Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
More than just the best museum in Greece, this is one of the most important
and exciting museums in the world. It is packed with famous, influential and
beautiful works from the great Bronze Age cultures described by Homer to
the Golden Age of Classical Athens and beyond. The temporary closure of
part of the museum in 1999 has afforded the chance to improve the display
of the priceless finds amassed here.
44 Patision (28 Oktovriou) • Metro:
Victoria • 213 214 4800 •
www.namuseum.gr
• 1-8pm Mon, 8am-3pm
Tue-Sun • Adm €7 (free first Sun of the month, Nov-Mar)
Google Map
1. CYCLADIC COLLECTION, 3,200-2,200 BC
The
Cycladic Museum
has the largest collection from this civilization, but here you'll
find some of the most unusual pieces, such as this harp-player, showing, unusually,
a three-dimensional figure in action.
2. THIRA FRESCOES
The highly advanced settlement of Akrotiri, on the island of Thira (Santorini), was
buried under a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC. Beautiful frescoes, such as
these boxer boys, were perfectly preserved under the ash.
3. MYCENAEAN COLLECTION, 16TH-11TH CENTURIES BC
The Mycenaeans were famed both for their prowess as warriors and their hoards of
gold. Parts of those shining hoards are displayed here, including this legendary death
mask and priceless golden swords.
View photo
4. HELLENISTIC STATUARY
Here the stiff, solid monuments of the Archaic period give way to sculptures that are
full of vigorous movement and sensuality. This is especially so in the 100 BC group of
Aphrodite, Pan and Eros, the statue of a wounded Gaul and this youth of Antikythira.
View photo
