Guide to the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture: Exhibition, Tickets, Tips

Aktualisiert am 7. August 2023 von Athens-Tourist-Information
Benaki Museum Athens Tourist Information

The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is dedicated to Greek culture from prehistory to the present day. 

It is one of the most famous museums in Athens.

In this complete guide to the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture in Athens, you'll learn all about the exhibition, history, and helpful information about how to get there, tickets, and tours.

Let's get started!

What Can I Do at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture?

The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is part of the Benaki Museum, the largest private museum in Greece. It is located in the main building of the Benaki Museum.

With its unique exhibition of objects of all kinds, the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is the only museum in the country that takes you through every era of Greek history and culture. A journey through the entire history of Greece from antiquity to modern times awaits you here.

1. Permanent Exhibition

The permanent exhibition can be divided into the following sections.

  • Antiquities Collection: This collection of artifacts from prehistoric times includes Greek and Roman antiquities such as a collection of vases and sculptures, gold jewelry, coins and marble portraits.
  • Byzantine Collection: The extensive collection includes manuscripts, ceramics, everyday objects, miniature sculptures, Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, relics and a Byzantine jewelry collection.
  • Historical Heirlooms Collection: This collection, with exhibits from the late 18th century onwards, features family heirlooms linked to the history of modern Greece. These include swords, weapons, seals, nautical instruments, manuscripts and gold medals of important Greek figures
  • Modern Collection: The Modern Collection presents depictions of religious and non-religious subjects from the 15th to the 19th centuries, when Greece was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.
  • Collection of paintings, drawings and prints: Around 6,000 paintings and drawings, mainly by European artists from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as works by Greek artists from the 19th and 20th centuries can be seen.

2. Temporary Exhibitions

Changing exhibitions of various artists are regularly held in the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. A current overview and preview can be found on the museum 's official website.

3. Museum Building

The museum building itself is also worth seeing. The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is housed in the former villa of the Benaki family. The imposing villa that now serves as the main building of the Benaki Museum is a neoclassical mansion built in 1868.

4. Benaki Museum

In addition to the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, the Benaki Museum has several museums and facilities.

You can find this, as well as more information about the Benaki Museum, in our Benaki Museum Guide.

5. Museum Restaurant

Art lovers can fortify themselves with Greek delicacies in the in-house restaurant.

Admission, Tickets and Guided Tours

  • Admission: The regular admission ticket only entitles you to visit the permanent exhibition. Visitors with disabilities and those under the age of 22 enjoy free entry.
  • Temporary Exhibition Ticket: For temporary exhibitions, the purchase of an additional ticket is necessary. More about this here.
  • Tickets: Online tickets for the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture are available hereThis online ticket grants access to the permanent and temporary exhibitions.
  • Combo TicketThe Benaki Museum Experience combo ticket is valid for three months and allows you visit to each of the Benaki Museum buildings (except Leigh Fermor House and the Valadoros Collection).
  • Guided Tours Guided tours through the museum are held by various providers.
  • TipAdmission to the permanent exhibition of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is free every Thursday from 18.00 to 00.00 and on May 18.

How Do I Get to the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture?

The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is located right in the center of Athens. It is located opposite the National Garden in close proximity to Syntagma Square.

The easiest way to get to the museum is by metro 2 or 3 (stop "Syntagma") or with the hop-on hop-off bus tour to station A7 "Benaki Museum". Furthermore, numerous buses and trolleybus 3 serve the museum.

Those arriving from the Piraeus cruise port can go to the nearby Piraeus Metro Station and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the journey to “Monastiraki” station. There you change to the M3 and travel one stop to "Syntagma". The museum is a 9-minute walk away.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the opening hours of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture?

The regular opening hours of the Benaki Museum are Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to midnight and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The current opening hours can be found on the official  website of the museum.

Where is the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture located?

The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is located in the former home of the Benaki family in central Athens. It is located opposite the National Garden in close proximity to Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament. The exact address is: 1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave., 106 74 Athens

How do I get to the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture?

The easiest way to get to Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is by Metro 2 or 3 (“Syntagma” stop) or by Hop-on Hop-off bus tour to station A7 “Benaki Museum”. In addition, numerous buses and trolleybus 3 serve the museum.

Those arriving from the Piraeus cruise port can go to the nearby Piraeus Metro Station and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the journey to “Monastiraki” station. There you change to the M3 and travel just one stop to "Syntagma". The museum is a 9-minute walk away.

Where can I buy tickets for the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture?


Tickets for the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture are available at the on-site ticket offices and in our shop.

History of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

The Benaki Museum was founded in 1929 by wealthy art collector Adonis Benakis in honor of his father.

To this end, the passionate art collector, who began collecting numerous works in his youth, converted the Benaki family mansion into a museum. He donated it to the state along with his collection of more than 37,000 Byzantine and Islamic artifacts.

Several extensions were made to the museum building in 1965, 1968 and 1973 to make room for the numerous donations.

Since the last renovation from 1989 to 2000, the main building housing the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture focuses on Greek culture. Today, the museum is considered one of the most popular attractions in Athens.

Contact

  • Address:  1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofia Ave., 106 74 Athens
  • Opening Times The current opening times can be found on the official website of the museum. 
  • Public  Transport Metro 2 or 3 to "Syntagma"
  • Website:  benaki.org
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