National Archaeological Museum in Athens

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Following Greece`s independence from Ottoman rule in 1829, the National Archaeological Museum became the earliest gallery established for safeguarding artifacts uncovered across the nation. Currently housing over eleven thousand exhibits dating from prehistory to antiquity within its permanent collections, it remains both Greece`s most expansive and finest archaeological museum. On display include Neolithic, Egyptian, Mycenaean, and Cycladic antiquities plus striking sculptures and metalworks. Most spend a few hours absorbing the wealth of history although a pleasant garden cafe located just outside the main entrance provides a perfect respite forwhole-day guests to refuel and rest legs wearied from wandering. An excellent gift shop compliments the offerings as well.

It’s quite straightforward to go alone, but a public guide would assist saving time and improving your encounter. Found in the core of Athens’ Exarcheia locale next to Athens Polytechnic University, the Archaeological Museum is among a small number top attractions in Athens that isn`t very near the Plaka/Acropolis zone, so visitors will require taking a taxi (5 minutes), metro (10 minutes), or strolling approximately 25 minutes from Plaka or Syntagma Square.

National Archaeological Museum Hours and Information

Hours: 8:30am – 13:30pm Wednesday to Monday, 1pm – 8pm Tuesdays (November through March); 8am – 8pm Wednesday to Monday, 1pm – 8pm Tuesdays (April through October). Closed December 25-26, January 1, March 25, Orthodox Easter Sunday, May 1.
Website: namuseum.gr
Location: 28is Oktovriou 44
Telephone: +30 213 214 4800
Admission Fee: 12€ April through October; 6€ November through March. A 15€ 3-day museum pass is available including entry for the National Archaeological Museum, Epigraphic Museum, Numismatic Museum, and Byzantine and Christian Museum.
Free Entry: March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September, October 28, and the first Sunday of each month from November 1st until March 31st.

Both street parking and nearby pay lots are options for guests.

Nearest Metro: Omonia or Victoria