National Archaeological Museum
Price guide: Mid-range
44 Patission Avenue, Omonia, Athens, 10682
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#8 of 20
expert-rated things to do in Athens- Recommended for:
- Culture vultures, Families with teenagers, Families with younger children, First-time travellers, Mature travellers, Art, History, Sightseeing
Expert review of National Archaeological Museum
The most exhaustive collection of ancient Greek art in the world.
The largest museum in Greece, with more than 11,000 exhibits, from prehistoric jewellery to classical sculpture. You could spend weeks here and still not see everything. Greek myths come alive as you wander through room after room of astonishingly sophisticated and delicate artefacts. The classic black and red vases depicting scenes from everyday life offer thrilling insights into the rituals of the ancient Greeks. The 16th century BC frescoes unearthed on Santorini in the 1970s still look startlingly fresh. The gold death mask of Agammemnon, buried in the tombs of Mycenae, is chillingly beautiful. It’s just a shame that the presentation of the exhibits is so old-fashioned, and the opening hours are so restricted.
Price advice:
€7, concessions €3. Free entrance on Sundays between November 1 and March 31, and some other Sundays throughout the year. Check the museum website for details.
Expert tips:
There’s a very agreeable café in the square in front of the museum. But the secret café in the inner courtyard, decorated with sculptures, is even lovelier.
It closes ludicrously early at 3pm (apart from Mondays), so get there early. You need several hours to really explore the vast and varied collection.
More information on National Archaeological Museum:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Museum
- Address:
- 44 Patission Avenue, Omonia, Athens, 10682
- Telephone:
- +30 210 821 7717
- Website:
- http://www.namuseum.gr
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- Mon 1.30-8pm, Tues-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Indoor
- Free tags / Keywords:
- archaeology, Ancient art, courtyard cafe
