Benaki Museum
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Where is the Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum provides an expansive view of Greek history from the Stone Age to the 20th century through Classical Greece and the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Over 20,000 objects show the evolution of Greek painting, sculpture and handicrafts.
Founded in 1931 by Antónis Benákis, the museum is housed in an elegant Neoclassical mansion of 1867 that was once the home of the Benákis family.
The outstanding collection contains a diverse array of Greek arts and crafts, paintings and jewellery, local costumes and political memorabilia that spans over 5,000 years, from the Neolithic era (7,000 BC) to the 20th century.
The ground floor collection ranges from prehistoric to late Byzantine art and Cretan icon painting.Â
The first floor exhibits are organized geographically from Asia Minor, mainland Greece and the Greek islands. There is also a collection of ecclesiastical silverware and jewellery.
The second floor has artefacts relating to Greek spiritual, economic and social life. The third floor concentrates on the Greek War of Independence and modern political and cultural life and has a wing for temporary exhibitions.
The Benaki Museum’s collection also includes Greek, Egyptian and Islamic art that spans more than three thousand years. The museum also houses a variety of arts, from Hindu sculpture to Chinese porcelain. It periodically hosts special exhibits on toys for children interested in STEM topics like science or technology.
The extensive collection of Greek antiquities, including sculptures, pottery, and jewellery.
The Byzantine art collection contains a wealth of manuscripts, icons, and other religious objects.
The Islamic art collection features a wide array of textiles, carpets, and other decorative objects.
The Chinese art collection has beautiful porcelain pieces and other various mediums.
The popular art section, with its displays of folk art and traditional crafts from all over Greece.
The costume collection, with its beautiful traditional garments from all over Greece.
The numismatic collection features ancient coins and other currencies from around the world.
The library, with its extensive range of books on Greek and international art.
The restaurant, with its excellent views of the Acropolis and delicious Greek cuisine.
The gift shop, with its wide range of souvenirs from the museum and Greece.
The extensive collection of Greek antiquities, including sculptures, pottery, and jewellery.
The Byzantine art collection contains a wealth of manuscripts, icons, and other religious objects.
The Islamic art collection features a wide array of textiles, carpets, and other decorative objects.
The Chinese art collection has beautiful porcelain pieces and other various mediums.
The popular art section, with its displays of folk art and traditional crafts from all over Greece.
The costume collection, with its beautiful traditional garments from all over Greece.
The numismatic collection featuring ancient coins and other currency from around the world.
Winter Season – November 1st to March 31st
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 – 18:00
Thursday 10:00 – Midnight
Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
Summer Season – April 1st to October 31st
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
Thursday 09:00 – Midnight
Sunday 09:00 – 16:00
Closed
January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Easter Sunday, December 25th and 26th
Wheelchair access at the Benaki Museum is possible via an accessible entrance at the rear of the building.
To reach it, you will need to go down the alley on the left-hand side of the building. Once inside, you can take the lift to the exhibition levels.
My photos of the Benaki Museum
