15 Best Museums in Athens for History Buffs
There is no arguing that Greece is the perfect destination for history buffs and culture lovers. After all, as the cradle of Western civilization, it has a lot to offer visitors. But many often forget that it’s also a great destination for museum lovers. Beyond the ancient ruins of the Acropolis are some of the most interesting museums in Athens, with treasures from ancient Greece and Byzantine splendour.
Whether you’re visiting Athens for the first time, your second, or your fifth, there is a museum for you to explore. I loved exploring Athens, and the museums here were also top-notch. Here is a list of the museums in Athens I recommend exploring for an insight into Greek history and culture.
Acropolis Museum
The sleek and modern building at the bottom of the Acropolis might not immediately look like a place that houses priceless antiquities, but it’s exactly that. Considered one of the most important museums in Athens, it is home to over 4,000 objects from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.
This state-of-the-art modern museum was designed to provide the best conditions for the artifacts recovered from the Acropolis archaeological site. The museum’s layout is impressive, with exhibition spaces distributed over three main levels and a ground floor with an archaeological excavation visible beneath glass floors.
The permanent collection includes the remnants of the Parthenon frieze marbles (Lord Elgin took the rest to the British Museum), the Caryatides, and numerous sculptures and items from everyday life found in the Acropolis. The museum’s main building is just as impressive, seamlessly blending modern architecture with ancient history. General admission tickets are reasonably priced, and there are often free entry days. Get your tickets today.
PRO TIP: See Athens with a 48-hour or 72-hour hop-on, hop-off bus pass. Get yours today.
National Archeological Museum
No trip to Athens would be complete without a visit to the National Archaeological Museum. It was also one of the first museums in Athens I explored on my trip. It’s the largest archaeological museum in Greece, dedicated to ancient Greek art and the perfect place for history buffs. It has an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, with over 11,000 exhibits from prehistoric times to late antiquity.
The museum’s permanent collection includes treasures from the Neolithic period, the Cycladic civilization and the Bronze Age. Here, you can view the Antikythera mechanism, Mycenaean gold, frescoes from Thera and the famous Mask of Agamemnon.
Book your tickets to the National Archeological Museum before you go.
The ground floor features the sculpture collection, which features masterpieces from the classical period. The first floor houses the Egyptian and Near Eastern collections, showcasing artifacts from the Middle East. The second floor is dedicated to the museum’s collection of vases and minor arts. Don’t miss the museum shop for unique souvenirs and the beautiful garden outside the neoclassical building.
Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture offers a comprehensive view of Greek history, from prehistoric times to the Greek War of Independence and beyond. Housed in a neoclassical building near Syntagma Square, it features an extensive collection of ancient Greek artifacts, Byzantine icons and modern Greek art.
The Benaki Museum also includes several satellite museums, such as the Museum of Islamic Art on Pireos Street and the Benizelos Mansion, the oldest surviving house in Athens. Each of these sites provides unique insights into different aspects of Greek and international culture. Get your Benaki Museum admission tickets.
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art is another gem in Athens. It focuses on the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus with a significant collection of Cycladic art. The museum’s permanent exhibitions house over 3,000 display objects, including tools and marble Cycladic figurines. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring ancient and contemporary works of art by international artists. Get your skip-the-line tickets before you go.
Byzantine and Christian Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum is a must-visit for those interested in Byzantine art and Christian history. Located in a beautiful mansion on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, the museum’s permanent collection includes religious artifacts, icons, manuscripts and frescoes from the Byzantine era and modern Greek culture. The museum’s exhibition spaces are thoughtfully curated to provide a deep understanding of Byzantine culture and its impact on present-day Greece. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Byzantine religious and artistic heritage.
Museum of the Ancient Agora
Situated in a restored building, the Stoa of Attalos Museum highlights the political and social center of ancient Athens. In ancient times, the Stoa (a building with a covered walkway) housed shop stalls similar to modern-day malls. The Agora was the political, religious, commercial and cultural centre, making the Agora museum even more intriguing.
The museum’s permanent collection includes pottery, sculptures and coins that illustrate the commercial, political, and social activities that took place in the Agora. Don’t miss the Temple of Hephaestus and ancient inscriptions. It’s like visiting a museum and getting a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Athenians. Get your e-tickets before you go.
National Historical Museum
Located in the Old Parliament building, this museum is dedicated to the history of the Greek state from the fall of Constantinople to the 20th century. The museum’s permanent exhibitions cover key events in Greek history, such as the Greek War of Independence and the establishment of the modern Greek state.
Here, you’ll find a collection of traditional Greek costumes, and when you’re done, you can also explore the beautiful garden outside the museum. This is one of the best museums to learn about modern Greek history and the people who influenced it.
Athens City Museum
The Museum of the City of Athens offers a fascinating look at the city’s history from the 19th century to the present day. It is housed in the former residence of King Otto. The museum’s exhibits include historical photographs, maps and personal items that tell the story of Athens’ transformation into the capital of modern Greece.
In addition to personal belongings, the museum has a collection of paintings and furnishings from the period. If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s development as Greece’s capital (it wasn’t the first capital of newly independent Greece), make time to spend some time here.
Numismatic Museum of Athens
If you’re fascinated by coins and currency, the Numismatic Museum on Panepistimiou Street is a hidden gem you need to explore. Housed in the former residence of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, this museum offers an extensive collection of coins, medals and seals from ancient Greece to the present day. The museum building itself is a work of art, with elaborate frescoes and architectural details.
The Kerameikos Archaeological Museum
The Kerameikos Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into funerary customs and daily life in ancient Athens. Located at the ancient Kerameikos cemetery site, one of the city’s largest and most significant burial grounds, the museum houses an impressive collection of grave markers, sculptures and pottery.
The Kerameikos site also includes the remains of the ancient city walls and the Dipylon Gate, through which funeral processions once passed. This museum is a great place to understand another layer of Greek history and is definitely worth visiting. Get your tickets.
The Jewish Museum of Greece
The Jewish Museum of Greece, located near the Museum of Cycladic Art, offers a detailed look at the history and culture of the Jewish community in Greece. The museum’s exhibits include religious artifacts, historical documents, and personal stories that highlight the contributions and experiences of Greek Jews throughout history.
The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
For a different take on Greek art, the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum on the slopes of the Acropolis celebrates the art of jewelry making. The museum features over 4,000 pieces designed by Ilias Lalaounis, inspired by ancient Greece, Byzantine art, and nature. The museum also offers educational programs for those interested in jewelry making.
PRO TOP: With the Athens Mythology Pass, you can skip the line to the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora of Athens.
The Museum of Greek Folk Art
For a taste of traditional Greek culture, visit the Museum of Greek Folk Art. The museum’s permanent collection includes traditional costumes, musical instruments, and folk art from various regions of Greece. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs that explore different aspects of Greek folk culture.
The Katakouzenos House Museum
The Katakouzenos House Museum is a unique house museum dedicated to the life and work of Angelos and Leto Katakouzenos, prominent figures in Athens’ intellectual and artistic circles. Through personal artifacts, artworks, and photographs, the museum offers a glimpse into their lives. When it comes to museums in Athens, this one offers an intimate look into the lives of the locals.
The Museum of the Hellenic World
Lastly, the Museum of the Hellenic World on Pireos Street is a cutting-edge cultural center that uses interactive exhibits and multimedia to explore Greek history and culture. The museum’s innovative approach makes it a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about Greece’s rich heritage.
Final thoughts about museums in Athens
Athens is a great city for history buffs and the perfect place for a cultural getaway. Whether you’re coming here for a city break or as a gateway to the Greek islands, you’ll find a great selection of museums in Athens to enjoy. These museums offer rich and diverse experiences, each providing a unique lens through which to explore Greece’s historical and cultural tapestry. Whether you are a history buff or an art lover, the museums in Athens have something extraordinary to offer. The question is, which one will you visit first?
