Kolonaki district of Athens, just a short distance from Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament, is the Kotsanas Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of Ancient Greek cutting-edge technology. Find a panoramic timeline of Greek technology from 2000 BC to the end of the ancient Greek world in a unique historic Art Nouveau building that once belonged to Queen Aspasia Manou's family. The permanent exhibition "Ancient Greece - The Origins of Technologies" offers visitors the chance to delve into a little-known facet of Ancient Greek culture. With about 100 unique exhibits, including Philon's "cinema" and robot-servant as well as Heron's automated theater, visitors can discover a lot about this fascinating civilization. The journey to the world of technology continues with Pythagoras and Ktesibios through 42 fully functional, reassembled musical instruments. The "Ancient Greek Musical Instruments and Toys" exhibition features a variety of instruments and toys, including the helicon and sixth string of Pythagoras, the lyre of Hermes, the guitar of Apollo, the Homeric phorminx, the harp of Sappho, the Ptolemaic helicon, the Pan flute, the hydraulis of Ktesibios, and much more. Some of the many highlights of the museum include thematic guided tours, educational workshops, and strategy games featuring ancient Greeks.
6 Pindarou Str., Kolonaki, Mon-Sun 10:00-18:00

The “Maria Callas” Museum
The extraordinary opera singer whose mesmerizing performances changed the opera world forever is honored at the City of Athens “Maria Callas” Museum. Housed in an architectural marvel of the interwar period at 44 Mitropoleos Street, the museum provides a singular and captivating experience that pays tribute to the life and creative legacy of the legendary diva. Featuring a rare collection of over 1000 exhibits, including personal items and costumes she wore, texts, videos, and rare sound clips that enhance the visitor's overall experience, the exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from her beginnings, her years in Greece, her international career and major roles, to her worldly life, her personality, the moments and people of her life, and the legacy she left behind.
44, Mitropoleos Str., Syntagma, opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-20.00, Friday 10.00-22.00 / accessible to people with disabilities www.mariacallasmuseum.gr