National Archaeological Museum: A Treasure Trove of Ancient Greece

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Explore 11,000+ artifacts from ancient Greece, spanning from prehistory to late antiquity, in Athens' premier archaeological museum.

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National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is Greece's largest archaeological museum, showcasing an unparalleled collection of Greek antiquities from prehistory to late antiquity. Housing over 11,000 exhibits, it offers a comprehensive panorama of ancient Greek civilization.

A brief summary to National Archaeological Museum

28is Oktovriou 44, Athens, 106 82, GR
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Monday 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Tuesday 1 pm-8 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-3:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring National Archaeological Museum.

Visit during the off-season (November to March) for smaller crowds and reduced admission fees.
Take advantage of the free audio tours offered in multiple languages to enhance your visit.
Allocate at least 3 hours to explore the museum's vast collection.
Check the museum's website for free admission days and special events.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The National Archaeological Museum is easily accessible via the Athens Metro. Take Line 1 (Green Line) to Victoria Station or Line 2 (Red Line) to Omonia Station. From either station, it's a short 10-minute walk to the museum. A single metro ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.
Bus

Several bus lines stop near the National Archaeological Museum at the Polytechnio bus stop. These include lines 224, 608, and A8. A single bus ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Athens. A short taxi ride from Syntagma Square to the museum typically costs between €4-€5 and takes only a few minutes. Note that traffic can affect travel time and cost.
Walking

From Omonia Square, walk north along 28th of October (Patission) Street for approximately 10 minutes. The museum will be on your right. From Syntagma Square, the museum is about a 25-minute walk.

Discover more about National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens stands as a testament to the rich history and artistic achievements of ancient Greece. Founded in the late 19th century, its initial purpose was to safeguard and display antiquities from all over Greece, highlighting their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Today, it is considered one of the world's greatest museums, boasting the most extensive collection of Greek antiquity artifacts worldwide.The museum's vast collection spans from the Neolithic era to the Hellenistic Age, encompassing a wide range of artifacts including sculptures, bronzes, pottery, jewelry, and more. Visitors can explore unique finds from the Cycladic and Mycenaean civilizations, admire the intricate metalwork, and marvel at the evolution of sculpture from archaic figures to classical masterpieces. Among the museum's treasures are the contents of the Mycenae shaft graves, including the renowned Mask of Agamemnon.The museum is divided into several collections, including the Prehistoric Collection, the Sculpture Collection, the Vase and Minor Objects Collection, and the Metallurgy Collection. The Prehistoric Collection features objects from the Neolithic era (6800–3000 BC), the Early and Mid-Bronze Age (3000–2000 BC and 2000 to 1700 BC respectively), and Cycladic and Mycenaean art. The Sculpture Collection showcases the evolution of Greek sculpture, with kouros and kore figures, fragments from the Temple of Aphaia at Aegina, and the bronze statue of Poseidon found off Cape Artemision. The Vase and Minor Objects Collection includes pottery, jewelry, glass vases and small artifacts made of ivory and bone. The Metallurgy Collection displays the development and diversity of metalwork in ancient Greece.During World War II, the museum was closed, and its antiquities were carefully sealed in boxes and buried to protect them from destruction and looting. The exhibits were recovered and the museum reopened in 1945. Today, the National Archaeological Museum continues to captivate visitors with its unparalleled collection and offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient Greece.