The Acropolis Museum in Athens

With its rich collections of ancient artifacts and spectacular architecture, the Acropolis Museum is a top tourist attraction in Athens!

Follow the guide!

Brief presentation of the Acropolis Museum

Opened in June 2009 after over 30 years of planning and construction, the Acropolis Museum was designed to house the ancient relics discovered on the Acropolis and to provide visitors with a unique immersive experience.

With a total area of 25,000 square meters, the Acropolis Museum houses more than 4,000 objects, the majority of which were discovered during archaeological excavations conducted on the Acropolis since the 19^th century.

Visiting the Acropolis Museum

The Architecture of the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum’s architecture is a remarkable blend of technical excellence and aesthetic beauty, featuring sleek lines and an impressive glass roof.

Designed by the talented duo of Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi and Greek architect Michalis Photiadis to showcase the Acropolis’ archaeological treasures, the museum’s use of glass, steel, and concrete creates an open and bright space, providing stunning views of the nearby Acropolis.

The building’s partially underground structure is designed to protect the museum’s collections from heat and light, with a sophisticated ventilation system maintaining a constant temperature. The glass roof allows natural light to enter while preventing direct sunlight from damaging the objects.

With large windows providing an unobstructed view of the ancient ruins, the museum offers a panoramic view of the Acropolis. Visitors can enjoy the fascinating collections of relics while admiring the breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The Collections of the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum’s permanent collections are spread across three levels and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Acropolis and ancient Greece.

→ Ground Floor of the Acropolis Museum

The ground floor displays everyday objects from ancient Greece, such as kitchen utensils, jewelry, and coins. This section also includes objects used in religious ceremonies, such as cult figurines and votive offerings. The transparent floor, sloped to represent the ascent to the Acropolis, allows visitors to admire the archaeological excavations below. It’s truly impressive!

→ First Floor of the Acropolis Museum

The second level is dedicated to sculptures and statues from the Acropolis, including

• impressive works like the Moschophoros, the Critios Boy, and the Kore of Euthydikos.
• Visitors can also see fragments of ancient temples
• and the famous Caryatids, sculptures of women that served as columns in the Erechtheion.

→ Top Floor of the Acropolis Museum

The top floor of the museum is dedicated to the Parthenon frieze, a collection of marble sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon temple.

The frieze depicts scenes from everyday life in Athens, religious ceremonies, and battles.

Visitors can also use augmented reality devices to experience the frieze in its original form.

→ Temporary Exhibitions

In addition to the permanent collections, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions to showcase recent archaeological discoveries and ongoing research.

Access

Getting to the Acropolis Museum

Located in the Makrygianni neighborhood, the Acropolis Museum is just a short walk from the Acropolis

and easily accessible by public transportation (metro or bus). The “Acropolis” metro station, on Line 2 (Red), is located right next to the museum.

Acropolis Museum Opening Hours

The Acropolis Museum is open every day of the week, except for Mondays. The museum’s opening hours vary according to the season:

• In summer (April 1 – October 31), the museum is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
• In winter (November 1 – March 31), the museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Note that the museum is closed on certain public holidays: January 1, March 25, May 1, December 25, and December 26.

Acropolis Museum Admission Prices

Ticket prices for the Acropolis Museum vary depending on the season and visitor category:

• In winter, adult admission is 10 euros and 5 euros for EU students and visitors over 65.
• In summer, adult admission is 15 euros and 10 euros for EU students and visitors over 65.

Admission is free for children under 18 and foreign students with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

⚠️ To avoid long lines, it’s highly recommended to book tickets online in advance. The following options are available:
→ Acropolis Museum with audio guide
→ Acropolis + Acropolis Museum with audio guide
→ Acropolis + Acropolis Museum + Archaeological Museum

Guided Tour of the Acropolis Museum

For those curious about the rich history of ancient Greece, Captain Ulysses highly recommends a guided tour of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Acropolis Museum (available in several languages / can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance).

👉 Avoid waiting in line in Athens: book your tickets and tours in advance!

👉 Finding the perfect place to stay: book your accommodation in Athens:

• 1 and 2-star lodging options
• 3-star lodging options
• 4-star lodging options
• 5-star lodging options

Credits
Jim Forest | Phanatic | Dennis Trigylidas | Robert Patton