The Benaki Museum is the largest and most active museum organisation in Greece, featuring four main museums in Athens– the Museum of Greek Culture, the Pireos Annex, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Toy Museum.
The Benaki Museum of Greek Civilization was founded by Anthony Benakis and donated to the Greek state in 1931. Here, one can find permanent exhibitions featuring ancient Greek and Roman art, Byzantine, post-Byzantine and Hellenic art, historic heirlooms, a vast collection of drawings, paintings and prints, Chinese and Korean art, and more.
At the Pireos 138 Annex, the museum presents modern Greek architecture and photography and temporary events and exhibitions – currently, it is hosting some special event exhibitions honouring “1821,” 200 Years of Greek Independence.
The Toy Museum presents the lifetime collection of Maria Argyriadi that is among the most important in Europe that includes toys, books, clothing, and other items associated with childhood from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
The Museum of Islamic Art houses one of the world’s most important collections of art from India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, the Middle East, Arabia, Egypt, North Africa, Sicily, and Spain.
Two more museums have also been added to the museum’s impressive portfolio—the Studio of Yannis Pappas and the Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika Gallery. Plus there are five active Archival Departments (Photographic, Architectural, Historical) and a rich library, which come together to establish the Benaki Museum as the most active and dynamic museum organisation in Greece.
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Studio of Yanni Pappas -
Nikos Hadjikyriakos Ghika Gallery
The Benaki Museum is committed to presenting emerging knowledge about its collections through educational activities for children and adults, publications, exhibitions, and events, nationally and internationally.
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
Thursday: 10 am – 11:30 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Address: Koumpari 1, Athens
