Benaki Museum

Overview

The Benaki Museum is Greece's finest private museum, tracing Greek culture from prehistory through the modern era in an elegant neoclassical mansion near the National Garden. Its collection spans 6,000 years.

Highlights

• Gold Jewelry: Exquisite Mycenaean and Classical gold ornaments.
• Byzantine Icons: A world-class collection of post-Byzantine religious art.
• Rooftop Café: A terrace with views over the National Garden and Lycabettus Hill.

History

Founded by Antonis Benakis in 1930, who spent decades collecting Greek art during his family's years in Alexandria. The museum occupies his family's Athens mansion.

Visitor Tips

• Thursday Late Night: Free admission on Thursday evenings until midnight.
• Gift Shop: One of Athens' best museum shops.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.