Acropolis Museum

Completed in 2009, the Acropolis Museum is without doubt the most popular museum in Athens, with almost 2 million visitors each year.

It exhibits all the significant finds from the Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens and the surrounding area, providing a fascinating insight into daily life in ancient Athens. The museum is situated opposite the entrance to the Acropolis, making it an essential stop for tourists and visitors to Athens.

One of the most popular things to see at the Acropolis Museum is the “Daily Life in Ancient Athens” exhibit. It showcases artefacts from all aspects of ancient Athenian life, from furniture and tools to clothing and jewellery. The museum also has a children’s section, which is excellent for learning more about ancient Greece.

Covering 25,000 square metres, this all-glass museum was constructed under three strict conditions:

• To provide breathtaking views of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the surrounding hills from transparent glass walls.
•  To exhibit the Parthenon sculptures.
  Not interfere with the archaeological findings during excavations.

At it’s base, the museum appears to be floating, as it’s supported by more than 100 concrete pillars, which provide an impressive shelter for the site’s archaeological excavation.

The museum hosts its collections across three floors and the below-ground excavation site. Located on the ground floor, the Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis houses finds from the sanctuaries established on the slopes of the Acropolis and objects that Athenians used in everyday life from all historical periods.

The nine-metre high and naturally lit Archaic Gallery in the east and south sections of the first floor hosts the magnificent sculptures that graced the first temples on the Acropolis. It also displays the worship’s votive offerings, such as beautiful archaic Korai (depictions of young women), the Hippeis (horse riders), statues of the goddess Athena, sculptures of male figures, marble reliefs, and smaller bronze and clay offerings.

The museum’s exhibition culminates on the third floor, in the glass-encased Parthenon Gallery. The relief sculptures of the Parthenon frieze depicting the Panathenaic procession is exhibited in continuous sequence along the perimeter of the external surface of the rectangular concrete core of the gallery. The metopes, the marble slabs with relief representations from Greek mythology, are exhibited between the stainless steel columns of the gallery, which are the same in number as the columns of the Parthenon.

If you’re looking for things to do in Athens, the Acropolis Museum should be at the top of your list. It’s a great place to learn more about the ancient Greeks and see some of their most impressive artefacts.

The Parthenon Marbles

The Parthenon Marbles are one of the most iconic attractions at the Acropolis Museum. These sculptures once adorned the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis. Lord Elgin removed some in the early 1800s and sold to the British Museum.

The Athena Promachos

The Athena Promachos is a large statue of the goddess Athena, once located on the Acropolis. This impressive statue is over 9 metres high and is made from marble and bronze.

The Caryatids

The Caryatids are a set of six female statues that once supported the roof of the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis. These statues are made from marble and are over 2 metres high.

The Nike of Panionios

The Nike of Paionios is a statue of the goddess Nike, once located on the Acropolis. This statue is made from marble and bronze and is over 4 metres high.

Mosaics from Zea Harbour and the Athenian Agora

The mosaics from Zea Harbour and the Athenian Agora are two of the most impressive mosaics in the Acropolis Museum. The Zea Harbour mosaic is a large, circular mosaic that depicts scenes from everyday life in ancient Athens. The Athenian Agora mosaic is a smaller mosaic that depicts several different animals.

The “Daily Life in Ancient Athens” Exhibit

The “Daily Life in Ancient Athens” exhibit is one of the most popular sections of the Acropolis Museum. This exhibit showcases artefacts from all aspects of Athenian life, from furniture and tools to clothing and jewellery.

The Acropolis Museum Gift Shop

The Acropolis Museum Gift Shop is the perfect place to buy souvenirs of your visit to the Acropolis Museum. The shop sells a range of products, including books, postcards, and jewellery.

The Children’s Section

The Children’s Section is an excellent place for kids who want to learn more about ancient Greece. This section of the museum has several interactive exhibits, including a play area and a quiz zone.

The Museum Cafe

The Museum Cafe is a great place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat after exploring the Acropolis Museum. Walk outside, and you will be enhanced with the breathtaking views of the Acropolis, The Parthenon, and views over Athens. The cafe offers a range of snacks and drinks, including sandwiches, salads, cakes, and hot meals.

Statue of Athena Parthenos at the Acropolis Museum

The Statue of Athena Parthenos is a large statue of the goddess Athena, which was once located on the Acropolis. This impressive statue is over 9 metres high and is made from marble and bronze.

Fragments from the Temple of Athena Nike

The Fragments from the Temple of Nike are a set of fragments from the Temple of Athena Nike, which was once located on the Acropolis. These fragments are made from marble and limestone.

The Acropolis Museum is one of the most photogenic museums in Athens. Here are some of the best places to take photos, videos, selfies and the perfect Instagram at the museum.

The Parthenon Marbles

The Parthenon Marbles are one of the most iconic attractions at the Acropolis Museum. These sculptures once adorned the Parthenon on the Acropolis. Lord Elgin removed some in the early 1800s and sold them to the British Museum.

The Athena Promachos

The Athena Promachos is a large statue of the goddess Athena, once located on the Acropolis. This impressive statue is over 9 metres high and is made from marble and bronze.

The Caryatids

The Caryatids are a set of six female statues that once supported the roof of the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis. These statues are made from marble and are over 2 metres high.

The Nike of Panionios

The Nike of Paionios is a statue of the goddess Nike, which was once located on the Acropolis. This statue is made from marble and bronze and is over 4 metres high.

Mosaics from Zea Harbour and the Athenian Agora

The mosaics from Zea Harbour and the Athenian Agora are two of the most impressive mosaics in the Acropolis Museum. The Zea Harbour mosaic is a large, circular mosaic that depicts scenes from everyday life in ancient Athens. The Athenian Agora mosaic is a smaller mosaic that depicts several different animals.

The “Daily life in ancient Athens” Exhibit

The “Daily Life in Ancient Athens” exhibit is one of the most popular sections of the Acropolis Museum. This exhibit showcases artefacts from all aspects of Athenian life, from furniture and tools to clothing and jewellery.

The Museum Cafe

The Museum Cafe is a great place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat after exploring the Acropolis Museum. Walk outside, and you will be enhanced with the breathtaking views of the Acropolis, The Parthenon, and views over Athens. The cafe offers a range of snacks and drinks, including sandwiches, salads, cakes, and hot meals.

Statue of Athena Parthenos

The Statue of Athena Parthenos is a large statue of the goddess Athena, which was once located on the Acropolis. This impressive statue is over 9 metres high and is made from marble and bronze.

Fragments from the Temple of Athena Nike

The Fragments from the Temple of Athena Nike are a set of fragments which was once located on the Acropolis. These fragments are made from marble and limestone.

Winter Season – November 1st to March 31st

Monday to Thursday 09:00 – 17:00

Friday 09:00 – 22:00

Saturday and Sunday 09:00 – 20:00

Summer Season – April 1st to October 31st

Monday 08:00 – 16:00

Tuesday to Sunday 08:00 – 20:00

Friday 08:00 – 22:00

The Acropolis Museum in Athens is wheelchair accessible and has several disabled access ramps and lifts. The museum also has Braille guides and audio guides for the visually impaired. Facilities include:

• Special ramps for wheelchairs and wheelchairs at the entrances of the museum.
• Lift and toilets for people with disabilities at all levels.
• Lending wheelchairs at the Information Office.
• In Greek and English, a brief guide to the Museum in Braille at the Information Office.
• Free access to guide dogs accompanying people with disabilities.