Benaki Museum
Price guide: Mid-range
1 Koumbari & Vassilisis Sofias Avenue, Kolonaki, Athens, 10674
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#5 of 20
expert-rated things to do in Athens- Recommended for:
- Culture vultures, Mature travellers, Singles, Art, History
Expert review of Benaki Museum
Greek folk culture through the ages, from embroideries to icons.
Housed in a glorious neoclassical mansion, this elegant museum is like a miniature of London's Victoria & Albert. The rich collection of art and crafts reveals Greece’s evolution over the ages, from its classical golden age to its bloody struggle for independence. (Look out for Lord Byron’s pistols.) There are swords and coins, traditional costumes and embroidered bridal beds. The Byzantine collection is especially impressive. The icons are brilliantly curated: ghostly saints with gold-leaf halos gaze at you from shadowy alcoves. There’s also a comprehensive survey of 19th and 20th century Greek painting.
Price advice:
€6, temporary exhibitions €3. Entrance to the permanent collection is free on Thursdays.
Expert tips:
Enjoy the view of the National Gardens from the chic rooftop restaurant. It’s open until midnight every Thursday.
The Benaki’s extensive Islamic art collection is housed in separate premises near the ancient cemetery of Keramikos.
More information on Benaki Museum:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Museum
- Address:
- 1 Koumbari & Vassilisis Sofias Avenue, Kolonaki, Athens, 10674
- Telephone:
- +30 210 367 1000
- Website:
- http://www.benaki.gr
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am-5pm, Thur 9am-midnight, Sun 9am-3pm. Closed Tues.
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Indoor
- Free tags / Keywords:
- History, Folk art, painting, Byzantine art
