The Benaki Museum in Athens is a premier destination for anyone interested in Greek history, art, and culture. Established in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, it was Greece’s first private museum and remains a testament to the nation’s rich heritage.
🏛️ Museum Overview
The main branch, known as the Museum of Greek Culture, is housed in a neoclassical mansion at 1 Koumbari Street, near Syntagma Square. Its extensive collection spans over 40,000 items, including:
- Prehistoric, Ancient Greek, and Roman artifacts
- Byzantine and Post-Byzantine art
- Islamic, Chinese, Korean, and Coptic art
- Historic heirlooms and 19th-century weaponry
- Paintings, drawings, and prints
- The Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika Gallery
- The Yannis Pappas Studio
- A library with over 100,000 books and periodicals
🕒 Visiting Hours & Admission
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed on Tuesday
Admission Fees:
- Full Ticket: €12
- Reduced Ticket: €9 (for seniors, students, and certain professionals)
- Temporary Exhibitions: €8 (full), €6 (reduced)
- Free Admission: Every Thursday from 6:00 PM to Midnight (excluding organized tours)
📍 Getting There
The museum is centrally located and easily accessible:
- Metro: Lines 2 and 3 to Syntagma or Evangelismos stations
- Buses: Routes 022, 060, 203, 204, 204Β, 211, 214, 220, 221, 224, 235, 608, 622, 815, Α5, Ε14, Χ14, X95
- Trolleybus: Route 3
For visitors with disabilities, the main entrance on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue is wheelchair accessible .
☕ Amenities
- Café: Located on the top floor, offering light meals and drinks with views of the National Garden
- Gift Shop: Features replicas of exhibits and products by Greek designers
- Wi-Fi: Available throughout the museum
🖼️ Branches & Special Exhibitions
The Benaki Museum operates several branches in Athens:
- Pireos 138: Contemporary art exhibitions
- Museum of Islamic Art: Located in Kerameikos, showcasing Islamic artifacts
- Ghika Gallery: Dedicated to the works of Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika
- Yannis Pappas Studio: Exhibits the works of the renowned sculptor and painter
- Museum of Childhood, Toys, and Games: Features a collection of toys and games from various periods
The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and cultural events. It’s advisable to check the museum’s official website for the latest updates on current and upcoming exhibitions.
🧭 Visitor Tips
- Time Allocation: Plan to spend at least 1–3 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits
- Comfortable Footwear: Recommended, as the museum spans multiple floors
- Photography: Flash photography is prohibited
- Guided Tours: Available upon request; consider booking in advance
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or an art lover, the Benaki Museum offers a comprehensive and enriching experience of Greek culture. Its central location, diverse collections, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Athens.
