Greece’s fascinating history has left the country with an extraordinary wealth of monuments, artefacts and cultural treasures. Museums across the country bring this heritage to life, offering visitors the chance to discover Greece’s past and see remarkable collections first-hand.
Greece is home to more archaeological museums than any other country in the world, along with dozens of Byzantine and post-Byzantine museums and collections, more than 50 historical and folklore museums, and numerous thematic museums. Their collections span thousands of years, showcasing everything from ancient artefacts and religious art to military history, local traditions and the lives of notable Greeks.
Whether you are interested in ancient civilisations, Byzantine culture, Greek traditions or more unusual collections, there are museums to suit every interest. To help you discover the country’s rich cultural heritage, we have selected some of the best museums to visit in Greece.
Greece has museums covering archaeology, ancient history, art, folklore, military history, maritime heritage and many other subjects. Our selection highlights some of the most interesting museums to visit across the country.
Greek museums preserve some of Greece’s most significant archaeological, historical and artistic treasures. Highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon, a gold funerary mask from Mycenae dating to the 16th century BC; the Antikythera Mechanism, a geared device from the 2nd century BC; and the Bronze Zeus or Poseidon and Jockey of Artemision, displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The Caryatids, original figures from the Erechtheion, the Parthenon sculptures and the Kritios Boy can be seen at the Acropolis Museum. The Archaeological Museum of Delphi houses the Charioteer of Delphi and Sphinx of Naxos, while the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion displays the Snake Goddess and the mysterious Phaistos Disc. These are just some of the many important antiquities and works of art displayed in museums across Greece.
Yes. Museums throughout Greece offer a chance to discover the history and culture of different regions. Many of them focus on local archaeology, traditions, historical events, art and personalities connected with the area.
Archaeological museums typically display artefacts discovered in the surrounding region, ranging from prehistoric objects and ancient sculptures to pottery, jewellery, coins and everyday items. The collections often help explain the history of the area and its archaeological sites.
Many museums are suitable for families, although the experience varies depending on the museum and its collections. Families can find museums with engaging historical, cultural and thematic exhibits, while museums specifically aimed at children are covered on our separate guide to the best museums for kids in Greece.
The time needed depends on the size of the museum and the extent of its collections. A smaller local museum may take around an hour to visit, while larger museums with extensive collections can require several hours. Check the museum's opening hours and visitor information before planning your visit.
Continue discovering Greece's rich cultural heritage with ancient archaeological sites, UNESCO-listed landmarks, impressive castles and towers, and remarkable ancient theaters that reveal the country's fascinating history and traditions.
