From the Acropolis to Antiquities: The Best Athens Museums

If it is your first time in Athens, chances are the ancient ruins that dot the city are at the top of your must-see list, and rightly so. However, to really get a sense of the city’s incredible history and culture, you will want to carve out time for the museums in Athens, too. These spaces do not just display artifacts; they tell the stories behind the stones, statues, and temples that make Athens an unforgettable destination. In this blog post, I am highlighting some of the best Athens museums, with a special focus on two standout museums: the Acropolis Museum, which offers a modern, immersive look at the city’s most famous landmark, and the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of the most impressive collections of ancient Greek art and artifacts in the world. Whether you are a history buff or looking to make the most of your time in Athens, these museums will add color and context to your visit.

Acropolis Museum

Out of all of the Athens museums, the Acropolis Museum is an absolute must-visit on your trip to Athens and a true highlight in the city. The Acropolis Museum, which opened in 2009, is a modern museum built specifically to house artifacts from the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes, spanning the Greek Bronze Age through Roman and Byzantine times. Just steps from the Acropolis itself, the museum feels like an extension of the ruins, both in content and design.  

The architecture of the building itself may feel out of place at the foot of the Acropolis, but the modern design of the building is just as impressive as the collection housed within its walls. The museum's clean lines, glass floors, large windows, and use of natural light create a space that is sleek, but perfectly designed to showcase some of the most famous artifacts of Ancient Greece. The museum is also elevated over a preserved archaeological site and visitors can see the ruins of ancient Athenian homes and streets beneath their feet as they visit the Acropolis Museum.

Collection Highlights

When visiting the Acropolis Museum, you cannot miss the museum's main highlights, including the Parthenon Gallery and the Caryatids. 

• The Parthenon Gallery: Occupying the entire top floor of the Acropolis Museum, the Parthenon Gallery is unlike anything else in Athens. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, the gallery offers panoramic views of the Parthenon itself, creating a powerful visual connection between the temple and the sculptures that once adorned it. The layout of the Parthenon Gallery mirrors the exact dimensions and orientation of the actual Parthenon, allowing visitors to walk around the entire perimeter of the frieze, just as it once wrapped around the temple high on the Acropolis. This gallery displays both original sculptures and cast replicas of pieces that are currently held in other museums around the world, most notably the Elgin Marbles in the British Museum in London. 

• Five of the Original Caryatids from the Erechtheion: These elegant female figures once supported the south porch of the Erechtheion, each one unique in detail. Five of original six Caryatids are displayed in the Acropolis Museum, while the sixth remains on display at the British Museum in London. (The Caryatids that you see at the Acropolis today are replicas. The original Caryatids have been move inside to protect them, like the other original sculpture work in the museum's collection, from the elements.) The Caryatids are positioned on a raised platform, allowing you to see them up close, from 360-degrees. Being able to get up-close to the Caryatids gives you the opportunity to see the differences between each, from their hair and the manner in which they are dressed, to their stance. The Caryatids, in my opinion, are the best part of the Acropolis Museum. 

• Adorable Carved Owl: One of the first sculptures that you will see upon entering the Acropolis Museum is this small, but adorable carved owl. Believed to be from the Odeion of Pericles on the slopes of the Acropolis, this sculpture was once part of a seat. I personally love this little owl because it is a symbol of both the goddess Athena and the city of Athens. Plus, this little owl is truly adorable!

• Hekatompedon: The Hekatompedon was an ancient temple that was destroyed prior to the construction of the Parthenon, and located in its spot atop the Acropolis. While this building is long gone, sculptures that once decorated the temple are on display at the Acropolis Museum, including those that once decorated the west and east pediments. I personally find the west pediment sculptures to be particularly fascinating because you can see some of their original, colorful paint (pictured below). It serves as a great reminder that the buildings of the Acropolis and elsewhere in Ancient Greece were once painted brilliant colors and not the plain stone that we see today.  

How to Visit the Acropolis Museum 

I, personally, recommend visiting the Acropolis first and then heading to the Acropolis Museum. Please keep in mind that admission to the Acropolis is not included with your admission to the Acropolis Museum and separate tickets are required. 

The Acropolis Museum is located at the foot of the Acropolis, in the Makriyianni neighborhood. The Acropolis Museum is located a short walk, around 5 minutes, from the Acropolis itself. From Monastiraki Square, it takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the Acropolis Museum. The closest Metro Station is Acropoli (Ακρόπολη), serviced by Metro Line M2. 

Opening Hours & Additional Information

• Opening Hours: The Acropolis Museum is open daily; however, opening hours vary based on the season. The museum is closed on January 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25-26, annually. The museum is open, with reduced hours, on Orthodox Easter Good Friday, Orthodox Easter Holy Saturday, December 24, and December 31, annually. For additional information, please visit the Acropolis Museum website.
• Tickets: Tickets for the Acropolis Museum do not need to be purchased in-advance of your visit, but if you would like to purchase tickets ahead of time, they are available on the Acropolis Museum website. If you do not purchase your tickets ahead of your visit, you may have to wait in line at the ticket office once you arrive at the Acropolis Museum, but from my experience, the line moves quickly.
• Museum Café: The Acropolis Museum is home to both a café and restaurant, on the second floor. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the Acropolis and is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. For additional information, please visit the Acropolis Museum website.
• Cloakroom: A cloakroom is available at the Acropolis Museum for large bags and luggage. Food and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries.
• Photography: Please keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside the Archaic Acropolis Gallery in order to protect the delicate sculptures. Photography is otherwise allowed in the rest of the museum.
• Time: You should plan to spend about two hours at the Acropolis Museum. 

Guided Tours of the Acropolis Museum

If you are looking to learn more about the magnificent sculptures and Ancient Greek artifacts on display at the Acropolis Museum, a guided tour is a great option. Many guided tours include a tour of the Acropolis, as well as the Acropolis Museum. A couple of the highest rate guided tours available through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below.

• Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
• Late-Day Acropolis & Museum Guided Tour

Visiting the Acropolis on your trip to Athens in conjunction with the Acropolis Museum? Learn more about this historic landmark in our blog post on Visiting the Acropolis: History, Highlights, & How to Get Tickets. 

National Archeological Museum 

While the National Archaeological Museum is not as close to the main tourist sites in Athens, it is still one of the best Athens museums to visit in the city and well worth the trek to see it. The National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece and one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. You can think of it as a treasure chest of Greek civilization, home to thousands of artifacts that span thousands of years of human history. 

The National Archaeological Museum is located in a grand, Neoclassical style building in the Exarcheia neighborhood of Athens. Its collections are vast and wonderfully curated, packed with iconic pieces that look like they are straight out of a history textbook (and I mean that in the best way possible). While the museum is large, it is organized chronologically and thematically, making the musuem easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors. 

Collection Highlights

No visit to the National Archeological Museum in Athens would be complete without seeing the collection highlights, including: 

• Cycladic Figurines: One of the first artifacts that you will likely see on your visit to the National Archeological Museum are the Cycladic figurines. Minimalist, abstract, and eerily modern-looking, these marble figurines from the Cyclades date back to the Early Cycladic period (around 3100–2300 BC). Most are female and were likely used in religious or funerary contexts. (They were found at cemetaries.) Their clean lines and folded-arm poses have inspired modern artists, including none other than Pablo Picasso.

• Mycenaean Jewelry, Weapons, & the Mask of Agamemnon: This dazzling collection comes from royal tombs unearthed in Mycenae, a powerful civilization that flourished between 1750 and 1050 BC. Gold cups, intricately engraved daggers, and delicate jewelry show the sophistication and wealth of this ancient society. (To me, this section of the museum really illustrates just how advanced and sophisticated the Mycenaean society was, especially in their jewelry-making. When you look into the display cases, you will see jewelry that would not look out of place in a modern jewelry store today.) The star of the show, however, is the famous "Mask of Agamemnon," a stunning gold funerary mask once thought to belong to the legendary king of Homer’s epics. While we now know the gold mask predates him and the Trojan Wars, it remains one of the museum’s most iconic pieces.

• Bronze Statue of Poseidon or Zeus? (Artemision Bronze): Towering over the other sculptures in the room, at nearly 7 feet (2.09 meters) tall, this dramatic bronze sculpture was retrieved from the sea near Cape Artemision, which is why it is now known as the Artemision Bronze. The god stands poised to strike, one arm stretched back, the other thrust forward, either holding a trident (if it is Poseidon) or a thunderbolt (if it is Zeus). The original weapon is lost, so scholars still debate which god we are looking at with this sculpture. Regardless, the power and movement captured in the piece make it one of the finest surviving bronzes from antiquity. 

• Jockey of Artemision: Another incredible bronze sculpture recovered from a shipwreck is the Jockey of Artemision. This incredible sculpture is a showstopper in the National Archeological Museum's collection. The statue depicts a young boy, or jockey, riding a galloping horse, his expression is intense, and the horse's muscles are rippling with energy. The Jockey of Artemision is one of the few large-scale bronze statues that survived the Hellenistic period.  

• Antikythera Mechanism: The Antikythera Mechanism is a 2,000-year-old device that is often referred to as the world’s first analog computer. It was thought to be used to predict eclipses and track planetary movements. While the Antikythera Mechanism does not look like much in its display case at the National Archeological Museum, it has been at the focus of newly released research. Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent write-up about how and if this ancient device actually worked. I definitely recommend reading up about the Antikythera Mechanism if it peaks your curiosity! 
• Marble Statue of Poseidon: While the museum's bronze Poseidon (or Zeus) tends to steal the spotlight, this marble statue of Poseidon is just as captivating. Depicted with a steady gaze and full beard, the sea god stands draped in a himation, exuding authority. This statue likely dates to the Roman period and reflects the enduring influence of classical Greek style. It. is a beautiful example of how the gods were imagined; not just as powerful forces, but as dignified, human figures.

• Roman Copies of Greek Statues: The museum is also home to an extensive collection of Roman copies of Classical Greek statues. While it might sound like they are knockoffs, these sculptures are actually incredibly valuable. Many of the original Greek sculptures have been lost over time, so Roman copies are all we have to know what Greek art and sculpture really looked like. These works speak to how deeply the Romans admired Greek artistry and how that legacy was carefully preserved. Within the National Archeological Museum's collection, you will find Roman statues of philosophers, heroic gods, and other creatures from Greek mythology. Want to know one way to tell whether a sculpture is a Roman copy versus that of a Greek original? The presence of added supports, like a tree trunk or strut at the base of the sculpture, used to stabilize the marble and prevent it from breaking. The Greeks were artists, while the Romans were engineers.  

• Greek Pottery: The museum's Greek pottery collection is quite extensive. These beautifully preserved vessels span from the Geometric period to the Classical era. They are covered in intricate designs and mythological scenes. You will spot the iconic black-figure styles, which always remind me of Disney's animated Hercules movie - with the Muses narrating the story from the vases. It is, however, pretty amazing how much personality and motion these ancient artists managed to capture with a few brushstrokes. The Greek pottery collection is located on the museum's upper floor (first floor).

How to Visit the National Archeological Museum 

As previously mentioned, the National Archeological Museum is located in the Exarcheia neighborhood in Athens. The museum is a 25-minute walk from Monastiraki Square (1 mile/1.6 kilometers).

Alternatively, the nearest Metro Stations to the National Archeological Museum are Omonia (Ομόνοια) and Victoria (Biktṓria). From Monastiraki Square, you can take Metro Line M1 to Biktṓria and then walk another 8 minutes to reach the National Archeological Museum. The combination of metro and walking, from Monastiraki Square, takes approximately 12 minutes.  

Opening Hours & Additional Information

• Opening Hours: The National Archeological Museum is open daily, with extended evening hours on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Otherwise, Wednesday through Monday, the museum is open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The museum has reduced hours on Orthodox Good Friday, Orthodox Holy Saturday, and Orthodox Easter Monday. The museum is closed on January 1, March 25, May 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and December 25-26, annually. For additional information regarding opening hours, please visit the National Archaeological Museum website.
• Tickets: Admission cost is €12. Tickets can be purchased online, in advance of your visit via the Hellenic Heritage e-Ticket website, or in-person. Tickets purchased online, in advance of your visit, have designated entry time slots, so book your tickets accordingly.
• Cloakroom & Café: A cloakroom is available for visitors traveling with large bags and luggage. A small, but nice café is also available on-site.
• Time: You should plan to spend around two hours at the National Archeological Museum. The last admission time is 30 minutes before the museum closes. 

Guided Tours of the National Archeological Museum

The National Archeological Museum unfortunately does not offer guided tours through its collection. However, I highly recommend the free audio tour from renowned travel author and guide, Rick Steves. His app, Rick Steves' Audio Europe, is available for both iPhone and Android. Audio tours can be downloaded over WiFi, so they can be used without the need for cellular data. The app is completely free, no account or credit card is required. I found the audio tour of the National Archeological Museum to be both amusing and insightful, adding plenty of color to my visit and guiding me towards the highlights of the collection. The app is especially useful if you are short on time. The audio tour takes approximately one hour, but you will be inclined to pause periodically as you move from room to room. If you plan on using the Rick Steves' Audio Europe app while visiting the National Archeological Museum in Athens, do not forget to pack headphones! For additional information, please visit the Rick Steves' Europe website.

More Athens Museums 

There are plenty more Athens museums aside from the Acropolis Museum and the National Archeological Museum. If you find yourself with some extra time to explore Athens, consider visiting any one of the these other fantastic Athens museums listed below.

• National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMΣT): The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMΣT) is an institution dedicated to contemporary art in Greece. EMΣT showcases a diverse collection of works by Greek and international artists, covering a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, video, and performance art, with a focus on the 21st century. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Athens from the museum's terrace. EMΣT is closed on Mondays. 
• Museum of Cycladic Art: If you enjoyed seeing the Cycladic figurines at the National Archeological Museum, then you have to check out the Museum of Cycladic Art! The Museum of Cycladic Art is home to an extensive collection of artifacts from the Cycladic civilization. The museum's collection features more marble figurines, pottery, and tools. In addition to Cycladic art, the museum also houses collections of ancient Greek and Cypriot art, offering visitors a broader understanding of the ancient cultures that shaped the region. The Museum of Cycladic Art is closed on Tuesdays. 
• Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation: The Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by renowned international artists such as Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet, Picasso, and Rodin, alongside notable Greek artists like Yannis Tsarouchis and Yannis Moralis. The collection reflects the discerning tastes of its founders, Basil and Elise Goulandris, who were prominent art collectors and philanthropists. The Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation is closed on Tuesdays.
• National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum: The National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum is Greece's foremost institution for fine arts. The museum houses an extensive collection of Greek and European art from the 14th century to the present day. The National Gallery is closed on Tuesdays. 
• Benaki Museum - Museum of Greek Culture: The Benaki Museum - Museum of Greek Culture offers a comprehensive overview of Greek history and culture, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. The museum's extensive collection includes ancient artifacts, Byzantine art, and traditional Greek clothing. The Benaki Museum - Museum of Greek Culture is closed on Tuesdays. 
• Jewish Museum of Greece: The Jewish Museum of Greece offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Jewish community in Greece. The museum's exhibits cover over 2,300 years of Jewish presence in the region, showcasing religious artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical documents. Highlights include a large collection of Judaica and the moving exhibits on the Holocaust, which detail the persecution of Greek Jews during World War II. The Jewish Museum of Greece is closed on Saturdays. 
• Hellenic Motor Museum: The Hellenic Motor Museum is a unique attraction for car enthusiasts and families. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 100 classic and vintage cars, spanning from the early 20th century to the present. Highlights include rare models from Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, and Bugatti, as well as the iconic 1980s DeLorean. The Hellenic Motor Museum is closed on Mondays.
• Museum of Ancient Greek Technology - Kostas Kotsanas: The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology - Kostas Kotsanas offers a fascinating look into the technological innovations of ancient Greece. The museum features over 300 working reconstructions of ancient Greek inventions, including the Antikythera Mechanism. These exhibits demonstrate the advanced engineering and scientific knowledge of the ancient Greeks, often considered the foundation of modern technology. The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology - Kostas Kotsanas is open daily. 

The Best Athens Museums: A Quick Recap

Visiting a city like Athens is not just about ticking off the famous landmarks, though the Parthenon and Acropolis certainly deserve their place at the top of any itinerary. For me, however, the real magic of Athens lies in understanding the layers of history and culture that have shaped it over thousands of years. That is why I highly recommend making time to visit the city's museums.

The Acropolis Museum and the National Archeological Museum are not just places to admire beautiful artifacts; they help bring Ancient Greece to life. Walking through their galleries, you can begin to connect the dots between myth and reality, between ruins and the people who once lived among them. These Athens museums offer the kind of context that deepens your appreciation for everything else that you see around the city. 

If it is your first time heading to Athens, do not miss out on the chance to step inside and learn more about the immense history and culture that has shaped this city over centuries. It is one thing to stand at the foot of the Parthenon, but another to gain a better understanding of the stories carved into its frieze, or see the faces of ancient Athenians preserved in marble. These museums, among the many other that dot the city, have helped me to see Athens in a new light, and I hope they do the same for you, too.  

Looking for more information to help you plan your trip to Athens? Be sure to check out our Athens Travel Guide for hotel suggestions, restaurant recommendations, and more. Interested in turning your trip to Athens into an island hopping getaway? Read all about the Best Islands Near Athens on the Jetset Seeker Blog!

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