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The National Archaeological Museum of Athens ranks among the best museums in the world, housing the richest collection of antiquity Greek artefacts that exist. It was built from 1866 to 1889 and was originally known as the Central Museum. The museum was designed to contain antiquities findings from Athens and its surroundings that have been dated from the beginning of prehistory to late antiquity. The collection ranges from the Neolithic period to the Hellenistic age and houses the famous mask of Agamemnon with other gold and silver objects.
Quick Facts
Location:Athens, Greece
Timings: 1 PM – 8 PM (Monday), 8 AM – 8 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Entry Fees: ₹1067 in summers, ₹535 for winters (Free on special days)
How To Reach: By metro, bus, and taxi
Nearest Airport: Athens International Airport
Nearest Metro Station: Biktoria Subway Station
Best Time To Visit: March to May, September to November
Location
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Greece is situated in the important city of Athens. It lies near Patission Street on 28is Oktovriou 44 Street in Athina 106 82, Greece. The roads connected to the main area are Vasileos Irakilou, Mpoumpoulinas, and Stournari. This also brings the chance to pass around several cafes, bookshops, and shops for an abundant Athens outing with culture. The nearby landmarks are Void Book Store, Artos Zois Foundation for Biblical Studies, and Alpha Theatre—Linnaeus Fotiou.
How To Reach
Photo: CAPTAIN RAJU / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos. It is 32 km from the museum, and it takes around 40 minutes to get there by car or taxi and 1 hour by bus and metro.
By Train: The museum also lies within the city’s metro system, and it is accessible via the Green Line (Line 1), which stops at Biktoria Subway Station, 1 km from the museum. You can also use the central Larissa Railway Station, which lies roughly about 5 minutes from the museum.
By Road: Many public buses run nearby on routes 5, 11, and 13. From those bus stops, the museum is a few minutes’ walk. Alternatively, one can simply walk from central Athens, and the museum is a 15 to 20-minute walk from Omonia Square.
Things To Do
1. Unveil The Mysteries Of Ancient Greek Civilization
Photo: Carlo Dell’Orto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The museum possesses highly valued artefacts in the Prehistoric Collection, where you find materials from the Aegean Bronze Age, such as Cycladic figures and items from the Mycenaean and Minoan civilisations, within which the famous Mask of Agamemnon appears as one of the high points. Pass through the museum galleries and the sculpture collection that unfolds the evolution of Greek art, like the rigorously formal Kouroi and the Statue of Poseidon to the outright naturalistic forms. The Bronze Collection contains pieces like the Jockey of Artemision and the scientific Antikythera Mechanism, one of the most impressive scientific and artistic achievements of ancient Greece.
2. Crossroads Of Greek Culture
Photo: Tilemahos Efthimiadis / Wikimedia Commons
The museum shows the cultural interaction between Greece and other ancient civilizations. Specifically, the Egyptian Collection and the Vase and Minor Arts Collection are instances of such interactions. The Egyptian Collection comprises mummies, amulets, and statues. It displays the connections between the two as well as the cross-cultural influences that were traded between Greece and Egypt. Key artefacts, like the funerary stela of Iamu and canopic jars, depict the cross-cultural influences that affected Greek artistic ability and beliefs.
Places To Visit Near The National Archaeological Museum
1. National Garden Of Athens
Photo: Ανώνυμος Βικιπαιδιστής / Wikimedia Commons
To the concrete experience of an urban community, the National Garden of Athens is a peaceful and serene green corner at the heart. This 15.5-hectare garden is perfect for nature enthusiasts, and it contains luxuriant greens, shaded pathways, and quiet ponds. Many trees, plants, and wild animals like ducks and turtles can be seen in the ponds. The remains of ancient ruins litter the park and make your visit a rich historical affair. Be it sitting, having a serene walk or visiting the flora in the garden, it’s the right place to relax and unwind after the museum tour.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Museum: 3 km
2. Temple of Olympian Zeus
Photo: Jebulon / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most ancient architectural wonders, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, was built to honour the king of gods, Zeus. There was a time when this monumental building was the largest temple in Greece. It was started in the 6th century BC and completed by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Much of the temple remains destroyed, but 15 of its gigantic Corinthian columns remain standing, giving an idea of what grandeur once existed here. The huge scale of the columns and the fine details of the ruins standing around are things to be marvelled at.
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
Distance From The Museum: 4 km
3. Roman Agora
Photo: George E. Koronaios / Wikimedia Commons
The Roman Agora was a commercial and political centre in ancient Athens and is near Monastiraki Square. Built-in the 1st century BC, it has ruined buildings on site, such as the Tower of the Winds, an octagonal clock, and a weather station with the Gate of Athena Archegetis, the former entrance to the Agora. You can explore the remains of this bustling marketplace and gain insight into the daily lives in Roman times. For history enthusiasts who want to learn more about Athens’ transition from Greek to Roman rule, the Roman Agora is an excellent stop.
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
Distance From The Museum: 3 km
4. Lycabettus Hill
Photo: George E. Koronaios / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
At its highest point in the heart of Athens, Mount Lycabettus stands at 277 meters above sea level. Its pleasant views of the city are to be enjoyed from the Acropolis, Aegean Sea, and the surrounding landscape as well. You can walk to the summit in around 30 minutes or opt for the funicular railway, which offers a quick ride to the top. At the top resides the 19th-century Chapel of St. George, along with a café where you can sit and enjoy the views of extraterrestrial beauty.
Timings: 9 AM – 11 PM
Distance From The Museum: 3 km
5. Benaki Museum
Photo: Joyofmuseums / Wikimedia Commons
Located just a short distance from the museum is the Benaki Museum, which has its antique and modern collections. It houses works of Greek art from prehistoric times through the modern era. The exhibitions featured here include sculptures, jewellery, textiles, and artefacts from ancient Greece and Byzantine and Ottoman works. Another variant of the Benaki Museum has a high-quality collection of Islamic art, Chinese ceramics, and others. This makes it highly diversified and enriching for visits.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Distance From The Museum: 2 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Nguyễn Thị Minh Nghi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The city of Athens has options from luxurious to basic stays. The epitome of luxury and splendour is the AthensWas Hotel, offering magnificently framed views of the Acropolis with its upper deck. It is for those interested in experiencing comfort and proximity to major attractions at the same time. Herodion Hotel is also an option for intimate rooms, with a better view of the city from its roof restaurant. It’s a short distance to the Acropolis and the Archaeological National Museum. For budget travellers, there’s a lot of comfort offered without expensive prices within the pleasant and lively district of Plaka.
Where To Eat
Photo: DocWoKav / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Athens is a great place to dine, with many restaurants catering for every taste and serving real Greek food. On site of the museum is the Museum Café and Restaurant, which offers a peaceful environment where visitors can enjoy savoury Greek delicacies, like spanakopita and baked pastries with spinach and feta. If you want to eat closer to the Acropolis, visit the Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant, across the road from the Acropolis Museum. Enjoy an authentic Greek menu that pairs exceptionally well with moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki for a delicious taste of local flavours. Stroll through the streets of Plaka and visit the Yiasemi Café for its freshly brewed coffee and light bites.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Lucretius / Wikimedia Commons
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the museum from March to May and September to November when the weather is warm and pleasant in Athens. These months also offer the opportunity to explore the city’s landmarks in comfortable temperatures.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
For a full experience of the place, budget between ₹4444 and ₹8888 extra for other activities such as dining, a guided tour, or visiting nearby attractions within Athens. Your budget may fluctuate depending on your choice of accommodations and dining preferences, so it’s good to plan ahead.
The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is a treasure trove, but it goes beyond being just a repository of ancient artefacts. It is an immersive journey into Greece’s rich cultural and historical tapestry, bringing to life the evolution of Greek civilisation and echoing masterpieces that have shaped the world’s understanding of art, architecture, and mythology. Plan a trip with TripXL for an unforgettable experience in Athens.
Cover Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
