Benaki Museum Athens

Discover the Benaki Museum's Cultural Tapestry in Athens

Overview Of Benaki Museum Athens

The Benaki Museum is a cultural institution located in Athens, Greece, and is one of the oldest and most significant museums in the country. The museum was founded in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, a prominent Greek art collector and philanthropist, with the aim of preserving and promoting Greek art and culture.


The museum's collection includes over 40,000 artifacts, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day, and covers a wide range of disciplines, including art, archaeology, history, and ethnography. Some of the highlights of the collection include ancient Greek and Roman art, Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, and Islamic art.


The Benaki Museum is housed in a series of historic buildings in central Athens, including the original Benakis family mansion, which was donated to the Greek state to house the museum. The museum also has a number of satellite locations throughout Greece, including in Thessaloniki and on the island of Rhodes.


History of Benaki Museum Athens

  • The Benaki Museum was founded in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, a prominent Greek art collector and philanthropist.
  • Benakis donated his collection of Greek art and artifacts to the Greek state with the aim of creating a museum to preserve and promote Greek culture.
  • The museum was initially housed in Benakis' family mansion in central Athens, but quickly expanded into adjacent buildings.
  • Over the years, the museum's collection continued to grow, thanks to donations from other collectors and benefactors.
  • Today, the Benaki Museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in Greece.
  • The museum's collection includes over 40,000 objects spanning from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • The collection covers a wide range of disciplines, including art, archaeology, history, and ethnography.
  • Some of the highlights of the collection include ancient Greek and Roman art, Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, and Islamic art.
  • The museum has a number of satellite locations throughout Greece, ensuring that its collection is accessible to people across the country.

Collections in Benaki Museum

Greek Culture Collection

This collection showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of Greece, including pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and textiles from various regions and time periods.


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Islamic Art Collection

This collection includes a wide range of art and artifacts from various regions of the Islamic world, such as ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, and metalwork.


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Chinese Art Collection

The museum's Chinese Art Collection includes a variety of artifacts, including ceramics, jade, and metalwork. The collection also features a range of artworks that reflect the history and culture of China.

Coptic Art Collection

The museum's Coptic Art Collection includes a wide range of artifacts, including textiles, manuscripts, and metalwork. The collection highlights the art and culture of the Coptic Christians of Egypt.

Benaki Toy Museum

This collection consists of more than 20,000 toys from various time periods and countries. The collection includes dolls, board games, puzzles, and other toys that offer insight into the play and leisure activities of people across the world.

Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika Gallery

This gallery features the works of the famous Greek painter, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika. The collection includes paintings, drawings, and prints that showcase the artist's unique style and vision.

Tips To Visit to Benaki Museum Athens

  • Consider purchasing a museum pass if you plan to visit multiple museums in Athens, as it can save you money on admission fees.
  • The museum can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist season, so try to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
  • If you're interested in a particular aspect of Greek art or culture, check the museum's website before your visit to see if there are any special exhibitions or events related to your interests.
  • Photography is allowed in most parts of the museum, but be sure to check with staff before taking photos, as some areas may be off-limits.
  • The museum has a cafe on the top floor, offering stunning views of the city, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and books related to Greek art and culture.

Know Before You Go

Essential Informations

How To Reach-

Metro: The closest metro station to the museum is the "Evangelismos" station on Line 3 (blue line). From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the museum.

Bus: Several buses stop near the museum, including lines 3, 7, 13, 230, and 732.

Taxi/Uber: Taxis and Uber are widely available in Athens and can take you directly to the museum.

Walking: If you're staying in the central Athens area, you can easily walk to the museum in about 20-30 minutes.


Best time to visit-

The Benaki Museum is open throughout the year, with slightly shorter hours on weekends and holidays. The museum can get quite crowded during peak tourist season (June to August), so it's a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds. If you're interested in visiting the museum during a special exhibition, be sure to check the museum's website for dates and times.


FAQ's for Benaki Museum Athens

What are the opening hours of the Benaki Museum?

The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays.

How much is the admission fee for the museum?

The admission fee for the Benaki Museum is 12 euros for adults. Students, seniors, and children under 18 years old have a discounted fee of 6 euros.

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Is photography allowed inside the museum?

Photography is not allowed inside the museum, except for the ground floor and atrium areas.

Are there any guided tours available for visitors?

Yes, the museum offers guided tours in English, French, German, and Greek. Visitors can check the museum's website for more information and to book a tour.

Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the Benaki Museum is accessible for people with disabilities. There are elevators, ramps, and wheelchair access throughout the museum. Assistance dogs are also allowed inside the museum.

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Are food and drinks allowed inside the museum?

Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum, except in the café located on the museum's ground floor.

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