Each time we visit Athens we look for something to see which we haven’t seen before, therefore on our September 2025 trip, we decided to check out the Athens National Archaeology Museum. We were glad we did and can’t believe we haven’t been there before now. I found it exciting to see the collections of artifacts and learn more about the artifacts, many from the ancient sites we have visited in Greece and also places we hope to visit some day.
We toured the museum on our own but there are several available tours you can take. Viator has several options for the museum which you can find by clicking here.
Location
Located in the Exarchia area of Athens, the National Archaeology Museum is a bit of a walk from the Plaka area where we were staying. Although it took us about 20 minutes to get there, it was fun to walk through the different streets.
About Athens National Archaeology Museum
Athens National Archaeology Museum is the largest museum in Greece containing over 11,000 archaeological finds and artifacts from all over Greece. The museum has many permanent collections on display and also exhibits temporary collections as well as an exhibit of the month. We visited most of the museum trying not to miss anything, but as always, we didn’t see everything.
Permanent Collections
Egyptian Antiquities
Although this museum is about Ancient Greece, there are artifacts from Ancient Egypt as well. As a matter of fact, Egypt is the only other civilization on display at this museum. Here you will find artifacts and information from Ancient Egypt dating back to 4000 BC to 311 AD. The exhibition focuses on Egyptian daily life and death. It also illustrates the connection of Ancient Egypt with Ancient Greece. Unfortunately this exhibit was closed while we were visiting. Although disappointing, there were still plenty of exhibits to see and enjoy.
Mycenaean Antiquities
I was really excited to see this collection as we have been to many of the Mycenaean Sites. Mycenaean era is from 1600 to 1100 BC and includes sites such as Mycenae and Tiryns, both places we have visited in the past. It was fun for me to see these items and remember the places I have visited and also try to imagine the objects in there rightful place.
These depictions of warriors are from the Temple of Athena on the Mycenae Acropolis
The following are various items from Mycenae and Tiryns
Cycladic Antiquities
The Cycladic Collection is another collection I was delighted to view. Artifacts here are from Paros, Milos, Naxos, Amorgos, Delos and others. Some items date back to 3200 BC.
Since we were visiting Delos on this trip I was excited to see a statue dating from 650 BC found in the Temple of Artemis and most likely is a statue of the goddess Artemis. An inscription on the left thigh tells of its dedication to Apollo and also the name of the artist, Naxian Nikandre.
Milos is another island we were visiting this trip which we also visited in 2018. Among this display is the head of a Kouros from Milos, dating from the 6th century BC.
Neolithic Antiquities
The Neeolithic antiquities include figurines, eating vessels, pottery, tools and jewelry. The Neolithic people made figurines out of clay or cut into stones. These rather primitive yet beautiful items were usually of people and animals. There was no standardization of these and each piece is unique although some are similar. Of course the early Neolithic items are more simple than the late neolithic figurines illustrating how techniques and ideas evolved over time.
Early Cycladic Collection
The early Cycladic collection area items are from the Prehistoric Aegean Islands dating 3200-2000BC. These early people were seafarers, farmers, skilled traders and artisans. They lived in small family communities, mainly in coastal towns.
Sculpture Collection
The Sculpture Collection is quite impressive and the National Archeology Museum in Athens has the largest collection of Greek sculptures in the world. You can spend hours looking at these and marveling at the craftsmanship of each piece while wondering about the lives and gods they depict. Sculptures go back as far as the 8th century BC. This ended up being my favorite exhibition of the Museum
I was also wowed with the size of some of these statues. I am 5’1 and my husband 5’11 just for comparison.
Metalwork Collection
The museum also hosts a good amount of metalwork including bronze, iron and lead. Artifacts range from jewelry, vases, tools, small figurines and even large statues.
One of the more famous metalwork is the bronze statue of Zeus, or perhaps Poseidon, found in the sea of the Cape of Artemision in northern Euboea. Sculpted during the Classical period around 460 BC.
Another well known bronze statue, and quite impressive as well, is the horse and jockey. This was found in pieces from a shipwreck off of the Cape of Atremision in Euboea and dates to 140 BC. In 1971, the statue was reconstructed.
Thera Antiquities
The Thera (Santorini) Antiquities, showcasing many items from Akoritiki, Santorini, were another favorite of mine. We visited this site in 2018. Visualizing these items in the place where they were discovered was pretty amazing.
Jewelry Display
The Jewelry display at the museum is nothing short of amazing. Pieces from all over Greece, showcase the artwork of the ancient people. Pieces in gold, and many other metals dating back to the 16th-14th century BC.
Funerary Items
Funerary Items and grave steles are on display throughout the museum and I found them quite fascinating. I loved reading their stories along with seeing the detail cut in marble or stone.
This grave stele below, found near Athens in the Kerameikos cemetery is made of Pentelic Marble. A lady from Athens is sitting on a chair looking at a piece of jewelry while a sad looking attendant looks on. The epistyle inscription tells the story of the deceased lady whose name is Hegeso, daughter of Prozenus. Because of the intricate work on the marble, she must have come from a noble family. The stele itself was the art of the sculptor, Kallimachos and dates to the end of the 5th century BC
Another one I liked is from Psychico, northeast of Athens. It depicts a mother looking sadly at her baby. The baby held by another woman, is reaching out to her mother. This young mother named Phylonoe is the work of sculptor number 726. This dates to the first quarter of the 4th century BC.
It is truly amazing we still speak these women’s names today each time the translation is read.
Temporary Collections
The Unseen Museum
This display showcases items from the museums’ vaults that are not on display for the visitor to see. It changes periodically. While we were here, the unseen museum displayed the Urn Kratrer of Lefkandi lord. This urn was crafted around 1100 BC in Cyprus. Discovered in a large 10th century BC building, in Lefkandi, Eubea, it contains cremated remains of a prominent man who died between age 35-45 years old. Buried next to him was a female, most likely his wife, who was between 25-30 years old. Also buried near were 4 sacrificial horses, a ritual given to heroes during the Homeric times.
Temporary Exhibit
Athens National Archaeology museum also collaborates with other museums world wide. While we were here the Temporary Display was “Hadrian and Athens, Conversing with an Ideal World. From what I understand, this exhibit makes its way here every so often. Marble busts of the Emperor Hadrian are displayed along with important Athenians of that time such as Plato and Aristotle. Hadrian was known to blend Greek intelligence with Roman rule and was known as kind and generous to the people of Athens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I think the Athens National Archeology Museum is pretty amazing and I will have to visit again. There is so much to see and everything is so well displayed, I believe this is another must see while in Athens, Greece!
Helpful Guides
Each year we have visited Athens we use the following guides and they help a lot.
DK Top 10 Athens Pocket Tour Guide has been a great resource. If you follow me you know I love these DK Top 10 books everywhere I go. This book id noy only well organized, but easy to follow as well and gives brief descriptions of just about everything. Plus it has a small pocket map. You can order through Amazon here.
Rick Steves is another great resource and he has pre-planned itineraries in his tour guide. You can order through Amazon here.
Lastly, pick up an Athens city map at the airport. I have found them located in the baggage claim area. It is a good map and you may very well need it as GPS, to my experience, does not work well in the Plaka area
Follow me on Instagram!!!!
You can check also out my other Athens posts by following these links!
The Ancient Timekeeper, Tower of the Wind Sept 2025
The Roman Forum in Athens, Sept 2025
Where to Eat in Plaka and Nearby
The Panathenaic Stadium, September 2022
Tour the Temple of Poseidon, September 2021
Anafiotika, Athens, Greece, September 2019
Temple of Hephaestus and Ancient Agora, September 2019
Sunrise from Lycabettus Hill, October 2019
Sunrise From Philopappos Hill, September 2019
Arriving in Athens on our Anniversary, September 2019
The Acropolis and Parthenon, October 2018
A Rainy Day in Athens, September 2018
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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This is an amazing museum Lori and you captured it well. It reminds me of our 1984 visit. Happy Tuesday. Allan
Thank you, Allan. We really enjoyed visiting it! Have a great week! Lori
Excellent overview of this wonderful museum
Thank you! I can’t wait to return here!
Wow, what an amazing collection!
I was very impressed!
It’s a beautiful museum that I also visited during my stay in Athens. As you point out, it’s a good idea to see it after visiting the original sites, as this gives a better understanding of the context.
I really enjoyed this museum. I couldn’t believe how much it contained!
That was thorough look, Lori. Curious though, your hubby didn’t pose next to any of the more “risque” statues. His choice or yours. Paul H. wants to know.
lol. I just picked a random statue. I think he was tired of me taking photos and asking him to stand by this or that statue so he decided to strike this pose! Lord knows what I would have ended up with if he decided to get goofy by one of the more risqué statues!
Yes! We were unable to see this but will definitely visit it for next time!