Visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens: tickets, prices, schedules

Are you coming to the Greek capital soon? So don’t miss visiting the Acropolis Museum in Athens!

Located a few steps from the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum preserves the vestiges discovered on this emblematic site of the Greek capital. You will discover his history, but also his old functions, when he was then the main religious center of Athens. Dive into the heart of Greek antiquity and discover unique and exciting collections!

Would you like to visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens? In this article you will find all the necessary information to discover it in the best conditions. You will know the essentials to plan your visit and appreciate it at best.

History of the Acropolis Museum in Athens

Rocky plateau rising in the heart of Athens, the Acropolis was in the ancient times a major religious sanctuary. Inscribed to UNESCO World Heritage, it is currently one of the most important tourist sites in Greece. By the end of the Ottoman occupation in 1833, the Greek authorities wanted to build a museum of the Acropolis on the site itself. A first building was built between 1865 and 1874.

However, following intense excavations by Professor Kavvadias at the end of the 19th century, the 800 m2 building was insufficient to accommodate all collections. Reorganized after World War II, the museum was still too small. A new building was built in the 2000s.

From state-of-the-art architecture, it has an exhibition area of 14,000 m2, ten times more than the old museum. It thus exposes many objects that were stored on reserves so far. Built on pilotis, the museum even incorporates a recently updated archaeological site. He is now one of the main in the country.

Our tips to visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens

If you are soon to come to the Greek capital and want to prepare your discoveries, here are our best tips to visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens:

The best time to visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens

You can visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens all year . In winter as in autumn or spring, you can overall come to any time of day. Affluence is generally small. Try however avoid weekend and prefer weekdays In the morning.

During the summer and tourist season , we recommend you come in the morning at the end of the afternoon. Affluence is more important in the heart of the day. At the opening, the museum is seldom crowded and you will be able to discover it safely.

We also recommend visiting the Acropolis Museum forward to see the Acropolis itself. You will then have a better understanding of the site and its history.

During your visit to the Acropolis Museum in Athens

The rules within the Acropolis Museum differ little from what can be found for any other museum. However, discuss with archaeologists . They can provide you with additional information through digital tablets.

They are present Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm in the room of the archaic Acropolis. Saturday , they are also present 9:30 to 11am in the reading room. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about the works presented!

If you come with a backpack or large objects, you will also have to place them at the dressing room. It is on the ground floor of the museum.

Know that all areas of the museum (except the Acropolis Hall) may be photographed or filmed for the private use of the visitor. The use of flash and professional material is strictly forbidden just as the publication of the photographs.

What to do during your visit to the Acropolis Museum in Athens?

The Acropolis Museum of Athens houses objects from monuments and excavations on the Acropolis. These include bas-reliefs, statues and ceramics ranging from Prehistory to Late Antiquity.

On the exterior of the museum, you can admire archaeological excavations under your feet . The floor is transparent to the ground floor, so don’t forget about lower your eyes to contemplate them. At -1, it is even possible to admire the excavations at specific times.

Ground floor

Once your ticket has been purchased and the checks have passed, your visit will start on this ground floor. You will find the gallery dedicated to the slopes of the Acropolis. In particular, you will observe finds from the sanctuaries based on these slopes. In the windows there are also everyday objects Athenians, at all times.

1st floor

On the 1st floor you will discover objects dating from the archaic period, spreading from the 13th to the seventh century before our era. This floor houses many beautiful marble statues. Take the time to admire it Fronton de l’Hécatompédon , Cavalier Rampin or the beautiful statues of Korè (young girls).

2nd floor

On the 2nd floor are the collections related to the Erechthéion , temple of Athena Niké and to Acropolis from the fifth century before our era until the seventh century AD. You can admire the five cariatides.

These statues of women supported the Erechtheion, the sanctuary of the most sacred part of the Acropolis. Only four are complete, the fifth is unfortunately at British Museum . You can also contemplate a famous portrait of Alexander the Great On this floor.

3rd floor

You will finally reach the top floor, the jewel of the Acropolis Museum in Athens. This third floor is entirely dedicated to Parthenon . Through the windows, you’ll enjoy one of the most important things breathtaking view on this emblematic monument of Athens.

♪ Fries of the Parthenon , original or molding, are thus exposed to this place. Take the time to admire these exceptional sculptures, testimony of the greatness of ancient art!

How much does a ticket cost to the Acropolis Museum in Athens?

Here are the tariff rates to visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens:

• Full rate: 5€ (from 1 November to 31 March), 10€ (from 1 April to 31 October)
• Reduced price (less than 18, over 65, students) : 3€ in winter, 5€ summer

You can also visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens free the 6 March (day in memory of Mélina Mercouri), the 25 March (national head), 18 May (International Museum Day) and the 28 October (national head).

How to book an online ticket for the Acropolis Museum in Athens?

You can easily buy your ticket online. Line tickets for the Museum and the Acropolis can also be booked online on partner sites.

Are there guided tours of the Acropolis Museum in Athens?

There are many guided tours of the Acropolis Museum in Athens. For example, you can contact the Association of Greek Graduate Guides . You will also find many online options.

Rates usually oscillate around 35€ per person for a visit to the museum alone. The entry ticket is not always included in the offer.

Are there visits combined with other monuments in Athens?

The guided tour of the Acropolis Museum in Athens is often coupled with other monuments of the city, including the Acropolis. The tour usually lasts half a day or even a day if it includes other iconic sites of the capital. Rates go from 80€ to 200€ per person depending on the selected options, whether tickets are included or not, etc.

Opening hours of the Acropolis Museum in Athens

1 November to 31 March , the Acropolis Museum is open to the following times:

• Monday to Thursday: 9h - 17h
• Friday: 9h - 22h
• Saturday and Sunday: 9h - 20h

1 April to 31 October , it is open:

• Monday: 8h - 16h
• From Tuesday to Sunday: 8h - 20h
• Friday: 8h - 22h

The last possible entry is made 30 minutes before closing . The museum is closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25 and 26.

Christmas Eve and the Day of the Year (24 and 31 December), the museum is open from 9am until 3pm . For the Friday Saint The museum is open 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturday Saint de 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. .

The evenings of full moon of August and during the European Museum Night , the Acropolis Museum is open until midnight .

How do I access the Acropolis Museum in Athens?

The museum is at the exact address: 15, rue Dionysiou Aréopagitou, 11742 Athens . You can easily reach it metro , in bus , in trolley or even foot and bike .

Bus

Numerous bus lines stop near the museum, especially at the station Makriyianni . To visit the Acropolis Museum will not be a problem.

In trolley, lines 1, 5, 15 also stop at the station Makriyianni .

Metro

You can go down to the station Acropolis , located a few steps from the museum. line 2 Anthoupoli-Ellèniko stops there.

Tramway

You can stop at the station Boulevard Vouliagméni by tram then join the museum on foot.

Vélo

Des parking for bicycles are located at the main entrance of the museum, on the pedestrian street Dionysiou Aréopagitou and at the exit of the metro Acropolis .

Where to park near the Acropolis Museum in Athens?

The car is not the ideal way to reach the museum. Athens can have complicated traffic , even in the day, with many traffic jams.

♪ parking options are rare . Indeed, even if there are some rare parking lots, these are quickly full. Better. by public transport to the museum.

Where to stay near the Acropolis Museum in Athens?

The Acropolis Museum is located in the heart of the historic city centre of Athens. All iconic monuments are nearby, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The district la Pláka nestled between the hill and the National Garden, is a short walk from the museum. This neighborhood is however tourist and few Athenians live there. If you want to make the most of the sights, it is all recommended.

If you opt for a hotel, think about using a hotel Compare hotels to find the offer that will best match your expectations. You will also find some Airbnb and other accommodation near the Acropolis.

For more information, you can also consult our article "In which quarter house in Athens? » .