National Archaeological Museum: Tickets

National Archaeological Museum, Athens - Tickets and Visitor Information

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What is the National Archaeological Museum?

• The National Archaeological Museum in Athens houses one of the world's most important collections of ancient Greek art and archaeological finds.
• Its collections include more than 11,000 exhibits from different periods of Greek history, covering prehistoric civilisations, the Classical period and the Roman era.
• Its exhibits cover thousands of years of history, from prehistoric objects and Mycenaean gold to Greek sculptures, bronze statues and ancient Egyptian artefacts.
• Highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism and a large bronze statue of a god believed to represent either Zeus or Poseidon.

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Quick Information

• Address: National Archaeological Museum, 44 Patission Street, Athens 106 82, Greece.
• Opening Hours: Vary depending on season - can be confirmed during ticket booking process.
• Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours.
• Nearest Metro Stations: Omonia and Victoria.
• Accessibility: The museum provides wheelchair access, ramps and lifts.
• National Archaeology Museum Ticket Options

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Is the National Archaeological Museum Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you are interested in ancient Greek history, mythology, sculpture or archaeology. The museum brings together finds from across Greece, allowing you to see objects from different periods and civilisations in one place.

• The National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the country's leading cultural attractions.
• It is also a good choice if you want to learn more about ancient Greece beyond the monuments of the Acropolis.
• The collections include gold jewellery, painted pottery, monumental sculptures and scientific instruments that reveal how people lived, worshipped and understood the world thousands of years ago.

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What You Can See at the National Archaeological Museum

The museum has several major collections, with highlights ranging from prehistoric finds to Classical Greek sculpture and ancient technology, including:

• The Mask of Agamemnon: The gold funerary mask was discovered by Heinrich Schliemann at Mycenae in 1876. It dates to around the 16th century BC, making it older than the legendary Trojan War king Agamemnon with whom it is traditionally associated.
• ‍The Antikythera Mechanism: Recovered from an ancient shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera, the mechanical device dates to around the 2nd or 1st century BC. It used a system of gears to calculate astronomical cycles and calendar information, making it one of the most remarkable surviving examples of ancient Greek engineering.
• ‍The Artemision Bronze: A large bronze statue depicting a powerful male figure with both arms extended. It is generally identified as either Zeus preparing to throw a thunderbolt or Poseidon holding a trident. The uncertainty surrounding its identity adds to the interest of this important work of ancient Greek sculpture.
• ‍The Thera Frescoes: The colourful wall paintings were recovered from the ancient settlement of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini. They offer a glimpse into the art, architecture and daily life of the Aegean Bronze Age.
• ‍Ancient Greek Sculptures: The sculpture collection includes marble and bronze works from different periods, showing how Greek artists developed their techniques and representations of the human body. Look out for the Kouros statues, the Jockey of Artemision and other works depicting gods, athletes and everyday figures.
• ‍The Egyptian Collection: The museum also houses objects from ancient Egypt, including funerary artefacts, sculptures and other finds that help illustrate Egyptian religious beliefs and burial practices.

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About National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is one of Greece's most important museums and is dedicated to preserving the country's cultural and historical heritage.

The museum is home to one of the finest collections of artefacts from the ancient Greek civilization, offering a journey through archaeological history with exhibits covering different periods from the prehistoric era to late antiquity and includes thousands of items.

Museum Collections

The National Archaeological Museum's collections cover several periods of Greek and Mediterranean history.

• Prehistoric Collection: Neolithic, Cycladic, Minoan and Mycenaean artefacts, including pottery, tools and figurines.
• Sculpture Collection: Greek sculptures dating from the 7th century BC to the Roman period.
• Vases and Minor Arts: Painted pottery, jewellery and other objects illustrating ancient Greek craftsmanship.
• Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection: Artefacts from ancient Egypt and the Near East, including funerary objects and sculptures.

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