Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. BENAKI MUSEUM
The Benaki is one of Greece's pre-eminent museums, not only for its extensive and
top-notch collection of prehistoric to 20th-century Greek art, but also because it's a
lovely place to be. Among its highlights are the re-creations of Ottoman-style sitting
rooms in 18th-century northern Greek mansions, and sumptuous Byzantine shrines.
The superb topics and jewellery in the gift shop and the rooftop garden restaurant
are destinations in themselves. (For further details see
Benaki Museum
.
)
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7. MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART
Some 2,000 years before the Parthenon, a mysterious civilization on the Cycladic is-
lands created the prototypical Mediterranean marble sculptures: simple, elemental
female forms. The figures still resonate today, famously influencing artists like
Modigliani and Picasso. The Goulandris family, one of Greece's oldest shipping and
philanthropic dynasties, displays the world's largest collection of Cycladic art in a
beautifully restored Neo-Classical mansion. There are often exhibits by top contem-
porary Greek and international artists in the extra-swanky exhibition wing. (For fur-
ther details see
Museum of Cycladic Art
.)
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8. BYZANTINE MUSEUM
The museum's 15,000 objects (only a fraction of which are displayed at any one time)
date from the 3rd to the 19th century, chronicling the rise and decline of the great
Byzantine Empire. There are priceless sculptures, icons and richly worked gold and
silver religious trappings. The permanent collection is housed in a smart two-level
space built partially underground. (For further details see
Byzantine Museum
.
)
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