Even though we had been to Athens, Greece several times, we had never visited the Acropolis Museum; well, that changed in September 2024. Although we had been to the Acropolis and Parthenon a couple of times, for some reason, we just hadn’t made it to the museum. We decided to stay in Athens for the last two days of our vacation, and this was at the top of our “to do” list. Truly, we hadn’t known what we were missing.
This museum is really a showcase and helped us understand more about the Acropolis and ancient Athens. I wish we would have visited this museum at the same time or at least the same years we visited the Acropolis, I believe it would have enhanced both experiences. Although we did a self tour, you can book a a combination tour through Viator of both the Acropolis and Museum by clicking here. You can also check out a similar tour through GetYourGudie by clicking here.
Outside the Museum
The Acropolis Museum is a modern building with three levels built in 2009. As you walk up to the entrance you can look down upon excavations. We went at night and it really worked well for us. There were no crowds at all so we could wander at our leisure.
You can take photos without a flash in designated areas but note that there are specific areas that photos are prohibited.
In addition, you get a great view of the Acropolis lit up at night.
Entrance
Although hard to capture in a photo, once inside the entrance, the stairway to the second floor is quite grand, as if you are walking up to the Parthenon itself.
The sculptures are unique throughout the Museum.
Scultptures and Statues
Once on the second floor, you will find even more fascinating artwork that comes from the Acropolis. There are many heads and headless statues, along with other sculptures and carvings.
Caryatids
By Far the most beautiful and my favorite part of the museum is the Caryatids. These are the lovely ladies who grace the balcony and held up the roof of the Erechtheion which is on the Acropolis. They are arranged as they were on the balcony and each one is carved differently out of Parian Mable. Notice the missing space. One of the Caryatids is in the British Museum with the hopes of being returned someday to be with her sisters where she belongs.
Parthenon Frieze
On the third floor you will find the Parthenon Frieze displayed all around the inner wall, reassembled and displayed as you would have seen it on the Parthenon itself.
You will also come across the reconstruction of the West Pediment and many other beautiful carvings.
Conclusion
I cannot believe it took us six years before we visited the Acropolis Museum, it is truly a spectacular place to tour when in Athens, Greece. As I mentioned earlier, had we visited both the museum and Acropolis during the same day, or even same year, the total experience would have been more meaningful. Definitely a must see while in Athens. I for one have not been big on visiting museums but I have found out, particularly on our 2024 trip, how much visiting the museums enhances our knowledge and enjoyment of the site we are touring.
Planning a Trip to Athens
If you are planning a trip to Athens, Greece, I highly recommend the DK Top Ten Athens Pocket Travel Guide. We have been to Athens several times and still use this guide and the map included with it. It gives ideas of what to do, where to eat, what to see and travel tips.
I also use a good map in Athens. We found out the first time we were here our GPS spinned like a weathervane in a tornado when we tried to use it in the Plaka area. Some days were better than others, but at best, we still felt like we walked around incircles. The map we use is now out of print but this one looks similar and is laminated. Athens City Map.
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Click on the links below to follow my 2024 Greek Travels and also my Past Greek Travels
Nikos Boat from Karpathos to Saria Island-September 2024
Beach Day on Karpathos Island -September 2024
Ancient Corinth-September 2024
Ancient Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympics-September 2024
The Old Fortress of Pylos-August 2024
Aria Estate Suites and Spa August 2024
Kardamyli Old Town-August 2024
The Old Sparta to Kalamata Road, August 2024
o the Top of Monemvaisa-August 2024
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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A great addition to the Acropolis, Lori. Always good to have a bit of history with the ruins. Cheers. Allan
Now after seeing the museum, come September we will have to return to the Acropolis again! Have a nice Sunday, Allan!
I do hope to make it to Athens one day. The talent level of those ancient classical sculptors was just unreal. What a civilization!
So advanced! Athens is one of our favorite places! Lori
Spectacular images. To quote Tina Fey: “I want to go to there.”
I hope you get there! Truly an amazing place and presented so well.
Wow. Not just the history but the presentation. Can’t say I see anything this grand in this country under current conditions. Might be just the opposite.
This museum does have quite a show! Very well done! Most everything was labeled and had short explanation signs. Plus we could look out the window and see the Acropolis for reference! Have a great upcoming week, Jerry!
I’ve only visited the Acropolis to see the outside, but I don’t recall having been to its museum. Nevertheless, the museum looks lovely, filled with friezes, statues, and everything in between. Very impressive display of centuries-old artifacts, and that speaks to the long, rich legacy of Greek culture. Thanks for sharing!
We have been to Athens many times and not sure how we hadn’t visited the Acropolis Museum sooner!
How wonderful!
It is a very interesting museum!
The museum provides a wealth of historical detail that the site cannot provide, the two complement each other. The museum is very well designed and very comfortable to visit in a city where it is often too hot. I spent a long afternoon there, before returning to the Acropolis the next day for a second, better-informed visit.
You are so right. We are definitely going to go back to the Acropolis when we are in Athens, September and maybe even the museum again!
The museum sounds like an interesting way to learn more about the Acropolis and ancient Athens. And how awesome that there were no crowds. The collection of sculptures and statues is impressive.
The no crowds is a big bonus. We have been trying on our travels as of late to go very early very late to places like this just because crowds have been so big everywhere. Have a great week! Lori
Such a soul-stirring visit — your reflections remind me of guiding trekkers through Namche, where Himalayan history, Yeti Mountain Lodges, and the spirit of Everest come alive with every step.
It definitely is a special place to visit.