The Benaki Museum, established and endowed in 1930 by Antonis Benakis in memory of his father Emmanuel Benakis, is housed in the Benakis family mansion in downtown Athens, Greece. The museum houses Greek works of art from the prehistorical to the modern times, an extensive collection of Asian art, hosts periodic exhibitions and maintains a state-of-the-art restoration and conservation workshop. Although the museum initially housed a collection that included Islamic art, Chinese porcelain and exhibits on toys, its 2000 re-opening led to the creation of satellite museums that focused on specific collections, allowing the main museum to focus on Greek culture over the span of the country's history. The museum's primary home is in the Benakis' house opposite the National Garden on Queen Sofias Avenue and owes its existence to the generosity of Antonis Benakis, whose family lived in Alexandria, Egypt. In 1931, the Benakis donated the family's house in Athens and their collection of more than 37,000 Islamic and Byzantine objects. More than 9,000 artifacts were added by the 1970s, which spurred donations from other sources. Benakis remained active in the museum until his death in 1954. Under the directorship of Angelos Delivorrias, the museum added more than 60,000 objects, books and documents, some of which were purchased and others donated. Delivorrias opts to focus on displaying donated items in order to encourage public participation and strengthen the community's ties to the museum. The museum also focuses on the fact that Greek history does not begin and end with specific events but rather exists along a continuum that continues today. Parts of the museum's collections have travelled worldwide, including Canada in 2008, the United States in 1959 in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and in 2005, an Ancient Greek solid gold drinking cup left Greece for the first time and traveled to the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and the Melbourne Immigration Museum in Melbourne, Australia.
Benaki Museum Tours and Tickets
🎧 Available audio guides (15)
The Benaki Museum, established and endowed in 1930 by Antonis Benakis in memory of his father Emmanuel Benakis, is housed in the Benakis family mansion in downtown Athens, Greece. The museum houses Greek works of art from the prehistorical to the modern times, an extensive collection of Asian art, hosts periodic exhibitions and maintains a state-of-the-art restoration and conservation workshop. Although the museum initially housed a collection that included Islamic art, Chinese porcelain and exhibits on toys, its 2000 re-opening led to the creation of satellite museums that focused on specific collections, allowing the main museum to focus on Greek culture over the span of the country's history. The museum's primary home is in the Benakis' house opposite the National Garden on Queen Sofias Avenue and owes its existence to the generosity of Antonis Benakis, whose family lived in Alexandria, Egypt. In 1931, the Benakis donated the family's house in Athens and their collection of more than 37,000 Islamic and Byzantine objects. More than 9,000 artifacts were added by the 1970s, which spurred donations from other sources. Benakis remained active in the museum until his death in 1954. Under the directorship of Angelos Delivorrias, the museum added more than 60,000 objects, books and documents, some of which were purchased and others donated. Delivorrias opts to focus on displaying donated items in order to encourage public participation and strengthen the community's ties to the museum. The museum also focuses on the fact that Greek history does not begin and end with specific events but rather exists along a continuum that continues today. Parts of the museum's collections have travelled worldwide, including Canada in 2008, the United States in 1959 in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and in 2005, an Ancient Greek solid gold drinking cup left Greece for the first time and traveled to the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and the Melbourne Immigration Museum in Melbourne, Australia.
Overview
More Info
- With a vast collection that includes everything from Byzantine art to 19th-century weaponry, there’s something for everyone at the Benaki Museum.
- The collection covers three full floors, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
- There is a museum cafè for light meals and drinks, and a gift shop selling books and souvenirs related to Greek culture.
- The museum is wheelchair-accessible.
More Adventures for You
0$
0$
3000$
Price From
$417.61 USD
Welcome to Athens, the historic capital of Europe, the birthplace of democracy, the arts, science and philosophy of Western civilization. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and its recorded history spans 3,400 years, having been inhabited since the 11th millennium BC. Get to know the best of classical Athens with a 4-hour private tour that will allow you to make the most of your time in the most comfortable way possible. Today, under the shadow of the Parthenon, the sprawling city's contemporary cityscape reflects its exciting history, modern and multicultural personality, as well as infrastructure and facilities. Your private driver and your official tour guide will pick you up at the location of your choice to begin your private tour. Optionally, we can get the tickets to the Acropolis and its sites (Acropolis slopes, Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike) for you if you want get to know them the best possible way._en-US
Learn More
Price From
$277.53 USD
Visit Greece's finest private museum on this 3-hour private walking tour from Athens. The museum contains the vast collection of Antonis Benakis, accumulated during 35 years of avid collecting in Europe and Asia._en-US
Learn More
Welcome to the Benaki Museum in Athens, a place where history comes alive, and the past whispers secrets of bygone eras. As you step through the grand entrance, the cool marble floors echo with the footsteps of those who have come before you, a symphony of the past reverberating through the present.
The air is thick with the scent of ancient artifacts, a heady mix of dust and time that fills your lungs with the weight of centuries. You can almost taste the stories that cling to the walls, each piece a fragment of a larger narrative waiting to be unraveled.
As you move through the hushed corridors, the gentle murmur of voices surrounds you, soft and indistinct as if carried on a distant breeze. Shadows dance on the walls, playing out silent dramas of long-forgotten lives. Each room holds a new treasure, a new discovery waiting to be made.
In one corner, a golden mask glitters in the dim light, a symbol of a lost civilization that once ruled these lands. Its cold metal surface seems to stare back at you, a silent sentinel of a time long past.
In another room, a tapestry unfurls like a storybook come to life, its vibrant colors lighting up the dim space with scenes of battles and triumphs, love and loss. You can almost feel the rough fabric beneath your fingers, tracing the intricate patterns that tell a tale older than memory.
But perhaps the most powerful moment comes when you stand before a statue, carved from marble with such skill and artistry that it seems almost alive. The curves of the figure, the tilt of the head, the expression on the face – each detail is perfection, a frozen moment of emotion captured for eternity.
And as you stand there, gazing up at this silent sentinel of the past, you feel a wave of emotion wash over you. It is a powerful mix of awe and wonder, of reverence for the artists who came before and left their mark on the world. In that moment, you are connected to something larger than yourself, a thread that ties you to all those who have walked these halls before.
So take your time as you wander through the Benaki Museum, let the stories and the artifacts wash over you like a gentle tide. And remember, you are not just a visitor here – you are a part of the living history that surrounds you, a piece of the puzzle that makes up the tapestry of human experience.
The Benaki Museum in Athens offers audio descriptive guides for visitors with visual impairments. These guides provide detailed auditory descriptions of selected exhibits to enhance the museum experience.
The museum also offers sensory-friendly hours for visitors with sensory sensitivities. During these designated hours, the museum aims to provide a more comfortable and inclusive experience by lowering noise levels and providing additional support as needed.
For specific dates and times of sensory-friendly hours, visitors are advised to contact the Benaki Museum directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
The Benaki Museum in Athens is a treasure trove of Greek history and culture, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts and artwork that span centuries. As a local writer and artist, I have had the privilege of visiting the museum numerous times, each visit leaving me with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Greek heritage.
One of the things that strikes me the most about the Benaki Museum is its ability to bring history to life. Walking through the halls, I am surrounded by objects that tell the stories of ancient civilizations, from the Minoans to the Byzantines. Each artifact is a tangible link to the past, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and beliefs of those who came before us.
As an artist, I am constantly inspired by the artistry and craftsmanship on display at the museum. The intricate detail of the pottery, the vibrant colors of the textiles, and the delicate beauty of the jewelry all serve as a reminder of the skill and creativity of Greek artisans throughout history. I often find myself sketching in the galleries, trying to capture the essence of these ancient treasures in my own work.
For me, the Benaki Museum is not just a place to view artifacts – it is a place to connect with my roots, to explore my identity as a Greek, and to find inspiration for my creative endeavors. I am grateful to have such a world-class institution in my city, preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Greece for generations to come.
Benaki Museum in Athens is a popular cultural destination with a rich collection of art and artifacts. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your visit with information on transportation, ticket booking, and local amenities.
### Directions and Transportation:
#### By Public Transport:
1. Metro: The museum is easily accessible by the Metro. The nearest stations are Syntagma and Panepistimio.
2. Bus: Several bus routes stop near the museum. Check the local bus schedule for the most convenient option.
3. Tram: If you prefer traveling by tram, the museum is a short walk from the Syntagma tram stop.
#### Taxi or Ride Sharing:
- Taxis: You can easily hail a taxi to take you to the museum from anywhere in Athens. Make sure the driver turns on the meter.
- Ride Sharing: Services like Uber and Beat are operational in Athens and can provide a convenient way to reach the museum.
#### Accessibility:
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators to facilitate movement for visitors with mobility challenges.
- Accessible parking spots are available for visitors with disabilities.
### Ticket Booking and Discounts:
#### Booking Options:
- Online: You can book tickets in advance through the museum’s official website for a hassle-free experience.
- On-Site: Tickets can also be purchased at the museum entrance, but there might be queues during peak hours.
#### Discounts:
- Student Discounts: Students with a valid ID can usually avail of discounted tickets.
- Senior Discounts: Senior citizens are often eligible for reduced admission fees.
- Family Packages: Families visiting together may be eligible for discounted rates or group packages.
### Local Amenities:
#### Parking:
- On-Site Parking: The museum may have limited parking spaces available on-site. It’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.
- Public Parking: There are public parking lots nearby where you can park your vehicle.
#### Restrooms:
- The museum has restrooms available for visitors, including facilities for individuals with disabilities.
#### Dining Options:
- Cafeteria: Check if the museum has its own cafeteria serving refreshments and light meals.
- Nearby Restaurants: There are likely restaurants and cafes in the vicinity offering a variety of cuisines. Inquire at the museum or explore the area for dining options.
#### Dietary Needs:
- If you have specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, inform the museum staff or check with the nearby eateries for suitable choices.
Planning your visit to the Benaki Museum in Athens with these details in mind will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience exploring its cultural treasures.