Guide to Visiting Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece
Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: February 13, 2025
The Acropolis Museum, situated in Athens, Greece, showcases Greece’s most treasured artifacts spanning from as early as the Mycenean and Geometric period (1600 – 700 BCE) to Roman era (31 BC – 330 CE). One of the most popular museums in Athens, visitors from all over the world view the stunning sculptures, friezes, and the Caryatids! Given the museum’s vast size, and extensive exhibits, planning ahead is essential to making the most of your visit. This travel guide highlights essential information, including the museum’s ticket information, hours of operation and what you can see during your visit.
Historical Background on Acropolis Museum
Its origins trace back to the 1830s excavations by Greek and foreign archaeologists, including Kyriakos Pittakis, who worked on restoring and documenting the Acropolis in the mid-19th century.
The first museum opened in 1874 on the Acropolis hill, but as new discoveries emerged over the 20th and 21st centuries, it became clear that a larger, more modern facility was needed. This led to the construction of the current museum which opened in 2009, offering a state-of-the-art space to preserve and showcase these priceless artifacts.
How to visit Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is open every day, except for holidays such as Jan 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, Dec 25, and Dec 26. To enter the museum, you can purchase a ticket at the Ticket Desk on the day of your visit or online on the official ticket website.
Ticket Information:
| Ticket Types | Description |
|---|
| Adult Ticket | NT$120 |
| Half-fare Ticket (Student (Taiwan Only or show ISI card) and Children aged 6 – 12) | NT$75 |
| Free (Children under age of 6) | Free |
Hours of Operation:
| Winter Season (Nov 1 – Mar 31) | Summer Season (Apr 1 – Oct 31) |
|---|
| Monday – Thursday: | 9:00am – 5:00pm / last admission: 4:30pm | Monday: | 9:00am – 5:00pm / last admission: 4:30pm |
| Friday: | 9:00am – 10:00pm / last admission: 9:30pm | Tuesday – Sunday: | 9:00am – 8:00pm / last admission: 7:30pm |
| Saturday – Sunday: | 9:00am – 8:00pm / last admission: 7:30pm | Friday: | 9:00am – 10:00pm / last admission: 9:30pm |
Time Needed: 2 hours
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pssmFNK4HEksyUsP7
What to see in the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum spans three floors, featuring exhibitions, a gift shop, and a café and restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis. Beneath the museum lies an archaeological excavation, visible as you enter, offering a glimpse into the ancient city beneath your feet. Each floor is thoughtfully designed to showcase different aspects of the Acropolis’ history and artistry, guiding visitors through its evolution over time:
Ground Floor
Ground floor features artifacts from the slopes of the Acropolis, including everyday objects and religious offerings from ancient sanctuaries.
Pillar with an offering to Asclepios (350 – 300 BC): Marble part of a human face placed in a niche of a monument meant to receive dedications. It was dedicated by Praxiasafter after his wife’s eyes were cured.
First Floor
First floor showcases Archaic and Classical Sculptures, including the Caryatids and remnants of the Parthenon’s decorative elements.
The Caryatid is a sculpted female figure that served as architectural support in place of a column or a pillar. These statues originally adorned the Erechtheion, an ancient temple on the Acropolis, blending structural function with artistic elegance. Today, the Acropolis Museum houses five of the original Caryatids, carefully restored to reveal their intricate craftsmanship, while the sixth statue remains in the British Museum.
Top Floor
Top Floor features a 360-degree view of the Acropolis displaying the Parthenon Marbles in alignment with the actual temple.
Phidias, a renowned ancient Greek sculpture and architect, created The Parthenon Marbles on the Parthenon in the 5th century BCE. The temple was dedicated to Athena on the Acropolis of Athens and showcased sculptures, friezes, and decorative elements that depicted scenes from mythology, religious rituals, and Athenian civic pride.
Underground Level
Beneath the Acropolis Museum, the underground level houses ongoing archaeological excavations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient city of Athens that once thrived below the Acropolis.
These excavations reveal the remains of a historic Athenian neighborhood, dating from the 4th century BCE to the 12th century CE, showcasing centuries of urban life, architecture, and daily activities.
Enjoy Your Time in Greece
Athens offers an exciting mix of history, culture, and museums. I hope that you’ll find these tips to be useful when visiting the Acropolis Museum. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment to let us know what you think.
Read our relevant posts to learn more about additional attractions to visit in Greece.
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