Athens Museums by Interest and Theme

With over 70 museums in Athens, the city offers far more than ancient ruins. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient Greek history, drawn to art and cultural heritage, looking for family-friendly museums, or curious about specialized collections, there’s an option tailored to you. Here’s how to choose the best museums in Athens based on your interests.

Ancient Greek History and Archaeology

For history enthusiasts looking for a Greek antiquities museum, Athens is an open book. The Acropolis Museum remains the star of Athens history museums, showcasing treasures like the Parthenon marbles and Peplos Kore from the Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum holds masterpieces such as the Mask of Agamemnon, the Kritios Boy, and the Antikythera Mechanism, one of the most advanced pieces of ancient technology ever discovered.

👉 Use the Athena Combined Ticket and add a visit to the Kerameikos Archaeological Museum and Hadrian’s Library to see lesser-visited but equally fascinating sites for the same price.

Art and Cultural Heritage

Athens is home to some of the best art museums in Greece. The Benaki Museum offers a journey from antiquity to modern Greece, while the Museum of Cycladic Art houses elegant Cycladic figurines alongside contemporary exhibitions. For Byzantine lovers, the Byzantine and Christian Museum showcases centuries of religious art.

Family-Friendly Museums for Kids

Traveling with children? The Hellenic Children’s Museum in Plaka provides interactive exhibits designed for younger visitors, while the Museum of Greek Children’s Art showcases works created by kids. The Herakleidon Museum blends art and science, making learning hands-on and fun.

👉 Many family-friendly museums offer free entry for kids under 18, making them perfect for budget-conscious families.

Specialized and Unique Collections

For something different, explore Athens’ niche museums. The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas features reconstructions of ancient inventions, while the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum displays over 4,000 jewelry pieces inspired by Greek history. The Numismatic Museum, housed in Heinrich Schliemann’s neoclassical mansion, traces Greek currency through time, and the Jewish Museum of Greece tells the moving story of the country’s Jewish community.

👉 Don’t miss the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST). Its rooftop terrace offers one of the best views of the Acropolis in Athens.