Acropolis Museum

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The Acropolis Museum opened in 2009 and houses the sculptures and artifacts that were taken from the buildings and excavation sites of the Acropolis. See parts of the elaborate frieze from the Parthenon, the 5 original Karyatids from the Erechtheion, and elements of the Temple of Nike and the Propylaea. Book in advance to secure your time slot!

By Miriam Dewam

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Athens: Private Tour with Acropolis Skip-the-Line Entry

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5 tips for visiting the Acropolis Museum

The top floor of the Acropolis Museum | Flickr: Dennis Trigylidas - CC BY 2.0

Book your ticket onlineThe Acropolis Museum is among the most popular attractions in Athens and is particularly well-visited during the summer months. During the peak season, this can lead to long waiting times at the ticket counters. Therefore, it is advisable to book entrance tickets online in advance.

In the Acropolis Museum | Unsplash: Arno Senoner - CC BY 2.0

Learn more with a guided tourSince the history of Athens is particularly comprehensive, a tour of the museum is recommended. These are often offered as exploratory tours with a joint visit to the Acropolis, giving a better insight into the lifestyle of the Athenians at that time. The tours often include a Skip-the-Line ticket, so you don't have to queue at the cash registers.

Enjoy the viewOn the ground floor of the museum is the Museum Café, which has a terrace that offers an excellent view of the archaeological excavations. If you don't want to miss the impressive panoramic view of the Acropolis, you should reserve a table in the museum's restaurant in a timely manner.

Take advantage of the extended opening hoursIt is a special experience to visit the museum during extended opening hours; here it is open until midnight. These occur twice a year, in August during a full moon and during the European Night of Museums. Through the many window surfaces, one gets a unique view at a late hour of the Acropolis.

Archaeologists lead through the museumOn Fridays, the museum offers a 45-minute tour of the archaeological excavations, the ancient district and the workshops of the water reservoirs with an archaeologist. The tour is offered in English at 11:00 AM and in Greek at 1:00 PM. Due to the limited number of 20 participants, the free tour should be booked in advance. Participants need an entrance ticket to the museum.

The Acropolis Museum | Photo: Unsplash, Arno Senoner - CC-BY 2.0

At the foot of the Acropolis

The Acropolis museum, located on a 156,076.7 sq ft (14,500 m2) area, exhibits 4000 artifacts from the archaeological site of the 'Acropolis'. The Acropolis Museum ranks among the top 10 museums worldwide.

The Evolution of the Museum

Once, the exhibits of the Acropolis were presented outdoors, in places with temporary covers. In 1874, the first Acropolis Museum opened, which quickly became too small. To make room, a small building was supposed to follow in 1988, which was built next to the first one. When this also became too small, the new, now existing museum was opened in 2009.

Antiquity and architecture in harmony

As is often the case, foundations of antiquity were discovered on the grounds of the Acropolis during the construction of the museum. The American architect Bernand Tschumi and the Greek architect Michalis Photiadis spectacularly showcased the find. The exposed ancient Athenian quarter is partially protected by a glass floor that can even be walked on.

The original Caryatids of the Erechtheion Temple | Photo: Flickr, George M. Groutas - CC-BY-SA 2.0

The lost treasures

Unfortunately, not all the statues and sculptures that once adorned the Acropolis can be admired in the museum. At the beginning of the 19th century, British Ambassador Thomas Bruce received permission from the Ottoman Sultan to explore the Burgberg. However, he improperly removed sculptures from the Parthenon, the caryatids from the Erechtheion, and four frieze blocks from the Temple of Athena Nike, as well as other art objects. Today, some of these treasures are in the British Museum in London. Greece has been trying for some time to achieve their return.

The Parthenon Frieze in the upper floor of the Acropolis Museum | Photo: Flickr, Brad Hostetler - CC-BY-SA 2.0

The development of the Acropolis

The historical development of the buildings can be traced by a variety of models of the Acropolis hill on the ground floor of the museum. The archaeological finds are also excellently staged; the collection includes various artifacts such as cooking pots and offerings. A glass floor reveals the archaeological excavations. This unique presentation gives a realistic feeling of how the Athenians must have lived.

The Acropolis Plateau

Even the ramp that leads to the first floor is intentionally placed: it represents the rise of ancient times to the Acropolis Plateau. On the ascent, visitors get to see the excavations from the former Acropolis that show the change of the citadel into the sacred place of the gods. This includes a sheet of metal with a Gorgon depiction (675-650 BC), as one of the highlights of this area.

The Archaic Acropolis

The Archaic Acropolis gallery contains exhibits from the classical period of Greece from 700 to 480 BC on the first floor. The most impressive exhibits include the Antenor Kore (525-500 BC), the Kritios Boy (480 BC), and the Calf-Bearer (570 BC). Also, the famous buildings of the Acropolis are presented: Objects from the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, as well as the five large original female figures, the Caryatids of the Erechtheon temple. Also, the unique architecture of the building is consciously and deliberately used on this floor: the light falling in through the generous window surfaces is intended to reflect the atmosphere of an open space, like on the Acropolis.

The Parthenon Hall

On the upper floor, a video presentation about the Parthenon temple can be experienced in English and Greek. This is followed by the Parthenon Hall, which depicts a replica of the Parthenon, the largest temple in Greek history. The original proportions of this art installation reveal the true scale of the building that once protected the statue of the goddess Athena. The intentional deviation of the upper floor by 23 degrees from the rest of the building provides an unbelievable view of the Parthenon through the north window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Acropolis Museum accessible for people with disabilities?

The museum is designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. Wheelchairs can be borrowed at the information desk. Read more.

Is there parking available?

The museum only offers parking for physically handicapped visitors, which must be requested in advance. Read more.

Are there dining options at the museum?

The museum has a café and a restaurant. The café on the ground floor offers hot, traditional dishes, drinks and cocktails. The restaurant is located on the second floor, serving hot traditional dishes with a captivating panoramic view of the Acropolis. A table should be reserved in advance for the restaurant, it is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. A Museum admission ticket is not required for the café, to visit the restaurant a free admission ticket must be obtained at the cashier. Read more.

Is it allowed to carry bags and backpacks during the visit?

Small baggage such as bags and backpacks can be taken into the Acropolis Museum. The museum has luggage storage facilities on the ground floor. Read more.

Are dogs allowed in the Acropolis Museum?

No, pets are not allowed in the building. An exception is only made for certified guide dogs. Read more.

Is it allowed to take photos and videos in the museum?

For personal purposes, videos and photos may be taken during the visit. Please note that the use of tripods and flash is not permitted. Read more.

General information

opening hours

During the winter season (1. November - 31. March), the Acropolis Museum is open from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 17:00, Fridays from 9:00 to 22:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 to 20:00. During the summer season (1. April - 31. October), the Museum can be visited on Mondays from 9:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00 and Fridays from 9:00 to 22:00.

tickets

The entrance fee depends on the season and costs 10 € in the winter season and 15 € in the summer months. In winter, the reduced ticket costs 5 € and 10 € in summer.

address

Acropolis Museum
15 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
Athens 11742

discount

On the spot, children under 5 years old get free entry. Children and young people between 6 and 25 years old, students as well as teachers, who belong to the EU member states, get a free ticket by showing a corresponding ID. Holders of a disability card can visit the museum for free. Non-EU citizens, children and young people between 6 and 25 years of age, as well as teachers and seniors over 65 years can get a discounted ticket. Please note that appropriate ID's have to be presented. On March 6 and 25, May 18 and October 28, the Acropolis Museum can be visited for free.

how to get there

The Acropolis Museum is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest stop is Makryianni and is served by tram lines 1, 5 and 15, as well as buses 24, 40, 57, 103, 106, 108, 111, 126, 134, 135, 136, 137, 155, 206, 208, 227, 230, 237, 790, 856, Α2, Α3, Α4, Β2, Β3, Β4, Ε2 and Ε22. Alternatively, there is line 2 of the Metro to the Acropolis station.

Written byMiriam DewamMiriam is keen on traveling and has a passion for photography, which she can enhance through her cross-media studies. She uses her knowledge as well as first hand experience from diverse travels to help other travellers as a content creator at TicketLens.

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