here are many museums in Athens, you can visit. With the logic that no one can see more than 2 or 3, we have created here a short list of priorities that we think is worth seeing.
1. NATIONAL ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM
The National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece and one of the world’s great museums. Although its original purpose was to secure all the finds from the nineteenth century excavations in and around Athens, it gradually became the central National Archaeological Museum and was enriched with finds from all over Greece. Its abundant collections, with more than 20,000 exhibits, provide a panorama of Greek civilization from the beginnings of Prehistory to Late Antiquity.
Definitely a “must see” museum.
OPENING HOURS
November 1st – April:
Tuesday: 13:00 – 20:00
Wednesday-Monday: 09:00 – 16:00
April – October 31st:
Tuesday: 12:30 – 20:00
Wednesday-Monday: 08:00 – 20:00
TICKETS
Admission fee:
6€ (November 1st – March 31st)
12€ (April 1st – October 31st)
ADDRESS
44, 28th of October (Patission) str., Athens 106 82
2. ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
The Acropolis Museum was founded to exhibit all the significant finds from the Sacred Rock and its foothills.The Museum hosts its collections across three levels, as well as in the archaeological excavation that lies at its foundations. Inaugurated in the summer of 2009, actually the main reason was to claim back the Parthenon marbles stolen by Lord Elgin.
LOCATION
Acropolis Museum, 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens 11742
Metro station “acropolis” – Red line
OPENING HOURS
Winter season hours (1 November – 31 March)
Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission: 4:30 p.m.)
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (last admission: 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
Summer season hours (1 April – 31 October)
Monday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last admission: 3:30 p.m.)
Tuesday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (last admission: 9:30 p.m.)
ENTRY TICKETS
Winter season (1 November – 31 March)
General admission: 5 Euros
Reduced admission*: 3 Euros
Summer season (1 April – 31 October)
General admission: 10 Euros
Reduced admission*: 5 Euros
3. BENAKI MUSEUM
Included in the invaluable contribution of the Benaki family to the political, social and cultural life of Athens, the homonymous museum was founded in 1930 by Antonis Benakis in memory of his father, collecting his collections from Egypt. Opposite the National Garden, in the neoclassical building of the family, was built the core of the museum where it housed collections of Greek and Islamic art a collection of Chinese pottery. Following the expansion and rebuilding of 1989–2000, the building houses the Benaki Museum’s collection of Greek art and material culture that covers the main historical periods of Greek territory, beginning in prehistoric times and ending in the early 20th century. the Spyridon & Eurydice Kostopoulou Hall for periodic exhibitions, the Library and a number of Foundation functions and offices. It is one of the city’s most popular private museums, with frequent periodic exhibitions, while the restaurant with its magnificent terrace overlooking the National Garden and the large department store, invites visitors in a variety of ways.
1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave., 106 74 Athens
MondayWednesdayFridaySaturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 00:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
Closed on Tuesday
TICKETS
Full Admission: € 12
Temporary Exhibition: € 8
REDUCED
Full Admission: € 9
Temporary Exhibition: € 6
Journalists: € 1
Free audio guided tour using QR
4. NATIONAL HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The Old Parliament House is directly connected with Greek history: it was the first permanent base of the Greek National Assembly.
History of the building
The Old Parliament was founded in 1858 by Queen Amalia, upon a design by French architect François Boulanger, in order to house the Parliament and Senate. After King Otto’s eviction, the Senate is abolished and the building’s designs were accordingly modified by architect Panagiotis Kalkos, with the abolition of the amphitheater of the Senate.The building was completed in 1875. On August 11 took place the official opening of the Assembly of the Parliament, with Prime Minister Charilaos Trikoupis.
For 60 years the building on Stadiou Street housed the country’s turbulent political life. In 1935, Parliament moved to the Former Palace on Syntagma Square, where it is still housed today.The building of the Old Parliament was given by decision of Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos to the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece in order to establish the National Historical Museum, but the implementation of the decision was delayed due to the war.
The Society finally settled in the Old Parliament in 1960 and two years later opened to the public the new exhibition of the Museum.
Today, the Old Parliament is an architectural jewel in the center of Athens. The great central Hall of the Assembly is a place of historical memory and a suitable venue for important historical and cultural events. The surrounding rooms house the permanent exhibition of the National Historical Museum and the upper floor gallery is used for temporary exhibitions.
ADDRESS
National Historical Museum
Old Parliament Building
13 Stadiou St. 10561 Athens
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday to Sunday 8:30-14:30
closed on Mondays
Ticket
Full admission : € 3
Reduced admission : € 1.5
Free admission: Every Sunday, the International Museum Day (May 18th) and the following holidays:
March 25th, October 28th.
5. NUMISMATIC MUSEUM
The Monetary Museum is one of the oldest buildings and museums in Greece.
It was established in 1834, the same year as the National Archaeological Museum.
The widespread antiquity of the era throughout Europe and the recent establishment of the modern Greek state created the conditions for the preservation of the national cultural heritage.
Iliou Melathron is located in the center of Athens.
It was built between 1878-1879 by German architect Ernest Schiller, as a residence of the Schliemann family.
Its name, meaning “Troy’s mansion”, is related to the revelation of the ancient city by Eric Schliemann.
The building is a two-storey building with a particularly impressive décor. The first floor functioned mainly as a space for the social life of the family. Around a central area are the Esperanza Reception Room, the literary lounge for literary evenings, the lounge and the dining room. On the second floor there were the bedrooms, the offices and the library. On the ground floor were the auxiliary areas, the rooms of the staff, as well as the room where the excavations of the Trojan were exposed. In the large backyard garden there was a loft and stables.
Ilius Melathron is considered one of Ziller’s most notable works.
Address: Iliou Melathron, El. Venizelou (University) 12, 10671 Athens
Tickets: € 3 (for the period November 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020)
Single Ticket: € 15
(Applies to National Archaeological Museum, Byzantine & Christian Museum, Monetary Museum, Epigraphic Museum)
Opening Hours: Closed Tuesday
Wednesday to Monday 09.00 – 16.00
6. GREEK PARLIAMENT
One of the most important buildings of new Greece. Actually it was the first Palace of Greece.
How to arrange for a visit
Individuals
English language guided tours are held every Friday and Monday at 15:00, during June, July and September.
Each 1hr30min long guided tour is free of charge and offers visitors the opportunity to discover the Assembly Hall, as well as to learn about Modern Greek history, the form of government in Greece, parliamentary procedures and the history of the Hellenic Parliament building.
Book your visit at visits@parliament.gr at least 5 days in advance.
Register your name, country, e-mail, mobile phone and passport number (or of other valid ID). State the date you wish to visit the Parliament.
You will receive a confirmation mail no later than 2 days prior to your visit.
On the day of your visit, please be 10 min earlier at the visitors’ entrance to the Parliament at 2 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. Don’t forget your passport or other valid ID card.
Notes:
If you have special needs or require extra assistance please inform us.
Each visiting group will be limited to 30 people. Therefore, please contact us as early as possible.
There is no formal dress code, but please make sure that you are decently dressed.
During your tour, you are obliged to cooperate with the Parliament personnel and comply with their instructions.
The tour schedule may be changed to accommodate parliamentary proceedings and official events.
Groups
English language guided tours for schools, student groups or other groups of visitors are held from Monday to Friday (9:00 to 20:00) throughout the year, except August.
Each 1hr30min long guided tour is free of charge and offers visitors the opportunity to discover the Assembly Hall, as well as to learn about Modern Greek history, the form of government in Greece, parliamentary procedures and the history of the Hellenic Parliament building.
Book your visit at visits@parliament.gr at least 15 days in advance.
Register all pertinent information regarding your group (the name of the school, university, association etc, country, name of the qroup’s head, his/her e-mail, his/her mobile phone and passport number (or of other valid ID). State the date you wish to visit the Parliament.
You will receive a confirmation mail no later than 7 days prior to your visit.
On the day of the visit, please be 10 min earlier at the visitors’ entrance to the Parliament at 2 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. The head of the group should have his/her passport or other valid ID card and a list with the names of all visitors.
Notes:
If a member of the group has special needs or requires extra assistance please inform us.
Each visiting group will be limited to 50 people.
There is no formal dress code, but please make sure that you are decently dressed.
During the tour, all members of the group are obliged to cooperate with the Parliament personnel and comply with their instructions.
The tour schedule may be changed to accommodate parliamentary proceedings and official events.
Attend a plenary sitting
To attend a plenary sitting, an entry permit needs to be secured. Please call (only Friday) the Parliament Police and Security Agency (210 -370 7150) or contact one of the Parliamentary Groups (by dialing 210 3707000 one of the operators will put you through).
The number of invitations they hand out is limited.
Visit the Library
The Main Library – Parliament Building (Syntagma Square) is open to the public:
Weekdays: 9 am to 14:00 pm and 17:30 pm- 8:30 pm and Saturdays 9 am to 14:00.
The City Library – Former Public Tobacco Factory – Lenormant St. 218 is open to the public:
Monday and Wednesday 9:00-18:00, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00-15:00, Saturday 9:00-14:00
Contact details:
Parliament call center: (+3-0210-3707000), Fax: (+3-0210-3733566),
Address: Parliament Mansion (Megaro Voulis), GR-10021, Athens
The story of the building
The imposing building of the Hellenic Parliament has a long history that is directly linked to the history of the modern Greek state. Originally a palace of Otto and George, it was converted a century after its construction into a House of Parliament and Senate.
The site of the Otto Palaces was chosen as the site of the Boubounistra hill. A central location of the new capital, safe and cool, overlooking the Acropolis and the outskirts of Athens. The proposal came from the director of the Munich Academy of Fine Arts and the official architect of the Bavarian court Friedrich von Geertner (Friedrich von Gaertner 1791-1847). On 6 February 1836 the foundation stone was laid on the highest eastern edge of the city. The following month 520 people worked at the building. Army and craftsmen, German architects, Germans, Greeks, and Italian craftsmen collaborated on the construction. On this occasion the ancient quarries in Penteli were reopened.
The first kings, Otto and Amalia, settled in their new home on July 25, 1843. The basements housed the warehouses. On the ground floor, the Secretariat and the Palace Fund coexisted with their auxiliary spaces, the King’s Catholic Chapel, the Treasury and the cookery. On the first floor were the Throne Hall, the Trophy Hall, the Hall of Trustees, in linear succession the Ballroom, the Playroom and the Dining Room and the royal apartments, which were interconnected and were the most luxurious spaces of the building. The second floor was occupied by the separate apartments of the successors, the chancellor and the staff of the Palace.
Along with the plans for the building, Geertner studied the design and interior design of various areas of the building. A total of 247 of his paintings are preserved, which are kept at the Architectural Museum of the Technical University of Munich.
The extraordinary wealth and art of the palaces designed by Geertner reveal the minimal architectural and decorative elements preserved to this day, such as the magnificent marble staircase and their Trophy and Stables with their iconography. These rooms, which today constitute the Eleftherios Venizelos Hall, hold a frieze (1.22 meters high and 78 meters long), depicting events of the Greek Revolution and portraits of militants, drawn by the sculptor Ludwig Michael von Schwandhal (Michael von Schwandhal). and with the collaboration of the painters Philip and Georgios Margaritis.
Right next to the Palace building, with the personal care of Amalia, was the Royal Garden, which covered the area it still has today. The planting of the garden was commissioned in the late 1840s by the French gardener François Louis Bareaud, who designed the internal street network and determined the shape and location of the decorations, buildings, waterfronts and landscapes. of its enclosed spaces.
After the expulsion of Otto in 1862, the palaces were inhabited by the new king George I, who arrived in Athens on October 17, 1863. Immediately after his marriage to Olga in 1867, new additions and alterations were made to the building. The most important was the modification of the staircase of the eastern wing and the creation of the orthodox chapel of St. George on the second floor. In addition, living in a large family’s Palace and hosting a large number of officials led to changes in places and changes in their use. But the main cause of changes and interventions in the original construction were the two great fires of the Palace: the first, in 1884, burned down the second floor of the North Wing; the second, and the larger, in 1909, completely destroyed the Central Wing and the respectively parts of the east and west wings and forced the royal family to move to the summer palace of Tatoi. Although the kings returned to the building in 1912, few of the approved repair studies had been carried out, while the political and economic developments of the following years, the Greek-Bulgarian war, the assassination of King George I, and the proclamation of World War I by Paul II. of losses.
Following the assassination of George I, the king was sworn in as successor Constantine, and his royal residence was designated as his residence, the Herod Atticus Palace (today’s Presidential Palace). In the Old, now, the Palace remained – at times – members of the royal family and King Olga until 1922, when she finally left Greece.
1922 was a breakthrough in the history of the building. It was eventually abandoned by the royal family, and at the same time historical circumstances led to new uses.
With the decision to erect the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, in plans by architect Emmanouil Lazaridis, in 1928, the facade of the building was then replaced with the surrounding area. decided to house it, along with the Senate, in the Old Palace building.
7. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART ATHENS
The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens (EMST) began its operation in 2000. Its permanent home is the former Fix brewery on Syngrou Ave., the reconstruction of which was completed in 2014. The building occupies 18.142 sqm. on a 3.123 sqm surface.
The Museum’s constantly growing collection is formed around a very important nucleus of works by Greek and international artists, such as Jannis Kounellis, Stephen Antonakos, Gary Hill, Vlassis Caniaris, Chryssa, Mona Hatoun, Emily Jacir, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Kim Sooja, Nikos Kessanlis, Shirin Neshat, Lucas Samaras, Costas Tsoclis, Bill Viola, Joseph Kosuth, Pedro Cabrita Reiss, Costas Varotsos, George Lappas, Oliver Ressler, Gulsun Karamustafa a.o.
Address: Kalliroys and Ambrose Franzi 11743 Athens / metro station “Sygrou – fix”
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11 am-9 pm, Thursday 11 am-11 pm
Entry 8 €, reduced ticket 4 €
