Guide to the Hellenic Maritime Museum: Admission, Exhibition, Directions

The Hellenic Maritime Museum in Piraeus Marina takes you through the different eras of Greek maritime history. The museum is one of the top attractions in Piraeus.

In this complete guide to the Hellenic Maritime Museum in Piraeus, you'll learn all about the exhibition, history, and helpful information about how to get there and tickets.

What Can I Do at the Hellenic Maritime Museum?

The tranquil Hellenic Maritime Museum, which is dedicated to the maritime history of the country, is hidden in the marina of Piraeus. On an exhibition area of around 1,700 m², more than 2,500 exhibits bear witness to the rich past of this seafaring nation.

At the small museum you are guided through the different epochs, from antiquity to the present day. You will come across the first exhibits in the outdoor area, including sculptures, anchors and even a turret from a historic submarine.

In addition to a number of ship models, maps, weapons and nautical instruments can also be admired inside. There are also paintings, engravings, furniture, books and other objects belonging to the Hellenic Navy on display.

Also worth seeing is the private collection of the wealthy Greek-Argentinian shipping magnate Aristoteles Onassis, to whom a separate department is dedicated.

The permanent exhibition is divided into the following areas.

Temporary Exhibitions

In addition, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions. A current overview and preview can be found on  the museum's official website.

Events

Events and activities are regularly held at the Hellenic Maritime Museum. You can find more information about the current and upcoming events here.

Museum Shop

The museum shop offers a colorful selection of decorative objects, gifts and books on the history of seafaring. Also, select art objects inspired by the museum's collections are offered for sale.

Admission, Tickets and Guided Tours

How Do I Get to the Hellenic Maritime Museum?

The Hellenic Maritime Museum is located in the port city of Piraeus, just 14 kilometers from downtown Athens. It is housed in a building at Zea Marina, about 900 meters from the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus.

From Athens city center you can easily reach the Hellenic Maritime Museum by public transport. The most convenient connection from Syntagma Square is by bus line 040 (to “Bryōnē” + 13 minutes on foot), which will take you to the museum in just under an hour without changing trains.

Those arriving from the cruise port in Piraeus can reach the Hellenic Maritime Museum from Terminal A, 2.8 km away.

History of the Hellenic Maritime Museum

The history of the Hellenic Maritime Museum dates back to 1867. At that time, the captain of the navy Ferasimos Zohios suggested building a museum dedicated to Greek maritime history.

However, this idea could not be realized until 1949, when naval and merchant marine officers and distinguished citizens of Piraeus came together for this purpose and signed a document establishing such an endeavor.

Since August 4, 1969, the museum has been in its current location at Zéa Marina.

Even if the small museum is one of the lesser-known museums in and around Athens, the Hellenic Maritime Museum is definitely worth seeing, especially for ship lovers.