The National Archaeological Museum, dedicated to ancient Greece, is one of the top 10 things to do in Athens.
In this complete guide to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, you'll learn all about the exhibition, history, and helpful information about directions, tickets, and tours.
Let's start!
Things to Do at the National Archaeological Museum
(@la_vita_incantata)The National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and the most visited museum in Athens.
The extensive collection is considered the most important collection of utilitarian objects as well as works of art from ancient Greece. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum is therefore like a journey to ancient Greece. Visitors can not only discover unique works of ancient Greek art, but also gain insight into the life and culture of one of the world's oldest civilizations.
See here some of the museum's highlights:
1. Permanent Exhibition
Around 11,000 objects, which come from all parts of the country, are displayed in the permanent exhibition.
Among the highlights are works such as the Mask of Agamemnon, the impressive mechanism of Antikythera, the bronze statue from Artemision, as well as the statues of Aphrodite of Syracuse, the Lady of Mycenae and the Dipylon Amphora.
The permanent exhibition can be divided into the following six main areas:
2. Temporary Exhibition
Several times a year the offer is enriched by temporary exhibitions. They are shown in the three designated rooms of the museum. A current preview and overview can be found on the official
3. Museum Building
The museum building itself is also impressive. The National Archaeological Museum is housed in a neoclassical building from the 19th century.
The imposing building, designed by architect Ludwig Lange, has a total of 52 rooms, 49 of which present the extensive permanent exhibition. A tour of all the museum rooms accordingly takes a lot of time.
4. Café in the Museum
In the National Archaeological Museum there is a café, which not only offers culinary delights, but also regularly delights with musical performances on its terrace. Guests without entrance tickets can also visit the café.
5. Museum Store
In the museum there is a museum store with a wide range of articles. Access to the store is also possible without an entrance ticket.
Entrance, Tickets and Tours to the National Archaeological Museum
How to Get to the National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is located in the immediate vicinity of the central square Omonia, about one kilometer from the city center.
- By Public Transport: The easiest way to get to the museum is by Metro 1 (to the "Victoria" or "Omonia" stop) or by hop-on hop-off bus tour to the A11 "Archaeological Museum" stop. Numerous buses and trolley buses also serve the museum.
- From Piraeus Cruise Port: Visitors arriving from the cruise port of Piraeus can go to the nearby metro station "Piraeus" and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the 20-minute ride to the station " Victoria". From there it is a 7-minute walk to the National Archaeological Museum.
FAQ about the National Archaeological Museum
The regular opening hours of the National Archaeological Museum in the summer (April to November) are Wednesdays to Mondays from 08:00 to 20:00 and Tuesdays from 13:00 to 20:00.
In the winter season (November to April) it is open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 08:00 to 17:00 and on Tuesdays from 13:00 to 20:00. In addition, the current opening hours can be found on the official website of the museum.
The National Archaeological Museum is located very close to the central square Omonia, about one kilometer from the city center. The full address is: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece.
The easiest way to get to the National Archaeological Museum is by Metro 1 (to the "Victoria" or "Omonia" stop) or by hop-on hop-off bus tour to the A11 "Archaeological Museum" stop. Numerous buses and trolley buses also serve the museum.
Visitors arriving from the cruise port in Piraeus can walk to the nearby Piraeus metro station and board the M1 line. A one-way ticket is sufficient for the 20-minute ride to the " Victoria" station. From there it is a 7-minute walk to the National Archaeological Museum.
Entrance fees are charged for admission to the National Archaeological Museum. Among others, children under 5 years of age, EU citizens under 25 years of age, and visitors with a disability enjoy free admission to the National Archaeological Museum. A complete and detailed list is available here.
In addition, admission to the National Archaeological Museum is free on the first Sunday of every month (November through March), March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September, and October 28.
History & Facts about the National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum was founded in 1829 in the then capital city of Aegina. Thus, it was the first museum established after the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829) and the establishment of the Greek Kingdom in 1832.
After the Greek capital was moved to Athens in 1834, the National Archaeological Museum also moved to the new capital. However, the numerous exhibits were initially stored in different buildings.
It was not until 1866 that construction began on the current museum building, which was built according to the designs of Ludwig Lange as well as Ernst Ziller. After eight years of construction, the new main building was opened. The two side wings followed in 1881 and 1885.
After the beginning of the Second World War, the museum was closed for a short time. The exhibits were partly buried in the basement, partly in secret places. In 1947, the National Archaeological Museum was able to reopen its doors.
After a severe earthquake in 1999, renovation works were carried out on the museum from 2002 to 2004. Today, the National Archaeological Museum is considered one of the most important museums in Athens.