Visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens: tickets, prices, schedules

Passing to the Greek capital? So don’t miss visiting the Archaeological Museum of Athens, a must-see cultural place!

The Principal Archaeological Museum of Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Athens has one of the largest collections of ancient Greeks in the world. You can discover more 20,000 objects discovered in Greece spreading from Prehistory to the end of Antiquity. This museum is one of the must-sees in Athens.

Would you like to visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens? In this article, you will find all the necessary information to discover it in the best conditions. Practical advice and information through rates and schedules, you will know the essentials to plan your visit and appreciate it at best!

History of the Archaeological Museum of Athens

The history of the Archaeological Museum of Athens begins with the War of Greek Independence . In 1827, the Third Greek National Assembly forbids any export of antiquities from the country. Following this prohibition, the Fourth National Assembly decided to establish the first National Archaeological Museum of Greece the 21 October 1829 .

From then on, objects from the Greek antiquity began to be gathered in this museum. The latter first settled in the building of an orphanage on Engineering . It was then successively installed to Nauplie then, from 1834, in Athens.

The first Greek archaeology law, passed in 1834, provided for the construction of a specific building to house the museum. However, the project was delayed, with projects being refused one after another. A first museum was finally built 3 October 1866 to welcome and expose objects from the Greek antiquity. However, the construction was laborious, and in the early years the building was insufficiently large to accommodate all the collections.

During the Second World War, the authorities had to close the establishment and scatter the collections to protect them from looting. The museum completely reopens its doors only in 1964 . Since then, he has exposed almost continuously the archaeological wonders dating from the Greek antiquity discovered in the country.

Our tips to visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens

For a trip, time is precious. So here are our best tips to visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens:

The best time to visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens

You can access the Archaeological Museum of Athens and visit it all year round. Affluence is generally small. However avoid the weekend and focus on weekdays. The morning is also the best time, especially during the summer season.

At the opening, the museum is rarely crowded and you can discover it quietly. Opt if possible for this period during the high tourist season.

How long to find out?

To visit the Archaeological Museum of Athens, you can plan to two to four hours on average . The museum can easily occupy an entire day by the density of its exhibitions: more than 20,000 objects . But you can focus on major works. The visit time will depend on your appeal for the exhibits. You can adjust the duration of your visit to focus on the collections that interest you most.

During your visit to the Archaeological Museum of Athens

The rules of the Archaeological Museum of Athens are similar to those found in any other museum:

• You will not be able to consume drinks and food in its enclosure;
• If you come with a backpack or large objects, you will have to place them at the locker room at the entrance;
• Flashless photographs are allowed for certain objects only. The use of flashes and professional equipment is strictly prohibited except with authorizations;
• Pets are prohibited. Only guide dogs are allowed in the museum;
• Health-related rules may also apply within the period. Be sure to know about it before you arrive.

What to do during your visit to the Archaeological Museum of Athens?

This museum is one of the largest in the world. It has the richest collection of Greek artifacts from the Neolithic period to the classical era. The museum's collections are on two floors.

On the ground floor

On the ground floor are the Egyptian, Neolithic Antiquities and especially the Mycenic collections. You can admire major works and artifacts, as the « Thinker » , the Trojan Ceramics, cycladic idols and especially the famous Masque d’Agamemnon .

The museum is one of the highlights of the museum’s visit. It is part of the objects discovered to Mycenes , major city of ancient Greece. On the ground floor you can also admire incredible bronze statues of Zeus or Poséidon, as well as the Cavalier d’Artémision (picture above) and Garlic Victory .

On the 1st floor

The 1st floor also houses other wonders to admire absolutely! You can discover the magnificent polychrome frescoes of Santorini or glass vases collections. The collection of terracotta figurines is also on the 1st floor.

How much does a ticket cost to the Archaeological Museum of Athens?

• Dude 1 April to 31 October, the ticket costs 12€ by person;
• Dude 1 November to 31 March, reduced fare 6€ applies to all;
• The fare is reduced by half for older visitors 6 to 25 yearsoriginating from non-member countries of the European Union, and the seniors of over 65 years ;
• The entrance is free for children and youth up to 25 yearsoriginating from EU member States;
• The entrance is free for all on the following dates: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, 28 October. The entrance is also free on the last weekend of September each year as well as every first Sunday of each month from November 1st to March 31st;

You'll have to introduce one valid identity document to get a reduced rate or a free entry. You can visit the museum’s official website to learn more about admission rates (reductions, exemptions).

Are there guided tours of the Archaeological Museum of Athens?

You can book a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Athens. Prices vary according to agencies and guides.

Are there visits combined with other monuments in Athens?

Many combined visits including the archaeological museum of Athens exist on the web. For example, you can visit the 3 most famous archaeological sites in Athens: Acropolis , Acropolis Museum and the national archaeological museum. While avoiding queues thanks to the combined ticket that gives you a cut-file access.

Opening hours

Dude 1 November to 31 March the Archaeological Museum of Athens is open to the following times:

• Tuesday: 1:00 to 8:00
• From Wednesday to Monday: 08:30 to 15:30

Dude 1 April to 31 October , it applies the following schedules:

• Tuesday: 1:00 to 8:00
• Wednesday to Monday: 08:00 to 8:00

The National Archaeological Museum is closed December 25 and 26, January 1, March 25, Orthodox Easter Sunday and May 1st. Also plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the museum is closed.

How to access the Archaeological Museum of Athens?

The museum is at the exact address: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82 . You can easily reach it by metro, bus, trolley or even by foot and bike.

Bus or trolley

Many bus lines stop near the Archaeological Museum of Athens. You can borrow the lines : 5, Ai6, Β6, Ε6, ̄7, Β7, Ε7, ̄8, Β8, ̄12, Β12, ø12, Ε12, 022, 035, 046, 060, 200, 224, 605, 608, 622.

Trolley Lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 also have a stop around the museum.

Metro

You can go down to stations Omonia or Victoria then join the Archaeological Museum on foot. From both stations, you simply have to reach Avenue 28is Oktovriou . You will then have to get her down from Victoria or come back from Omonia. The hard walk 5 to 10 minutes .

Where to park near the Archaeological Museum of Athens?

We do not recommend joining the Archaeological Museum of Athens by car. The capital can often have a complicated circulation in the day, with long traffic jams.

Parking options are rare, but in the vicinity you will find some covered paid parking spaces. However, they are often full during the high season. We recommend that you prefer public transport to the museum.

Where to stay near the Archaeological Museum of Athens?

The Archaeological Museum of Athens is just a short walk from the historic heart of the capital. If it is not in the immediate vicinity of Acropolis or other emblematic monuments, it is still very close on foot or by public transport.

The neighborhood d’Exárcheia is therefore all recommended for your accommodation in Athens. You will enjoy a unique and alternative atmosphere. There are also many charming hotels at affordable rates. Do not hesitate to visit a Compare hotels or on the platform Airbnb to find the accommodation that suits you.