Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Museums Athens
These can’t-miss museums offer an array of attractions designed to mesmerize art addicts and curious gallery-goers alike. Distinguished by their modern art masterpieces, architectural triumphs, oddball collections, or undeniable cool factor, these are the best-in-class museums in the world’s hottest cities.
Best Museums in....
Best Museums
Athens
Benaki Museum Koumbari 1 & Vassilissis Sofias, Kolonaki, 210.367.1000 benaki.gr
The Draw: A first-rate introduction to Greek culture, this museum traces the country’s artistic development from the Stone Age up to the 20th century. The Scene: Antonis Benakis, a very wealthy Greek from Alexandria, Egypt, donated this private collection to the state in 1931. More than 20,000 objects are displayed in chronological order, so a walk from the ground floor to the top is a journey through Hellas, from prehistory to the birth of the modern Greek state. Mon, Wed, Fri–Sat 9am–5pm, Thu 9am–midnight, Sun 9am–3pm. €, free on Thursdays. Hot Tip: The rooftop cafe is a great place to stop for lunch, with a splendid terrace overlooking the National Gardens. The museum shop offers exquisitely reproduced ceramics and jewelry, ideal for gifts or souvenirs.
Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Neofytou Douka 4 & Irodotou, Kolonaki, 210.722.8321 cycladic-m.gr
The Draw: Twentieth-century artists such as Modigliani and Picasso were inspired by the minimalist white marble figures (mainly female nudes with folded arms) created by this prehistoric civilization, which flourished on the Cyclades from 3200–2000 BC. The Scene: The main collection is displayed in a purpose-built modern museum, while temporary exhibitions are staged in a yellow-and-white neoclassical house next door. Mon, Wed 10am–5pm, Thu 10am–7pm, Fri–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–5pm. €- Hot Tip: Stop at the cool and airy atrium cafe for a light lunch, then check out the gift shop and its beautiful replicas of Cycladic marble figurines.
National Archaeological Museum Patission 44, Exarchia, 210.821.7724 culture.gr
The Draw: Undoubtedly the most important museum in Greece, the collection spans ancient civilization from Neolithic times up to the Roman conquest. The Scene: Overpoweringly vast. Greek-ophiles beware: You’ll need more than one visit to see it all. Tue–Sun 8am–8pm, Mon 1:30–8pm, but call to confirm as hours change seasonally. € Hot Tip: Look for the unusual 1st-century BC device that’s thought to be the world’s first mechanical computer.
