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Benaki Museum

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Athens Travel

Benaki Museum

Eight thousand years of Greek history come alive. Enjoy prehistoric works of art, rare manuscripts, Byzantine icons, historic weapons and paintings. The greatest attraction is the reconstructions of 18th and 19th century living. The museum also features a Childhood and Toy Department (with 15,000 historic games and children�s items from around the world), a Chinese Art Department (with ceramics as old as 4,000 years) and a Coptic Art Department where displays include rare textiles from Egypt. A museum shop and a roof garden with a restaurant are available to visitors

The Benaki Museum is undoubtedly one of the most popular museums in Athens and, certainly, one of the most visitor-friendly. The collection covers the evolution of Hellenism from the prehistoric period to the beginning of the 20th century. It starts out with tools and figurines from neolithic times and everyday objects from the Copper Age. It goes on to the Classical period, with amphorae, statues, figurines, and jewelry.

From the early Christian age, the museum�s collection of head paintings, the fayum, are some of its most valuable possessions. It goes on to the Byzantine period with religious paintings and iconography. One of the museum�s strengths is its collection of popular Greek arts and crafts, especially local dresses and embroidery. There are two complete and typical Macedonian mansion rooms on exhibit, from Kozani and Siatista.

The top floor covers the period between the end of the Revolution of 1821 and the 1930s, including an exhibition of the dresses and uniforms worn by the former royal family of Greece. The museum has one of the best museum shops in Greece, while the top floor and veranda hosts one of the most elegant cafe restaurants in Athens, with views of the National Garden, across the street.

The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday 9 am to 12 am, Sunday 9 am to 3 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Admittance is �6. Senior citizens �3. Thursdays and students are free.
(Subject to Change)

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