Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

National Archaeological Museum

Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

One of the greatest museums in the world with the richest collection of Greek artefacts from neolithic to classical times.

When was it built

Construction began in 1866 to a design by Ludwig Lange and was completed in 1889 by Ernst Ziller.

What's the story

With some 8,000 square metres of exhibition space, it’s hard to take in this panorama of Greek civilisation and achievement in a single visit. So it’s best to either stick to the most celebrated exhibits or focus on a single gallery or theme.

Why it's important

It’s one of the world’s top collections of Greek antiquities and certainly the richest, with the 11,000 items on permanent display comprising just half of the museum’s holdings.

Must-see

There is so much not to miss that this truly depends on your interests. The ‘Mask of Agamemnon’, the Santorini frescoes, the bronze Zeus or Poseidon and the ‘Jockey of Artemision’ are among the most popular exhibits.

Fun fact

Who wouldn’t want to take a peek into the storage rooms of the Archaeological Museum? Unfortunately only a few can, so the museum has made sure the public can access its hidden treasures through its popular Unseen Museum initiative. Every three months or so, a different exhibit is put on display and presented in detail, each time opening a small new window into NAM’s vast ancient Greek collection.

View of the Mycenaean collection.

Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

The classical sculpture hall with a bronze statue of Zeus or Odysseus as the main exhibit.

Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

View of the The Countless Aspects of Beauty exhibition.

Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

View of the The Countless Aspects of Beauty exhibition.

Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

View of the The Countless Aspects of Beauty exhibition.

Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

View of the museum from Patision Avenue.

Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

Info

44 Patision, Athens, 106 82
Exarchia
Wheelchair Accessible
+30 213 214 4800
Website
Refer to the website for opening hours and ticket prices.

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

National Archaeological Museum

One of the greatest museums in the world with the richest collection of Greek artefacts from neolithic to classical times.