Athens has long been celebrated for its incredible contribution to the world in fields such as art, democracy, philosophy, and science. For centuries, people have been coming to the city to experience its unique atmosphere and history. And today that’s easier than ever. From fabulous antiquities to fascinating modern history, Athens is full of fantastic museums that are a great way to discover the city’s — and the country’s — heritage.
So are you looking for the best museums to visit in Athens? Look no further! From the award-winning Acropolis Museum to the world-renowned treasures of the National Archaeological Museum and the enchanting 19th century artifacts of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, here’s our list of the best must-visit museums in Athens.
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
The crown jewel of the city’s museums opened its doors to the public in 2009 and has been bringing home international awards and distinctions ever since. The museum houses more than 4,000 artifacts from the Acropolis, including the Parthenon’s magnificent 160m long frieze, and is itself built over ancient ruins that can be viewed through the glass floors. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Parthenon from the museum’s lovely café and restaurant.
Closest metro station: Acropolis
Find out more: Acropolis Museum
MUSEUM OF THE ANCIENT AGORA
Housed in the Hellenistic Stoa of Atallos, which was originally built in the 2nd century BCE and reconstructed in the 1950s, the Museum of the Ancient Agora — aka the Agora of Athens Museum aka the Archaeological Museum of the Athenian Agora — showcases artifacts unearthed at the city’s Ancient Agora. Its main focus is the Agora’s role in ancient as well as commerce and everyday life in the heart of the ancient city.
Closest metro station: Monastiraki
Find out more: Museum of the Ancient Agora
BENAKI MUSEUM
The famed Benaki Museum is actually made up of 7 open-to-the-public museums spread across the Greek capital. Its flagship location, the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture (or simply Benaki Museum), is undoubtedly one of the country’s finest museums; housed in a beautiful neoclassical building next to the National Garden and Hellenic Parliament, it houses a unique exhibition on Greek culture arranged diachronically from prehistory to the 20th century.
Closest metro station: Evagelismos, Syntagma
Find out more: Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
BYZANTINE & CHRISTIAN MUSEUM
With thousands of artifacts from across the Greek world spanning a period from the 3rd to the 20th century CE, the museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Byzantine and post-Byzantine art and culture.
Closest metro station: Evagelismos, Syntagma
Find out more: Byzantine & Christian Museum
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF ATHENS
Housed in the former residence of Greece’s first royal family, this hidden offers a glimpse into the joy, optimism, and splendor of the 19th century Kingdom of Greece. The museum’s delightful café, Black Duck Garden, is a hidden oasis in the heart of the city.
Closest metro station: Panepistimio
Find out more: Museum of the City of Athens
MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART
Dedicated to the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus and focused on Cycladic art of the 3rd millennium BCE, the Museum of Cycladic Art houses some of the world’s most iconic bronze age artifacts as part of a collection that spans from 3000 BCE to the 4th century CE.
Closest metro station: Evagelismos, Syntagma
Find out more: Museum of Cycladic Art
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
One of the most important archaeological museums in the world, the National Archaeological Museum (NAM) houses an extraordinary collection of ancient Greek artifacts that spans from prehistory to late antiquity, including stunning masterpieces from the Mycenean and Hellenistic periods. NAM is home to such treasures as the golden Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera mechanism, and the colorful frescoes from Akrotiri on Santorini.
Closest metro station: Omonoia, Viktoria
Find out more: National Archaeological Museum
NATIONAL HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Housed in the Old Parliament Building, the National Historical Museum showcases the history of modern Greece, from Ottoman rule through the Greek War of Independence and the establishment of the modern Greek state.
Closest metro station: Panepistimio, Syntagma
Find out more: National Historical Museum
WAR MUSEUM
From ancient artifacts to fighter jets, the Athens War Museum documents the country’s military history from antiquity to the present. Exhibits include weapons, armor, maps and other memorabilia connected with the Greek Armed Forces.
Closest metro station: Evagelismos, Syntagma
Find out more: War Museum
