Established in 1930 by wealthy philanthropist Antonis Benakis in his neo-classical family mansion opposite the National Gardens, the museum was founded with his donation of nearly 40,000 pieces of Byzantine and Islamic art. Further donations from private collectors over the decades swelled the exhibitions and resulted in the museum being extended several times. The main Benaki Museum now concentrates solely on Greek history, including the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the formation of the Greek state in 1821, and the 1922 defeat of the Greek army in the Asia Minor Disaster that led to the massacre of thousands of Greeks living in Turkey and the displacement of a million more.
Visit the museum as part of a guided tour to fully appreciate the highlights of this vast collection in their historical and cultural context; choose between a tour that concentrates solely on the Benaki Museum or that combines a visit of the collection with other attractions in Athens. Alternatively, book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid a wait at the entrance and take in the museum at your own pace.
The Benaki Museum is located at the corner of Koumbari Street and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue in the Kolonaki quarter of historic Athens, a short walk from the Greek Parliament building. Take Metro line 2 or 3 to Syntagma stop.
The museum is open year-round, but may be closed on some days of the week and during major holidays. Be sure to check the opening schedule before you visit, and look out for late evening opening hours on select days. As it’s one of the most important museums in the city, the Benaki Museum can be crowded on weekends and during the peak summer months.
Following a revamp in the early 21st century, the Benaki collection of oriental and Islamic art was moved to the satellite Museum of Islamic Art in Kerameikos. The museum’s Ghika Gallery on Kriezotou Street holds the collection of 20th-century Greek painter Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, spanning the decades from 1930 to 1990. Finally, the museum also has an annex on Pireos Street—in the newly trendy district of Rouf—showcasing all that’s best on the Athens contemporary art scene.
