Three Days in Athens: The Ultimate Itinerary in the City of Gods
November 29, 2024
The Best Greek Food in Athens and Where to Try It
December 3, 2024
Table of Contents
Introduction
Most visitors exploring museums head straight to the iconic Acropolis Museum, famous for its stunning exhibits, including the Parthenon sculptures, and breathtaking views of the Acropolis itself. Featuring innovative displays and state-of-the-art design, it’s a must-see for any history lover. However, Athens offers so much more for those willing to dig deeper.
The National Archaeological Museum, one of the largest and most significant museums in Athens, houses an unparalleled collection of ancient artifacts, from impressive sculptures to intricate jewelry, spanning millennia of Greek history.
The Museum of Cycladic Art is a hidden gem, celebrating the unique minimalistic art and culture of the Cyclades, with its iconic marble figurines that have inspired modern artists worldwide.
For those with more contemporary tastes, the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art offers a refreshing take, featuring works by Greek modernists. Meanwhile, the Benaki Museum provides a deep dive into Greece’s cultural journey, with exhibits ranging from Byzantine art to traditional costumes, weaving a rich part of the nation’s history.
Best Museums in Athens
1. The National Archaeological Museum – Greece’s Greatest Collection of Antiquities
The largest archaeological museum in Greece, this institution houses over 11,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric times to late antiquity.
Must-See Exhibits:
✅ The Mask of Agamemnon – A famous Mycenaean gold funeral mask.
✅ The Antikythera Mechanism – The world’s oldest analog computer, dating back to 150 BC.
✅ Bronze statues, frescoes, and everyday objects from ancient Greece.
Why Visit? If you want to see the most significant artifacts from Greece’s ancient past, this museum is a must.
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2. The Museum of Cycladic Art – A Journey to the Greek Islands
This specialized museum focuses on the Cycladic civilization (3000–2000 BC), famous for its minimalist marble figurines that inspired artists like Picasso and Modigliani.
Highlights:
✅ The Cycladic Figurines – Elegant, abstract sculptures that influenced modern art.
✅ Daily life in ancient Greece – Learn about beauty rituals, childhood toys, and ancient fashion.
Why Visit? It’s a small but stunning museum that offers a different perspective on ancient Greek art beyond the classical era.
3. The Benaki Museum – A Treasure Trove of Greek Culture
The Benaki Museum is one of Athens' most comprehensive museums in Athens, offering a journey through all eras of Greek history in one visit.
The Benaki Museum is more than a museum—it's a cultural hub:
- 7 museums open to the public, with 120,000 artworks from the Paleolithic era to today.
- Greece’s largest museum library, holding 200,000 volumes.
- A mission to educate, preserve heritage, and inspire with exhibitions, events, and educational programs.
- A venue for intercultural dialogue, fostering social cohesion and safeguarding world heritage.
Whether you're exploring its 7 conservation labs, dining at 3 cafe-restaurants, or shopping in its 6 museum stores, the Benaki Museum offers something for everyone.
4. The Numismatic Museum – A Hidden Gem for History & Money Lovers
Housed in Heinrich Schliemann’s former mansion, the Numismatic Museum of Athens is a must-visit for anyone exploring museums in Athens. With over 500,000 coins and artifacts spanning from the 14th century BCE to today, it’s one of the richest collections in the world. Highlights include ancient Greek coins, Roman and Byzantine currency, and modern Greek state coins. Visitors can also discover rare weights, seals, medals, and micro-sculptures that reveal the history of trade and economics.
Located in the Iliou Melathron, a stunning neoclassical building designed by Ernst Ziller in 1878-1879, the museum showcases frescoes, mosaics, and innovative features like ventilation ducts and gas heating. Originally Schliemann’s residence, this architectural gem now stands as one of the most fascinating museums in Athens, offering a journey through history and culture.
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5. The Byzantine & Christian Museum – A Window into Greece’s Medieval Past
Covering over 1,500 years of history, this museum explores Greece’s Byzantine and Christian heritage, featuring stunning religious icons, manuscripts, and frescoes.
Highlights:
✅ Byzantine mosaics and religious artifacts from the 4th to 15th centuries.
✅ Rare church relics and medieval manuscripts.
✅ Artifacts from early Christian, medieval, and post-Byzantine Greece.
Why Visit? It’s one of the best museums in Europe for Byzantine history, perfect for those interested in medieval art and Orthodox traditions.
6. The Hellenic Motor Museum – A Surprising Stop for Car Enthusiasts
A unique motor museum in the heart of Athens showcasing over 110 vintage and luxury cars, from 19th-century models to modern supercars. This collection stems from a lifelong passion for automobiles, starting with childhood dreams and growing into a vision of celebrating car history.
Must-See Features:
✅ Classic Rolls Royce, Ferrari, and Bugatti models.
✅ A stunning spiral ramp with 72 exhibits of wheels, free to explore.
Why Visit?
This museum is more than a car collection—it's a tribute to innovation, history, and passion. Perfect for families, car enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a refreshing alternative to traditional museums.
With a total space of 30,000 m², the museum also features:
- An auditorium and educational programs on road safety and racing.
- A memorabilia store and modern showroom.
Created from a dream to combine culture, tourism, and community impact, this museum highlights the journey of automobiles while offering a unique city-center experience.
7. The Digital Museum of Plato's Academy – Athens’ Most High-Tech Museum
Located near the historical site of Plato’s Academy, this interactive museum brings Greek philosophy to life through digital exhibits and holograms.
What Makes It Unique?
✅ Explore Plato’s teachings using interactive screens and augmented reality.
✅ A perfect mix of technology and history, making philosophy engaging and immersive.
Why Visit?
The Digital Museum of Plato's Academy is one of the must-visit museums in Athens, blending advanced technology with history. Featuring interactive displays and holograms, it brings Plato's ideas to life, offering philosophy enthusiasts, educators, and students an immersive journey into the roots of Western thought.
8. The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) – Athens’ Modern Art Hub
Housed in a former brewery, this museum showcases cutting-edge Greek and international contemporary art.
What to Expect:
✅ Rotating exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations.
✅ A focus on social, political, and environmental themes in modern Greek art.
✅ A vibrant contrast to Athens’ ancient history, showing its artistic evolution.
Why Visit? If you want to see Athens beyond its ancient past, this museum is a must.
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Conclusion
Athens is far more than just the Acropolis Museum—it’s a city bursting with unique cultural experiences. Whether you love ancient artifacts, modern art, medieval history, or even vintage cars, these Museums in Athens offer a deeper dive into Greek heritage.
