The Benaki Museum is established in 1930 by Antonis Benakis in memory of his father Emmanuel. It 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.
Initially the museum was housed in the impressive neoclassical mansion of Benakis family (central building, downtown Athens). Nowdays satellite museums have been created, focusing on specific collections (Asian, Islamic etc), allowing the main museum to focus on Greek culture over the span of the country's history.
It ranks among the major institutions that have enriched the material assets of the Greek state. It is the oldest museum in Greece operating as a Foundation under Private Law. Through its extensive collections that cover different cultural fields and its general range of activities, serves more than one social need and helps visitors to have a better understanding of Modern Greece.
The ground floor has exhibits of the ancient period. The upper floors have exhibits of various periods of Greek history. On the 3rd floor one will see exhibits from the Greek Revolution against the Turks (1821) and the birth of the modern Hellenic State. It also has an excellent gift shop and a coffee shop.
OPENING HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9:00 - 17:00, Thursday: 9:00 - 24:00 Sunday: 9:00 - 15:00
CLOSED: Tuesday & Greek holidays
METRO STATION: Syntagma & Evagelismos
BUS: 022, 060, 200, 203, 204, 211, 214, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 231, 235, 408, 419, 601, 603, 622, 815, Α5, Γ5, Ε5Θ, Ε6, Ε7
TROLLEY: 3, 7, 8, 13