Exploring History & Culture: 8 Must-Visit Museums In Athens For Family Fun!
- by XpatAthens
- Tuesday, 20 February 2024
Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, is a city steeped in history and culture. From ancient ruins to modern art, there's something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis. And what better way to delve into its rich tapestry of stories and artifacts than by visiting its museums? Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun family outing, Athens has a museum for you. Here are eight must-visit museums that promise an unforgettable experience for the whole family!
Acropolis Museum
Acropolis Museum
No visit to Athens is complete without exploring the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum offers a perfect complement to this iconic site. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis itself, this modern museum houses a stunning collection of more than 4.250 artifacts found on the Acropolis hill. From intricately carved statues of gods and goddesses to fragments of ancient pottery bearing mythological scenes, the museum brings ancient Athens to life. Families can embark on a journey through time together, marveling at the wonders of the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, and gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of these ancient monuments.
Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina
Telephone: 21 0900 0900
Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00–17:00 Friday: 9:00–22:00 Saturday & Sunday: 9:00–20:00
National Archaeological Museum
As one of the largest and most important archaeological museums in the world, the National Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Greek artifacts. From the golden Mask of Agamemnon to the intricate Antikythera Mechanism, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring exhibits to discover. Kids will love the museum's interactive displays, including a virtual tour of ancient Athens and hands-on activities where they can try on replicas of ancient armor and clothing. With its vast collection spanning thousands of years of history, the museum offers a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina
Telephone: 21 3214 4800
Opening Hours: Tuesday: 13:00–20:00 Wednesday-Monday: 08:30–15:30
Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina
Telephone: 21 0900 0900
Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00–17:00 Friday: 9:00–22:00 Saturday & Sunday: 9:00–20:00
National Archaeological Museum
As one of the largest and most important archaeological museums in the world, the National Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Greek artifacts. From the golden Mask of Agamemnon to the intricate Antikythera Mechanism, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring exhibits to discover. Kids will love the museum's interactive displays, including a virtual tour of ancient Athens and hands-on activities where they can try on replicas of ancient armor and clothing. With its vast collection spanning thousands of years of history, the museum offers a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina
Telephone: 21 3214 4800
Opening Hours: Tuesday: 13:00–20:00 Wednesday-Monday: 08:30–15:30
Benaki Museum
Nestled in a neoclassical mansion in the heart of Athens, the Benaki Museum offers a fascinating journey through Greek history and culture. From ancient artifacts to modern art, the museum's diverse collection spans centuries of Greek art and civilization. Families can explore beautifully decorated rooms adorned with intricate textiles and exquisite jewelry, gaining insight into the daily life and customs of Greeks throughout the ages. Highlights include a stunning collection of Byzantine icons, Ottoman-era textiles, and folk art from rural Greece.
Location: Koumpari 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0367 1000
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday: 10:00–18:00 Thursday: 10:00–00:00 Sunday: 10:00–16:00
Museum of Cycladic Art
Step into the world of the Cycladic civilization at this unique museum dedicated to the art and culture of the Cyclades islands. Featuring a remarkable collection of Cycladic figurines, pottery, and artifacts, the museum offers a glimpse into the life and customs of this ancient civilization. Kids will be captivated by the minimalist beauty of the Cycladic sculptures, while parents can appreciate the museum's serene atmosphere and insightful exhibits. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the iconic marble figurines dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, which continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.
Nestled in a neoclassical mansion in the heart of Athens, the Benaki Museum offers a fascinating journey through Greek history and culture. From ancient artifacts to modern art, the museum's diverse collection spans centuries of Greek art and civilization. Families can explore beautifully decorated rooms adorned with intricate textiles and exquisite jewelry, gaining insight into the daily life and customs of Greeks throughout the ages. Highlights include a stunning collection of Byzantine icons, Ottoman-era textiles, and folk art from rural Greece.
Location: Koumpari 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0367 1000
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday: 10:00–18:00 Thursday: 10:00–00:00 Sunday: 10:00–16:00
Museum of Cycladic Art
Step into the world of the Cycladic civilization at this unique museum dedicated to the art and culture of the Cyclades islands. Featuring a remarkable collection of Cycladic figurines, pottery, and artifacts, the museum offers a glimpse into the life and customs of this ancient civilization. Kids will be captivated by the minimalist beauty of the Cycladic sculptures, while parents can appreciate the museum's serene atmosphere and insightful exhibits. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the iconic marble figurines dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, which continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.
Location: Neofitou Douka 4, Athina
Telephone: 21 0722 8321
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday: 10:00–17:00 Thursday: 10:00–20:00 Sunday: 11:00–17:00
Goulandris Museum of Natural History
For nature-loving families, the Goulandris Museum of Natural History is a must-visit destination. Located in the lush surroundings of the Alsos of Kifisia, this museum boasts an impressive collection of flora and fauna from Greece and around the world. From dinosaur fossils to interactive exhibits on biodiversity, the museum offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Kids can embark on a journey through the history of life on Earth, exploring ancient fossils and learning about the wonders of the natural world.
Location: Levidou 13, Kifisia
Telephone: 21 0801 5870
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00–14:30 Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–15:00
Numismatic Museum
Delve into the fascinating world of coins and currency at the Numismatic Museum of Athens. Housed in the former mansion of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, the museum's elegant rooms are filled with rare coins, medals, and banknotes spanning thousands of years of history. Kids can embark on a treasure hunt through the museum, searching for hidden gems and learning about the evolution of money along the way. Highlights include ancient Greek coins depicting mythological figures and historical events, as well as rare specimens from civilizations around the world.
Location: El. Venizelou 12, Athina
Telephone: 21 0363 2057
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 08.30–15.30
Delve into the fascinating world of coins and currency at the Numismatic Museum of Athens. Housed in the former mansion of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, the museum's elegant rooms are filled with rare coins, medals, and banknotes spanning thousands of years of history. Kids can embark on a treasure hunt through the museum, searching for hidden gems and learning about the evolution of money along the way. Highlights include ancient Greek coins depicting mythological figures and historical events, as well as rare specimens from civilizations around the world.
Location: El. Venizelou 12, Athina
Telephone: 21 0363 2057
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 08.30–15.30
Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments
Music lovers won't want to miss the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, located in the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka. Here, visitors can discover the rich musical traditions of Greece through a diverse collection of instruments, from lyres and lutes to bagpipes and drums. Families can even try their hand at playing some of the instruments themselves, making for a truly interactive and memorable experience. Highlights include traditional instruments used in folk music festivals and religious ceremonies, providing insight into the cultural heritage of Greece's diverse regions.
Location: Diogenous 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0325 0198
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 08:30 - 15:30
Music lovers won't want to miss the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, located in the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka. Here, visitors can discover the rich musical traditions of Greece through a diverse collection of instruments, from lyres and lutes to bagpipes and drums. Families can even try their hand at playing some of the instruments themselves, making for a truly interactive and memorable experience. Highlights include traditional instruments used in folk music festivals and religious ceremonies, providing insight into the cultural heritage of Greece's diverse regions.
Location: Diogenous 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0325 0198
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 08:30 - 15:30
EMST – National Museum of Contemporary Art
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art at the EMST – National Museum of Contemporary Art. Housed in the former Fix brewery in the heart of Athens, this cutting-edge museum showcases a diverse collection of contemporary artworks by Greek and international artists. From avant-garde installations to thought-provoking multimedia exhibits, the museum offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. Families can explore interactive displays, attend workshops, and participate in guided tours, making for an engaging and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts of all ages.
Location: Kallirois Avenue & Amvrosiou Frantzi, Athina
Telephone: 21 1101 9000
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 11.00 – 18.30