Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
10. SHOP
Here, exhibits such as ceramic bowls and tiles, jewellery and Byzantine icons have
been carefully reproduced, using original craft techniques where possible.
Who Was Benakis?
Antonis Benakis (1873- 1954) was born in Egypt to an immensely wealthy mer-
chant, Emmanuel Benakis, who later became Mayor of Athens. Antonis began
collecting Islamic art while in Alexandria and went on to collect Byzantine art
and Greek folk art once in Athens. He donated the entire collection to the Greek
state in 1931. His sister, Penelope Delta (1874-1941), was a much-loved author
of children's topics.
Tip:
Bear in mind that there is free admission and late night opening on
Thursdays.
Tip:
It is almost impossible to see the entire Benaki collection in one go: ex-
plore one section in the morning, stop for lunch in the rooftop café, then see the
rest in the afternoon.
Back to intro
Chapter contents
