National Archaeological Museum

National Archaeological Museum

National Archaeological Museum
4.5
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Top ways to experience National Archaeological Museum

The area

Address
Neighborhood: Exarchia
Exarchia is in many ways Athens’ best-kept secret, discovered by relatively few international visitors. Located behind the main University and Polytechnic buildings, it is unsurprisingly home to many students, intellectuals and politicos. This is reflected in the area’s vibrant street art and graffiti, which seems to cover almost every inch of wall space. Some of the best Athenian tavernas are located here, as well as its most alternative bars and underground music venues. You'll find political bookshops and quirky stores here, yet it is also a neighborhood inhabited by families and older folk. On Saturdays, punks and grandmothers alike head for Kallidromiou Street, nestled below Strefi Hill, to pick up fresh produce at the traditional laiki agora (street market).
How to get there
  • Victoria • 7 min walk
  • Omonoia • 8 min walk
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • Haswell4
    Navarre, Florida153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a look
    We enjoyed this museum for its insight into historical Greek and Roman ruins/archaeological finds. The immensity of the restorations that have been housed here are mind blowing. Along with the process of the archeological finds and their identification and historical significance. It is more than just a museum and most visitors will find it interesting. It has a nice cafe in the bottom courtyard so you can rest as needed. We weren’t quite sure what to expect in the museum but we were pleasantly surprised- especially if you visit on a hot summer day
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 5, 2023
  • floppypoppy26
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An unrivaled wealth of history and beauty.
    A gorgeous, comprehensive collection of a wide range of art and artifacts dating back to neolithic times. The renovated museum making viewing easy and attractive, not overwhelming. There are many gems, from pottery to murals, works of gold, bronze and marble statuary. A new, dynamic Egyptian wing has been added.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 9, 2023
  • gertbrugge
    Bruges, Belgium41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Top priority. Incredible collection. Must visit.
    Undoubtebly the best museum in the word concerning Greek archeology. The presentation could be more contemporary but the quality of the pieces is phenomenal. You have not visited Athens if you have not seen this museum. Discription of the pieces in English (and Greek). Have a drink in the coffee shop in the atrium.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 2, 2023
  • BlueRidgeTourist
    Charlottesville, Virginia254 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The place for antiquity lovers
    We very much enjoyed this museum, featuring artifacts from Hellenic and earlier periods. The marble statues are a real treat, as are the bronze swords, spears, jewelry. The vases are amazing, too, some as tall as people. This is definitely worth half a day.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 9, 2023
  • R K
    60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the best museums ever.
    This is a great museum! Especially the gold from the graves in Mycenae took our breath away. It was a pity that rather a large part was closed (part was under renovation and some halls were closed due to lack of staff), but what was open, was still gorgeous. The restaurant in the inner garden is a place of quiet, cool and relaxation that reminded us of the inner courts of the Sevilla Alhambra. Don't miss this!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 13, 2023
  • dese2
    Auburn, New York3,497 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to be missed
    We were part of a cruise group on tour when we visited. We had timed tickets and waited briefly outside. To enter we had to show our bags and purses. Large bags were not allowed inside. There is a free holding area for large bags with a doorway outside the museum entry door. We got to see three floors of the museum. There are free toilets inside if you need them. There is so much to see here plan at least a couple hours; maybe even a half day. The museum is over 8,000 square meters of display space according to an internet source. Some items are on permanent display while others are rotated. Having a guide to talk about the various pieces and periods was very helpful. Some signs do have some English explanation.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 25, 2023
  • Greg C
    Hamilton, New Zealand65 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A presentation of ancient Greek history that exceeded expectations.
    The intent of the our visit was to view the Antikythera Mechanism. The presentation of the exhibit was excellent. Not only did it have the very latest research and findings regarding the mechanism, but a review of all earlier scientific interpretation, understandings, and investigation. This showed how both how our scientific investigative technologies and techniques have progressed over time leading to the current hypothesis of what the mechanism is and how it operated. The bonus to the visit was the other exhibits spanning a wide period of history. Well presented with informational panels that place the exhibit in context as well as providing detailed information. Highly recommend taking the time to visit even if you are only generally interested in ancient Greek history.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 16, 2023
  • davetheguide
    Tel Aviv, Israel5,672 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Outstanding collection, but the venue needs a major renovation
    If you are interested in ancient history of Greece and archaeology, this museum is a must for a first visit to Athens. The collection is one of the best in the world. But the museum is quite dated and does not do a good job at presenting its fantastic collection.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 24, 2023
  • Funambulator
    The Rocks, Australia1,939 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Archaeological treasure trove
    Really is as the name implies, a national museum of Greek archaeological treasures from archaic times. Huge collection of rare antique pieces from the Hellenic and Classical ages. Who’d have imagined a decorative marble base depicting an Athens vs Sparta hockey game in 500BC?
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 31, 2023
  • John P
    Melbourne, Australia1,162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing!
    A highlight of our time in Greece, so many masterpieces of Greek art and culture and exhibits from so many of the wonderful sites we visited around Greece! There are treasures here I have so admired in my readings about Greek archaeology but to see the real thing is a joy. It is really disappointing that some rooms seem to be more or less permanently closed, a pity they cannot be rotated from time to time. That said this was one of my best visiting experiences but to do it justice is exhausting in a single visit. Nice cafe too with a charming lady who is very helpful!
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles8,131 reviews
Excellent
5,586
Very good
1,815
Average
543
Poor
118
Terrible
69

Marcus F
Bristol, UK146 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
We went on a Tuesday on opening during CORONAVIRUS. Parts are closed and a one way system is enforced with you limited to 10 mins per room, have you tried reading all the displays in ten mins. You slow down you get shouted at, you sit down you get shouted at. You get stopped as the limit entry and some clown demanded we deleted a photo as my son had the audacity to imitate Poseidon throwing his Trident next to an awesome statue. ‘Only photos with your arms by your side’ he said. Then insisted I showed my phone!!
So a fantastic museum with great displays but a rude and aggressive staffing unlike anything else I’ve experienced in 2 years living in Greece. Oh I still have the picture...
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TheKidsMum2014
Rome, Italy93 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
There is no doubt that this museum has world-class artefacts. However, the presentation is rather dull and traditional. I wouldn't take kids to this unless you know a lot about Greek history in order to engage them. The tickets re 12 Euros or half price for kids, and there is a cloakroom where you have to leave larger bags. Due to Covid there is a one-way system around the museum, but it is very confusing as there are many rooms and sub-rooms. The map is tiny and hard to follow. I think this museum may have the most zealous staff I have encountered, and there is definitely a 'no posing' rule for photos enforced! If you have a fascination with Greek vases or Greek funerary sculptures then this is the place for you!
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah H
New York City, NY192 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
The museum is just OK. Staff wasn't super nice (with the exception of one helpful man as we were looking for the restrooms and the stroller accessible exit). Not worth the ticket price. Museum shop wasn't even worth the visit. There are other museums that are much better, worth their weight in ticket price, and so much better curated that I wouldn't even recommend this as an attraction.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Віктор Барановський
Kyiv, Ukraine93 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Important!! May be visit to this museum may take all day. The collection of his exhibits is incredibly huge and incredible perfect. You can see statues, ceramics and jewellery of each period of very very long history of Greece!!!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pseudolus
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens houses a lovely collection of Hellenic pieces starting from the Mycenean ear through to the end of Roman rule. Some of the highlights include the Agamemmnon mask, tables written in Linear B (pre-Greek alphabet) and a plethora of marble statues that have become quite iconic over time. The staff is polite and efficient, and they really allow for visitors to get rather close to the masterpieces (photography, as well as sketching with pencil or charcoal is allowed). Although this museum is not quite as robust as the National Archaelogical Museum of Naples, which houses both Roman and Greek works, it is more than worth the price of admission. One needs about 1 - 1.5 hours to get through all the rooms at a decent pace. Overall, it was a pleasant visit.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AnaLorenza
Philadelphia, PA38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
According to our tour guide most tourists don't visit this site anymore and it's such a shame. It was one of the highlights of our trip! They had so many amazing artifacts including the Mask of Agamemnon. The difference between this museum and the Acropolis Museum is that this has artifacts from all over Greece. There is so much to see. We spent 2.5 hours there but you could spend the whole day there. I highly recommend getting a guide since it really enhances your experience. We hired Onofrious from WithLocals and he was great!
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dr Johnson
Oslo, Norway316 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
The archeological museum in Athens is one of the best museums in the world, of any type. I rate it together with Egyptian museum in Cairo and Metropolitan in New York, or British Museum in London or Louvre in Paris. We were there three times and never got tired of studying the wonderful sculptures and marble heads in this huge and well displayed exhibition.
A must see for everyone interested in the past, in classical archeology and art.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lowleytheworm
Cynwyd, UK50 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
Great exhibits and amazing to have so much from the ancient world. Very impressive and a must place to see if you are visiting Athens.
The building and exhibits are superb, but some of the staff were the most unfriendly people we have met in the city. I am also puzzled by the opening hours for such an important collection as we say several people arriving as they closed at 4pm which was a shame
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carole G
Rockhampton, Australia50 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
The museum, full of damaged but priceless archeological treasures is guarded at the front door by a puzzling mixture of Greek incompetence and inability. The men in front of us, in the queue, seemingly Eastern European, told the ticketing woman they ‘did not have enough euros to pay cash’ She shifted to the seat beside her and used EFTPOS and in they went. The next couple of Asian origin asked to use EFTPOS and were told they could not as she was sitting back in her “cash only” window 70 cm from the EFTPOS machine and they had to leave being denied entrance. We also were denied entrance on grounds she only accepted cash and I therefore scanned the QR code on the window in front of her for an e -ticket which took 20 minutes on 4G available at museum on iPhone 14 to download a ticket that ticket man then said was ‘spam’!!!!!!!!!! Another 20 minutes later after manhandling my iPhone and ringing an unknown source the same woman allowed us entry providing we paid another 12 euros as they did not accept our 66 yrs old couple as being seniors. I strongly suspected the famed European racism written up in multiple tourist guides and on line chats as being prevalent in this country, where all others not European are treated with disdain. I also strongly suspected motive to only accepting cash in the early unsupervised hours of the day.
In a country that so obviously needs their tourist economy booster this is beyond belief. At other venues such as the Acropolis the entrance was seamless and professional.
The museum itself is full of extraordinary but mostly damaged antiquities where most of the genitalia and forearms and hands are cut from the statues. Meticulous documentation of the origins and likely sculptors, domain and provenance is efficiently provided but mostly no explanation of how this damage occurred or when. Some interesting references to fire damage and recovery from the bottom of the ocean provide clues in a few cases.
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eileen108
Mount Shasta, CA5,116 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Mostly sculptures, and many very old ones from thousands of years ago. I found the tombstones especially touching, showing the dead person reaching for her baby, or looking in a mirror. Thank goodness I was listening to the Rick Steves Audio Europe App (free download online), he described the artworks so enthusiastically that it made the visit that much more valuable.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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National Archaeological Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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