THE BEST MUSEUMS IN GREECE

Museums in Athens

The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is the best-known museum in Greece and is mandatory viewing if visiting The Acropolis. The two really go hand in hand and must be viewed together. We recommend visiting the Acropolis either as soon as it opens or two hours before closing to avoid the crowds and the heat. Visit the museum in the heat of the day and enjoy the air conditioning and the amenities.

The Benaki Museum, Athens

Also known as the Museum of Islamic Art, this is one of the best in Greece and is home to one of the best collections of Islamic art in the world. It also has a number of art galleries, a toy museum, three beautiful cafes, and six shops. The cafe on the top floor alone is worth a visit.

The National Archaeological Museum

This is the largest and, arguably, most important in the country. This museum houses precious artifacts from all over Greece, so if you only have time to see one other museum in the entire country, this is the one.

Established in 1829, it boasts over 11,000 exhibits, including sculptures, pottery, and artifacts from various periods. The museum’s treasures span from the prehistoric era to classical antiquity, showcasing the evolution of Greek civilization. Highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon, the bronze boy on a horse, the frescoes of Akrotiri on Santorini, and the Antikythera Mechanism.

The National Gallery

Also called the Museum of Alexandros Soutsos, the National Gallery is actually located in seven locations across Greece, with the central building located a short walk from Syntagma Square across from the metro station Evangelismos. Hosting Greek and European artwork, statues, and installations from the 1400s to today.

The Byzantine and Christian Museum

Established in 1914, this cultural institution is home to a diverse range of religious art, icons, frescoes, paintings, sculptures, & artifacts from the Byzantine and Christian periods, dating as far back as the 3rd century. It’s main aim is to showcase the artistic heritage of the Eastern Roman Empire

The National Library of Greece

Located at the incredible Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, the library contains more than one million books and magazines, including a significant collection of ancient codices dating back through the centuries.

The Hellenic Motor Museum

Established by the Theodore Charagionis Foundation, the Hellenic Motor Museum features over 110 cars from the 19th and 20th centuries, including classic models, iconic sports cars, and historic vehicles.

Located in Exarchia, just past the National Archaeological Museum, it is about a 30-minute walk or short taxi ride from Syntagma Square.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre

images from the National Archaeological Museum

The Hellenic Motor Museum

Other Museums on mainland Greece

Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

A moving cultural institution, the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, Greece, preserves the history and legacy of the once-vibrant Jewish community in the city. The museum was founded in 2001 and is housed in a historic structure that withstood the disastrous 1917 fire. It displays human narratives, artefacts, and records that highlight Thessaloniki’s rich Jewish heritage. The records touch on facets of customs, everyday life, and the devastating effects of the Holocaust on the neighbourhood. The museum emphasises the value of comprehending and honouring the city’s rich cultural past while acting as a memorial and educational hub.

Noesis, Thessaloniki

This is a modern science and technology museum with a planetarium and collection of classic cars. Established in 2007, it features hands-on displays, a planetarium, and a digital planet observation center. The museum aims to inspire curiosity and learning in visitors of all ages, covering topics such as physics, astronomy, robotics, and more. With a focus on interactive experiences, Noesis encourages exploration and understanding of the fascinating world of science and technology.

Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, Vergina

Located in northern Greece about an hour from Thessaloniki, this astonishing site is the royal tombs of the Kingdom of Macedonia. This is where Phillip ll of Macedonia is buried, father of Alexander the Great.

The whole site of Aigia was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996 and the greater complex is called the Polycentric Museum of Aigai, which also includes the ancient theatre, Palace of Aigai and the Royal Tombs.

Komboloi Museum, Nafplio

This quirky museum focuses on the worry beads (Komboloi) much loved by elderly Greek men. They have ancient beads once made with bones and teeth, right through to the evolution of stone, glass, and plastic.

Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

Founded in 1935, this museum near the Port showcases a diverse collection of artifacts from the 5th to the 4th century BCE, including sculptures, pottery, and objects related to daily life and commerce. Highlights include exhibits on naval warfare and the naval victory at the Battle of Salamis.

The museum provides valuable insights into the significant role Piraeus played in ancient Greek trade and naval affairs, making it an essential destination for those interested in the region’s maritime history.  Displays include the history of the naval dockyards, and the history of the city dating back through Mycenaean, Roman, and Byzantine times.

Archaeological Museum of Ancient Olympia

One of the most famous sites in Greece is of course Ancient Olympia, the place that gave birth to the modern Olympics as we know them today.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia resides next to the Archaeological Site of Olympia. Possessing a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, a visit here provides a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural significance of Olympia.

The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts discovered within the Olympia archaeological site and its surroundings. These artifacts span from prehistoric times to the Roman era and include sculptures, statues, pottery, metalwork, and other archaeological finds that shed light on various aspects of ancient Greek life.

Museum of Mystras

Mystras is a UNESCO world heritage site on the Peloponnese peninsula outside the town of Sparta. It was once a flourishing Byzantine city and visitors today can see the remains of a palace and fortifications and still working churches.

The Archaeological Museum of Mystras is small but worthwhile, to see artifacts from the site. It showcases items from the Byzantine period, including sculptures, pottery, and other objects discovered during excavations.

Museum of Olive and Olive Oil, Sparta

One of the best museums in Europe covering the history, evolution, culture, and production of Olives and Olive Oil. Displays include fossilized olive leaves that are over 50,000 years old and 14th-century inscribed tablets about the oil.

If you are visiting Sparta then this and nearby Mystras as the two highlights.

Natural History and Mushroom Museum of Meteora

This unusual museum houses an extensive range of flora and fauna from the area that is world famous for the ‘floating monasteries’ and the surrounding area of Thessaly, including various fungi. You can go truffle hunting with dogs, and there is a big mushroom festival each year too. 

Delphi Museum

Komboloi Museum, Nafplio

Maritime Museum, Galaxidi

Royal Tombs in Vergina

Ancient Olympia Museum

Museums on the Greek Islands

Bouboulina’s Museum, Spetses

Bouboulina was a hero during the Greek War of Independence when she was an Admiral in the Greek Army. Both her husbands were sea captains and she took on the family legacy and also became a member of a secret organization that helped launch the revolution.

Today you can visit Bouboulina’s former home and headquarters which is a museum showcasing her life and accomplishments. This is one of the key highlights of Spetses, which is quite a unique island.

Museum of Hydra

The Museum of Hydra is located right on the beautiful harbor of Hydra Town in a building that once belonged to Hydra shipowner and benefactor Gikas N. Koulouras. The museum is home to the historical archives of Hydra, a library, as well as an impressive collection of items from its rich maritime history, including weapons, ship equipment, costumes, paintings, and other cultural artifacts important to this unique island.

Many family heirlooms have been donated over the years as well as religious items, statues, and other memorabilia.

Santorini

Contrary to popular belief there is a lot more things to do in Santorini than get photos of blue church domes and sunsets. In fact, there are six excellent museums to visit, offering a deep insight into the history of the island and some of its industry and commerce.

Archaeological Museum of Thera (Fira): This museum is located in the capital of Santorini, Fira. It houses artifacts from the ancient city of Akrotiri, which was preserved in volcanic ash after the eruption in the 17th century BCE. The museum’s collection includes pottery, sculptures, and frescoes, providing a glimpse into the island’s ancient past.

Museum of Prehistoric Thera (Fira): This museum complements the Archaeological Museum and focuses on prehistoric periods in Santorini’s history. It features items from Akrotiri and other ancient sites on the island, showcasing the development of civilization in the region.

Naval Maritime Museum (Oia):  The Naval Maritime Museum is dedicated to the maritime history of the island. Visitors can explore exhibits related to the nautical heritage of Santorini, including ship models, maritime equipment, and old photographs.

Megaro Gyzi Museum (Fira): Housed in a 17th-century mansion, Megaro Gyzi Museum focuses on Santorini’s cultural and intellectual heritage. The museum exhibits items related to the island’s history, including manuscripts, rare books, photographs, and historical documents.

Santorini Wine Museum (Vothonas): Located in a cave this unusual establishment offers insights into Santorini’s winemaking traditions. The Wine Museum showcases the history of wine production on the island and visitors can learn about the unique grape varieties and winemaking techniques on Santorini, through exhibits and wine tastings.

Tomato Industrial Museum

Santorini has a unique variety of tomatoes known as “Santorini tomatoes,” which are well-suited for cultivation in the volcanic soil of the island. The museum is housed in a converted factory that was once used for canning tomatoes and visitors can learn about the island’s history of tomato cultivation and industrial processing. They also conduct workshops and host festivals such as the Santorini Film Festival which is held each July.

Archaeological Museum of Delos

The island of Delos is right next to Mykonos, but worlds apart in many ways. Considered a sacred island, in mythology, it was believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, children of Zeus. To this day, it is uninhabited and visited daily by people from all over the world who wish to see the impressive archaeological site and the museum.

The museum houses several sculptures found on the island, as well as pottery, terracotta masks, and very impressive mosaics.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete

Located in the Crete capital, Heraklion, this is one of the largest museums in Greece and houses a huge collection of Cretan artifacts, including the largest Minoan art collection in the world.

Visiting this museum and nearby Knossos Palace are, to many people, the highlight of a visit to Heraklion, and even Crete.

Mon Repos Palace, Corfu 

Corfu has a rich history as has been occupied over the centuries by the Venetians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, Normans, and the British.

This villa was built for the British High Commissioner in 1828 and then given to King George II as a summer residence. It was also the birthplace of Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. Today, it is a museum showcasing the surrounding area’s history as well as the construction and history of the villa.

Corfu Museum of Asian Art, Corfu

Located in the Palace of St.Michael in Corfu Town, it has a big collection of art from China, Japan, India, and other parts of Asia, originally donated by Greek benefactors and since expanded.

Milos Mining Museum, Milos

If you have been to Milos, you will have seen the unique and incredible landscapes at the beaches that have made it one of the most popular and beautiful islands in the Aegean. This is due to its significant geology, which has made mining an industry still underway today.

The Mining Museum in Adamas showcases the island’s historical significance in mining and mineral extraction and features exhibits that highlight the island’s geological composition, the various minerals found on Milos, and the history of mining activities. Milos has been known for its mineral wealth, including obsidian, sulfur, bentonite, and perlite.

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

Rhodes has a very rich and colorful history, and this museum showcases the history of Rhodes and the Dodecanese, particularly through the Venetian occupation. It is located in Rhodes Town in the former hospital built by the Knights Hospitaller, near the Grand Masters Palace, itself a sight to behold.

Noteworthy exhibits include Aphrodite of Rhodes, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, which was discovered on the island, and other classical and Hellenistic sculptures. There is also a large display of ceramics and pottery. from different periods that provide insights into the daily lives and artistic achievements of the people of Rhodes. There is a significant medieval collection too, which features artifacts from the medieval period when the Knights of St. John (the Knights Hospitaller) occupied Rhodes.

The Palace of the Grand Master, Rhodes

Boubolina’s House, Spetses

The Museum of Hydra

The Mining Museum, Milos

Delos

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