Best museums in Greece! We list museums all around the country that highlight thousands of years of Greek history. Includes hours and costs.

20 Best Museums In Greece

Best museums in Greece! We list museums all around the country that highlight thousands of years of Greek history. Includes hours and costs.

Best Museums In Greece

When you think of Greece, you think of history. You think of temples, statues, jewelry, and pottery. And, of course, you think of the people. Greece is a country with many interesting stories to tell. The best place to learn those stories? Museums!

If you really want to dive into the history of Greece, keep reading. We’ve put together an epic list of the best museums in Greece. Large museums, small museums. Some in modern buildings, some in ancient homes. There’s a little bit of everything and they are all around the country.

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1. Archaeological Museum Of Aegina

  • Address: Patriarchou Grigoriou E 1, Egina 180 10, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Wednesday to Monday 10 AM to 5:30 PM, Closed on Tuesday
    • Cost: €4
  • Dates: November 1st to December 31st
    • Hours: Wednesday to Monday 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Closed on Tuesday
    • Cost: €2
  • Dates: January 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Wednesday and Friday to Monday 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Closed on Tuesday and Thursday
    • Cost: €2

One of the best museums in Greece is the Archaeological Museum of Aegina. Visiting this museum is one of the top things to do during a day trip to Aegina from Athens. It may be a small museum, but it has a lot of interesting artifacts that tell the history of this important island and the surrounding area.

Once you arrive at the port, it’s an easy walk to the museum. The museum was actually the first National Museum of Greece, founded in 1829. Your admission covers your entry into the museum and the adjacent archaeological site of Kolona. The site has the ruins of the Temple of Apollo.

Inside the museum, there are three halls that surround a patio. You’ll find marble statues, coins, ancient jewels, ceramics, bronze vessels, and pots. The exhibits cover the period from Prehistoric to Roman times.

Archaeological Museum Of Aegina is one of the best museums in Greece
Archaeological Museum Of Aegina

2. Acropolis Museum In Athens

  • Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Monday 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 8 PM, Friday 9 AM to 10 PM
    • Cost: €15
  • Dates: November 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM, Friday 9 AM to 10 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 8 PM
    • Cost: €10

By Maggie of Pink Caddy Travelogue

In a city filled with amazing museums, one stands above the rest – the Acropolis Museum in Athens. This museum is simultaneously beautiful and fascinating. It’s perfect for the most ardent museum lovers and for those who typically aren’t interested in them – an important part of any Greece itinerary.

The museum is located at the base of the Acropolis itself. It’s home to artifacts found on the slopes that date from the Greek Bronze Age, Roman Athens, and Byzantine Greece. Each of the museum’s four floors represents a different time period.

Notable artifacts include the original Caryatids taken from the small temple next to the Parthenon.

The top floor is dedicated to the Parthenon itself. It lets visitors imagine what the spectacular building looked like in ancient times while looking across through the wide window to the real thing.

One of the coolest things about the museum, though, is what’s underneath it. Several large portions of the floor are clear glass. This way, visitors can see the ruins of ancient Athens under the building! The basement level is an active archaeological site, excavating this small portion of the city. It’s wild to imagine that those sorts of remains lie under the entire modern city.

The Acropolis Museum has been hailed as one of the most important museums in the world, and it deserves the title. 

Acropolis Museum In Athens
Acropolis Museum In Athens

3. National Archaeological Museum In Athens

  • Address: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Wednesday to Monday 8 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday 1 PM to 8 PM
    • Cost: €12
  • Dates: November 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Wednesday to Monday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Tuesday 1 PM to 8 PM
    • Cost: €6

By Elena of Travel Greece Travel Europe

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the largest and oldest in the country. It was founded at the end of the 19th century to house one of the most prominent collections. A large portion of the displayed collection is dedicated to the discoveries made in the Attica region as well as other parts of Greece. The museum covers over 8,000 meters of space. It is divided into five permanent collections that are made up of somewhat 11,000 artifacts. 

One of the highlights one can witness at the museum is the Mask of Agamemnon. It is an original gold mask that dates back to the 16th century which Schliemann attributed to the discovery of Agamemnon. Another highlight is the Spring Fresco from the archaeological site of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini. Visitors can also see the Bronze statue of Zeus or Poseidon which was found at the bottom of the sea of Cape Artemision in north Euboea.

Another notable finding is the Antikythera Mechanism. It is the oldest known astronomical and calendrical calculating machine which was discovered on the Antikythera shipwreck.

National Archaeological Museum In Athens
National Archaeological Museum In Athens

4. Benaki Museum In Athens

  • Address: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece
  • Year-round hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10AM to 6 PM, Thursday 10 AM to Midnight, Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM, Closed on Tuesday
  • Year-round cost: €12, Free on Thursdays from 6 PM to Midnight

By Joanna of Lose the Map

Located in the old Benaki family mansion in Athens, the Benaki Museum houses a collection of over 100,000 artifacts and exhibits from Greek history, dating from ancient times to the present day. Unlike other museums in Athens, Benaki gives visitors a glimpse into Greek history beyond ancient and Roman times. It also goes through the Byzantine era, the Greek War of Independence, and even art and artifacts from the 20th century.

Marvel at the ecclesiastical art which was a prominent feature of the Byzantine era and remains important in Eastern Orthodoxy today. Next, learn more about the Greek struggle for freedom under the Ottoman Empire. This will also give you a greater understanding of many of the statues and street names you may observe while walking around Athens.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also has rotating exhibits that dive into niche aspects of Greek culture. For example, traditional Greek dress and clothing from different parts of the country, or an exhibit on sewing and associated crafts, an important part of Greek heritage.

The Benaki Museum also has several satellite museums throughout the city, including a collection of Islamic Art and a Toy Museum. If you have the time to visit some of them, you are likely to encounter fewer tourists than in most other crowded Athenian museums, as well as incredibly unique collections. 

Benaki Museum In Athens
Benaki Museum In Athens

5. Museum Of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas In Athens

  • Address: Pindarou 6, Athina 106 71, Greece
  • Year-round hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Year-round cost: €5

By Nicholas of Rambling Feet

The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology has a few branches across Greece including the one in the Kolonaki neighborhood in Athens. Its location makes it a convenient stop between Syntagma Square and Lycabettus Hill.

Unlike many of the museums on this list, it is a small private museum where you won’t find actual historical artifacts. Instead, the exhibits in the galleries are personally researched, funded, and re-created writings by Kostas Kotsanas to show the gadgets and tools that the ancient Greeks created. Many of them still form the basis of the technology we use today, such as bolts and nuts, gears and rules, pulleys and belts, sprockets and chains, pistons and hydraulics. Others are less well-known — I certainly did not know that Philo of Byzantium created a humanoid robot to mix and serve wine. 

A more interactive gallery on the upper floors houses exhibits of ancient Greek toys, games, and musical instruments. There, you can see and hear the oldest known notated song, the Song of Seikilos, played on the water pipe organ in the photograph. The staff are very knowledgeable and will take out the tortoise shell lyres and drums to play or engage in an archaic version of tic-tac-toe. The games and puzzles are sure to keep young children occupied for an hour or two without the fear of breaking anything. This sets the museum apart from others and makes it a must-visit.

Museum Of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas In Athens
Museum Of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas In Athens

6. Chios Mastic Museum

  • Address: Pyrgi, Rachi site (Tepeki), Chios 821 02, Greece
  • Dates: March 1st to October 15th
    • Hours: Wednesday to Monday 10 AM to 6 PM, Closed Tuesday
  • Dates: October 16th to February 28th
    • Hours: Wednesday to Monday 10 AM to 5 PM, Closed Tuesday
  • Year-round cost: €4

By Melanie of Postcards & Places

The Chios Mastic Museum is in the southern portion of the Greek island, just outside of the medieval “painted village” of Pyrgi. It is the only place in the Mediterranean where the mastic tree is cultivated for its special resin, thanks to the area’s volcanic soil and dry climate. 

The museum displays information about the uses of mastic, as well as its traditional and modern cultivation and importance to the people of Chios. It declares mastic a “superfood” or potential panacea, used for treatments for digestive issues, oral cavities, and skin problems. It can also be used for cooking, chewing gum, antidepressants, laxatives, and even paint. 

Visitors can learn more about this unique global product through informative displays and artifacts, like everyday products and original machinery. Exhibits outline its cultivation process and how its production helped to shape the settlement of southern Chios.

A highlight is the outdoor portion of the museum. It is a hillside mastic orchard, where visitors can wander among the short trees. 

Traditional mastic cultivation was included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, and the museum opened in 2016. The modern museum is accessible by car and should be included on any road trip around Chios island.

Chios Mastic Museum
Chios Mastic Museum

7. Corfu Archaeological Museum

  • Address: Vraila Armeni 1, Kerkira 491 00, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, closed Tuesday
    • Cost: €6
  • Dates: November 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, closed Tuesday
    • Cost: €3

By Jo of World Wild Schooling

Among the best things to do in Corfu is visit to the Corfu Archaeological Museum. This small yet modern museum offers a unique exploration of antiquity within the vibrant Corfu City. Visitors are captivated by the remarkable collection of artifacts that beautifully depict ancient Greek mythology. It’s a perfect spot for the young and the old alike. For the younger audience, the museum vividly brings their favorite heroes to life, sparking their imagination and curiosity.

A particularly engaging room houses an array of burial artifacts. While adding a fascinating element of depth to the experience, it also opens avenues for thought-provoking conversations. This proved to be an enlightening and educational experience for our 5-year-old, testifying to the museum’s ability to intrigue and educate all age groups. All the exhibits have informative signs in both Greek and English, ensuring a seamless and enlightening exploration for international visitors.

One of the most noteworthy exhibits is the pediment of the Temple of Artemis. Here, the goddess Artemis is stunningly depicted as Gorgon, a formidable figure in Greek mythology. This stunning artifact captures the viewer’s attention, being both a testament to the expert craftsmanship of the era and a significant piece of historical narrative.

In conclusion, the Corfu Archaeological Museum is more than just a museum. It’s a time machine, offering visitors a fascinating journey through Greek antiquity. This gem is undoubtedly a must-visit when exploring the rich history and culture of Corfu.

Corfu Archaeological Museum is one of the best museums in Greece
Corfu Archaeological Museum

8. Delphi Archaeological Museum

  • Address: Delphi 330 54, Greece
  • Year-round hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Year-round cost: €12

By Amber of Get Lost in Wanderlust

The Delphi Archaeological Museum is located in Delphi, one of Greece’s most significant historical sites. Ancient Greeks would travel to Delphi to hear the prophecies from the mystical Oracle of Delphi. Delphi was also where many of the city-states, such as Athens and Sparta kept their important treasures.

Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Delphi. The museum is next to the historical ruins. It is home to several important artifacts, statues, and other treasures ranging from the 2nd millennium BC until late antiquity. A highlight of the museum is the Charioteer of Delphi. It is one of the few remaining bronze-cast statues from ancient Greece. The Charioteer of Delphi is a life-size statue that was originally uncovered at the Apollo Temple in Delphi.

Another great aspect of the Delphi archaeological museum is that the ticket also includes access to the historical ruins.

Delphi Archaeological Museum
Delphi Archaeological Museum

9. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

  • Address: Ξανθουδίδη και, Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday 8 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday 10 AM to 8 PM
    • Cost: €12
  • Dates: November 1st to November 30th
    • Hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday 10 AM to 5 PM
    • Cost: €6
  • Dates: December 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Tuesday 10 AM to 5 PM
    • Cost: €6

By Marianne of Pasta Pretzels & Passports

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece dedicated to Minoan culture. Located in the heart of Heraklion, it is definitely a must-see attraction in the city. The museum’s remarkable collection spans over 5,500 years of history. It showcases some incredible artifacts from the Neolithic period to the Roman era.

As you walk through the museum, you will come across several expertly curated exhibits. They chronicle the rise and fall of the Minoan civilization—an advanced society that thrived on the island of Crete from approximately 2700 to 1450 BCE.

Among the multitude of captivating artifacts, one exhibit stands out as a crown jewel in the museum’s collection: the Phaistos Disc. This unassuming artifact, discovered in the Minoan palace of Phaistos, remains a riddle to this day. The circular clay disc is covered on both sides with a spiral of stamped symbols. Scholars have yet to decipher its exact meaning, making it one of the most famous mysteries of archaeology.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is conveniently located at Xanthoudidou Street, near the city’s main attractions. Its central location makes it easy for you to incorporate a visit to the museum into your exploration of Heraklion’s historic sites.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Heraklion Archaeological Museum

10. Ios Archaeological Museum

  • Address: Chora 840 01, Greece
  • Year-round hours: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Closed on Tuesday
  • Year-round cost: €4

By Cristina of LooknWalk Greece

Located right in the center of Chora, the Ios Archeological Museum is housed in a neoclassical building and is well worth an addition to your Ios itinerary.

The museum is small and features the finds from the Early Cycladic II site of Skarkos and its cemetery. In addition, you’ll also find items from the later historic time of the ancient city of Ios, once located in present-day Chora, and the relationship between Ios and Santorini.

The most interesting exhibits include the clay statuettes of the first Cycladic period, prehistoric tools, burial columns, as well as inscriptions from Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman times. In the yard, you’ll be able to admire sarcophagi and bases of statues.

If you want to make the most out of visiting the museum, make sure to explore the bronze settlement of Skarkos first. You can do that as part of an island tour – which is highly recommended to get a lot of insights – or on your own.  

And because it won’t take long to visit the museum, combine it with exploring the winding streets of Chora. Allow yourself to get lost in the sea of white buildings and blue shutters, typical for the Cycladic islands. 

Ios Archaeological Museum
Ios Archaeological Museum

11. Greek Costume Museum In Kalamata

  • Address: Stadiou 64, Kalamata 241 00, Greece
  • Year-round hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9 AM to 2 PM, Wednesday and Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM, Closed on Monday
  • Year-round cost: €5

By Sarah-Jane of Chasing the Donkey

The is a captivating museum located in the city of Kalamata, Greece. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Greek traditional costumes. The museum provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse regional costumes of Greece, spanning various time periods and styles.

The exhibits in the museum feature a wide array of intricately designed costumes, accessories, and textiles, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistry involved in their creation. Visitors can admire the vibrant colors, exquisite embroidery, and detailed embellishments that make these costumes truly remarkable.

The Greek Costume Museum aims to educate visitors about the significance of traditional clothing in Greek culture, reflecting the country’s history, regional diversity, and social customs. Through its displays and interactive exhibits, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the traditions and identity of the Greek people.

Whether you have a specific interest in textiles and fashion or simply want to delve into Greece’s cultural heritage, the Greek Costume Museum in Kalamata is a must-visit destination that provides an enriching experience for all visitors.

Greek Costume Museum In Kalamata
Greek Costume Museum In Kalamata

12. Natural History Museum Of Meteora And Mushroom Museum In Kalampaka

  • Address: Pindou 20, Kalampaka 422 00, Greece
  • Year-round hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Year-round cost: €5

Here, visitors will find two museums in one building! The ground floor focuses on the natural history of the area. There are exhibits and dioramas of birds and mammals that are native to Meteora. The animals are thematically grouped according to the type of ecosystem they live in.

Upstairs, is the first mushroom museum of its kind. The exhibits are amazing and there are detailed murals done by local artists. You’ll also find digital displays that detail each of the mushrooms shown. In a separate exhibit, you’ll learn of the nutritional and therapeutic value of mushrooms. You can even eat some samples of mushrooms!

Many people travel to Kalampaka and only visit the Meteora monasteries. However, we encourage you to stay an extra day or two. The town is charming, has great restaurants, and you can stop into the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum.

Natural History Museum Of Meteora And Mushroom Museum In Kalampaka
Natural History Museum Of Meteora And Mushroom Museum In Kalampaka

13. Windmill Of Antimachia On Kos

  • Address: 25is Martiou, Antimachia 853 02, Greece
  • Year-round hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Year-round cost: €3

By Lowri of Many Other Roads

Are you looking for a unique museum experience in Greece? Then look no further than the traditional windmill of Antimachia, located on the Island of Kos. This family-run museum is a must-see for any traveler looking to learn more about the history and workings of one of the oldest windmills in Greece.

When you visit the traditional windmill of Antimachia, you will be met with a warm welcome from the friendly staff. They can show you around the museum and explain how it works. You will start by heading up to the top of the windmill where your guide will tell you about Antimachia, the windmill, and show you how it works.

You will learn about the history of this windmill, as well as see some amazing artifacts from the past. This includes photographs, traditional tools, and more. The museum also offers a variety of products made using traditional methods and materials from the mill. Make sure you try the Ozo biscuits, they are amazing!

And if you’re looking for a great place to stay on your trip to Kos, book the Stone House Kleio near the Windmill of Antimachia. Located just 500 m from the mill, it’s in an ideal location for visitors who want to explore the rest of Kos.

Windmill Of Antimachia On Kos
Windmill Of Antimachia On Kos

14. Lena’s House Museum On Mykonos

  • Address: Enoplon Dinameon, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
  • Year-round hours: Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM, Closed on Sunday
  • Year-round cost: Free, although a €2 donation is encouraged

By Daniel of North Carolina Travel Guides

Lena’s House is a great museum to go to in the country of Greece. This museum can be found on the island of Mykonos in the center of Mykonos Town, the main town on the island. It is very close to shops and restaurants. The museum is very easy to reach on foot from both the Old Port and the main bus station of Mykonos Town.

Lena’s House is part of the Mykonos Folklore Museum, which consists of three branches spread throughout the town. At this branch of the Mykonos Folklore Museum, you can find a typical Mykonian house from the 19th century.

Inside, you can see historic furniture, old photographs, embroidery, and other historic objects. Together these objects and the atmosphere of the museum allow you to step back in time and learn about what life was like on the island for a middle-class family in the 19th century.

Besides that, you can see traditional Mykonian costumes at Lena’s House. It is a small museum, but it is certainly worth a visit.

This house used to belong to Captain Nicholaos Sourmelis, a famous Greek war hero. The house is called Lena’s House because the last person that lived in the house was Lena Skrivanou.

Lena's House Museum On Mykonos
Lena’s House Museum On Mykonos

15. Archaeological Museum Of Olympia

  • Address: Archaia, Olympia 270 65, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM
    • Cost: €12
  • Dates: November 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
    • Cost: €6

By Chelsea of Adventures of Chels

One of the best museums in Greece is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Located in Olympia where the very first Olympics were held, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia covers the ancient history of the Olympics.

Inside the museum itself, you’ll find all sorts of information about the origins and history of the Olympics. Numerous well-preserved artifacts are on display with insightful descriptions that tell their significance. One exhibit that shouldn’t be missed inside the museum is the metopes of the Temple of Zeus. The ancient Temple of Zeus housed the statue of Zeus which is one of the ancient 7 wonders of the world. The metopes are the best-preserved relics from the temple itself.  

In addition to the indoor part of the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, there’s also an excavated and preserved outdoor area to visit as well. The outdoor space is where the ancient Olympic games were held. Informative signs label and describe the spaces and what they were used for in the ancient Olympics.  Highlights include the starting line and space where foot races were held, as well as the site where every Olympic flame is lit for the modern games.

Archaeological Museum Of Olympia
Archaeological Museum Of Olympia

16. Benaki Toy Museum In Paleo Faliro

  • Address: 14 Posidonos Ave. & 1 Tritonos Ave., Paleo Faliro 175 61, Greece
  • Year-round hours: Thursday to Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Year-round cost: €9

Another of the best museums in Greece is the Benaki Toy Museum. It is located just south of Athens in Paleo Faliro, near the Port of Piraeus. The museum has over 20,000 toys, books, photographs, and more from all over the world. There are some toys from ancient times, but most are from the 18th to 20th centuries.

The pieces in the collection are incredible. They range from ancient Greek yoyos (our favorite!) to dolls of Theodore Roosevelt. There are View Masters, model trains, doll houses, and even beaded Zulu dolls from the Ndebele tribe in Africa. Visitors can easily spend a few hours going through the large collections.

The collection originally belonged to Maria Argyriadil who compiled the collection over 40 years. She donated the pieces to the Benaki Museum in 1991 and the toy museum opened in 2017. The museum is in a restored building that was built in 1897 by Spyros Desposito, a mining entrepreneur.

Benaki Toy Museum In Paleo Faliro
Benaki Toy Museum In Paleo Faliro

17. Archaeological Museum Of Vathy On Samos

  • Address: Gimnasiarchou Κatevaini 24, Samos 831 00, Greece
  • Year-round hours: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Closed on Tuesday
  • Year-round cost: €4

By Chrysoula of Greece Travel Ideas

The Archaeological Museum of Samos is a very interesting museum located in the town of Vathy, the capital of the Greek island of Samos. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich and diverse history of the island.

Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries and displays. They include ancient pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and other artifacts from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. One of the most impressive exhibits is the collection of artifacts from the Heraion, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera that was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Another highlight of the museum includes the Kouros of Samos, a large statue (5.25 meters) of a young man from the 6th century BC.

The Archaeological Museum of Samos is a must-visit for anyone interested in history.

Archaeological Museum Of Vathy On Samos
Archaeological Museum Of Vathy On Samos

18. Akrotiri Museum On Santorini

  • Address: Thera 847 00, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Monday and Thursday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Tuesday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday 8 AM to 8 PM
    • Cost: €12
  • Dates: November 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
    • Cost: €6

By Joanna of The World in My Pocket

Akrotiri is one of the most interesting museums located in the south of Santorini. It is a must-visit on any Santorini itinerary for anyone who wants to learn more about the island’s history. Not many people know that Santorini is just a small part of Ancient Thera, a thriving island that was destroyed by the catastrophic volcanic eruption known as the Minoan eruption.

It was 100 times more powerful than the Vesuvius eruption, which covered Pompeii with ash in Italy, breaking the island and creating the caldera of which Santorini is part of today. In fact, Akrotiri is often referred to as the Greek Pompeii because of the similar way it was covered with ash. However, compared to Pompeii, there were no human remains found in Akrotiri. This suggests that the people had some sort of warning and left the island before the eruption.

What makes Akrotiri special is the way the frescoes and the works of art inside the houses were preserved by the volcanic ash. Instead of being destroyed, the ash has kept them intact. Some of the objects can still be seen at the original site, whilst others have been transferred to the museum in Fira.

Another very interesting fact about Akrotiri is that even in 1600 BC, the locals were extremely advanced. The houses had plumbing with flushable toilets and the roads were paved. Akrotiri is an incredible window to the past, and, with a little bit of imagination, you can rebuild in your mind the houses as you walk through their ruins.

Akrotiri Museum On Santorini
Akrotiri Museum On Santorini

19. Museum Of Byzantine Culture In Thessaloniki

  • Address: Leof. Stratou 2, Thessaloniki 546 40, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM
    • Cost: €12
  • Dates: November 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
    • Cost: €6

By Nikki of She Saves She Travels

One of the best museums in Greece is the Museum of Byzantine Culture In Thessaloniki. Located in Northern Greece in the Aegean Sea port city, this museum is beyond impressive.

This well-planned museum has stunning features and 11 rooms of displays. From Byzantine Castles to early Christian Churches, you’ll explore the historical markers and lives of the locals through various art displays.

Artifacts and history dating back to the 4th century tell the story of how the region implemented Christianity when the Roman Empire controlled the region. Learn about the life of the locals – including what they wore and the details inside their homes. 

From details about the first Roman Agoras to the critical role that Alexander the Great played in the region, there’s so much to learn and see in the Museum of Byzantine Culture. You’ll want at least 1 hour to go through this museum. To really soak it in, plan 2-3 hours.

The Museum of Byzantine Culture is one of the best things to do on a visit to Thessaloniki during a stop while on an Aegean cruise!

Museum Of Byzantine Culture In Thessaloniki
Museum Of Byzantine Culture In Thessaloniki

20. Museum Of The Royal Tombs At Aigai In Vergina

  • Address: Vergina 590 31, Greece
  • Dates: April 1st to October 31st
    • Hours: Wednesday to Monday 8 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday 12 PM to 8 PM
    • Cost: €15
  • Dates: November 1st to March 31st
    • Hours: Wednesday to Monday 9 AM to 5 PM, Closed on Tuesday
    • Cost: €8

By Martina of PlacesofJuma

The Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai is certainly one of the best museums in Greece. This imposing archaeological museum is located in Vergina, inland Greece. It is dedicated to presenting the rich history and heritage of the ancient city of Aigai. The city was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia until 400 BC. The museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts and treasures discovered in the royal tombs of the ancient Macedonian kings. Since 1996, the Royal Tombs of Aigai have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors to the museum can have a look at the impressive exhibits that illustrate the splendor and wealth of the Macedonian dynasty. The museum is located under a hill and during a tour you can admire the chamber tombs of the former kings. The museum’s most important exhibits include elaborate gold jewelry, ornate ceremonial objects, and beautifully crafted weapons and armor. One of the most famous artifacts is the golden larnax (small coffin). It is believed to contain the remains of King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great.

The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and customs of the ancient Macedonians. The well-curated exhibits, combined with informative signage and audio guides, give visitors a comprehensive understanding of the rich historical significance of Aigai. The Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai is a must for anyone interested in the history and archaeology of ancient Greece.

Final Thoughts On The Best Museums In Greece

Without a doubt, Greece is amazing. When you travel to this incredible country, make sure to visit some of its equally incredible museums. You’ll have a better understanding of its rich history and the impact it has had all over the world.

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Best museums in Greece! We list museums all around the country that highlight thousands of years of Greek history. Includes hours and costs.

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