Courtesy: National Archaelogical Museum

National Archaeological 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

A 10-year legal battle with the Getty Museum in Los Angeles over the ownership of an exquisite fourth-century-BC diadem decorated with gold-leaf flowers ended with the wreath being returned to the National Archaeological Museum.