From the iconic Acropolis Museum to the brilliant Benaki Museum, the city’s cultural landscape is as layered as its history. 

Athens is a place where the past and present effortlessly intertwine- here ancient artifacts meet modern design, and every exhibition tells a story worth pausing for. Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, these are the museums that capture the soul of the Greek capital.

Acropolis Museum

Set at the foot of the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum is a striking contemporary landmark that brings ancient Greece vividly to life. Designed by Bernard Tschumi and Michael Photiadis, its glass-lined spaces are flooded with natural light and perfectly aligned with the Acropolis above. Inside, more than 4,000 artefacts trace the evolution of Athenian civilization- from the archaic period to the height of classical art. Highlights include the original Caryatids, intricate friezes from the Parthenon, and the excavated ruins of an ancient neighbourhood visible beneath the glass floors. Don’t miss the top-floor Parthenon Gallery, where sculptures are displayed in their original sequence with panoramic views of the temple itself. 

A: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens 

National Archaeological Museum

Housed in a neoclassical building on Patission Street, the National Archaeological Museum is Greece’s largest and most important repository of ancient art. Its vast collection spans millennia- from prehistoric treasures unearthed at Mycenae and Santorini to exquisite sculptures and ceramics from the height of classical Greece. Highlights include the gold Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism (the world’s first known analogue computer), and haunting bronze statues that seem to defy time. Each gallery reveals another chapter of Greece’s story, offering a rare chance to trace the evolution of art, craftsmanship, and thought that shaped Western civilization.

A: Pattission 44, Athens 

Benaki Museum

Occupying a grand neoclassical mansion in Kolonaki, opposite the National Garden, the Benaki Museum offers one of the most comprehensive journeys through Greek history and culture. Its beautifully curated collection moves seamlessly from antiquity and Byzantine art to Ottoman-era treasures and 20th-century design, revealing how Greece’s identity evolved across centuries of influence. Beyond its main building, the museum’s annexes (dedicated to Islamic art, contemporary Greek design, and photography) extend its reach even further. With its thoughtful curation and serene atmosphere, the Benaki invites slow exploration. 

A:  Koumpari 1, Athens 

Museum of Cycladic Art

Housed in an elegant neoclassical building in the centre of Athens, the Museum of Cycladic Art celebrates the minimalist beauty of the ancient Aegean. Its world-renowned collection of marble figurines from the Cycladic islands (dating back to the third millennium BC) reveals a strikingly modern aesthetic that continues to inspire contemporary artists and designers. Alongside its permanent displays, the museum regularly hosts thoughtful contemporary art exhibitions that draw subtle parallels between ancient and modern forms of expression. After exploring the galleries, pause at the sleek café and browse the beautifully curated boutique, both extensions of the museum’s refined, design-forward spirit.

A: Neofitou Douka 4, Athens 

Byzantine and Christian Museum

For a deeper look into Greece’s spiritual and artistic legacy, the Byzantine and Christian Museum offers a fascinating journey through more than a thousand years of history. Housed in a lovely 19th-century villa surrounded by tranquil gardens, it holds over 25,000 artifacts spanning the Byzantine and post-Byzantine eras. Icons, mosaics, frescoes, and illuminated manuscripts reveal the evolution of religious art from the early Christian period to the fall of Constantinople and beyond. Thoughtfully curated and quietly atmospheric, the museum captures the enduring dialogue between faith, artistry, and daily life in the Byzantine world.

A: Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athens 

National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)

The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens (EMST), is the beating heart of Greece’s modern art scene. Housed in a striking former industrial building in the lively Neos Kosmos district, it showcases cutting-edge works by both Greek and international artists across thoughtfully curated temporary and permanent exhibitions. Each floor offers a distinct perspective, inviting visitors to move through diverse artistic narratives while engaging with experimental media, installations, and design. EMST also hosts educational programs and workshops, making it a dynamic hub for creativity. After exploring, the surrounding neighbourhood offers a lively selection of cafés and restaurants, perfect for extending the experience beyond the galleries.

A: Kallirrois Ave. & Amvr. Frantzi St, Athens 

Athens Olympic Museum

Celebrating Greece’s enduring connection to the Olympic Games, the Athens Olympic Museum offers a lively and interactive journey through the history of sport. Its exhibitions cover the ancient origins of the Olympics, the 2004 Athens Games, and the broader role of athletics in Greek culture, all presented in a fully accessible, hands-on format. Visitors can explore artifacts, multimedia displays, and immersive installations that bring the Olympic spirit to life, while personal guided tours (bookable online) provide deeper insights into the Games’ evolution from antiquity to the present. Thoughtfully designed and engaging for all ages, the museum captures both the historical significance and contemporary relevance of Greece’s most famous global contribution.

A: Leof. Kifisias 37A, Marousi, Athens

Maria Callas Museum

Tucked away on Mitropoleos Street, the Maria Callas Museum is a charming tribute to one of the 20th century’s most celebrated sopranos. Housed in an elegant neoclassical building, the museum offers an intimate glimpse into Callas’s life and illustrious career, with personal artifacts, stage costumes from defining performances, and photographs drawn from her private archive. Visitors can also listen to authentic recordings that capture the remarkable range and emotion of her voice. Thoughtfully curated, the museum invites music lovers and cultural explorers alike to connect with the woman behind the legend, offering a personal and immersive portrait of an operatic icon.

A: Mitropoleos 44, Athens 

Alekos Fassianos Museum 

Opened in 2023, the Alekos Fassianos Museum in central Athens is a wonderful celebration of contemporary Greek art and the vision of one of the country’s most beloved painters. The museum itself is a work of art: Fassianos collaborated with architect Kyriakos Krokos over two decades to transform a modern Athenian apartment building into a space that harmonises perfectly with his vibrant, poetic works. The result is a rare dialogue between art and architecture, where every gallery and detail reflects the artist’s aesthetic. Run by the Alekos Fassianos Estate, the museum not only showcases his oeuvre but also hosts temporary exhibitions, research projects, and events that connect fellow artists, curators, and the public, making it a dynamic cultural hub in the heart of the city.

A: Neofitou Metaxa 15, Athens