Our Honest Review of the Best Museums in Greece
While understanding the past is often a powerful way of connecting with the people who lived on earth before us, let's be honest. It's often hard to picture the way they lived and what we have borrowed from them. But with museums, you get to see and interact with materials that you probably would not have come across in the modern world. That's why most people who want to understand Greek culture make a stop at museums. And if you are wondering which museums should be at the top of your list, we have some options that you will love.
Top Museums in Greece
Greece is awash with variety in its museums. Some offer inspiration to artists who want to borrow ideas from previous centuries, while most educate visitors as well as the locals on what life looked like in the ages past. Below are some of the top museums:
The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis remains one of the most impactful historical sites in Greece and is one of the top tourist sites in the country. After all, this fortress, which was built to honor Athena, was home to many structures, including the Parthenon. In its construction, the artists took their time with the sculptures and decorations, resulting in one of the most magnificent structures of all time.
To preserve these sculptures and other artifacts, the government saw it fit to build a museum where visitors would get to see them on display. It helps to note that some pieces are still on the original site, but many are in this museum as well as the British Museum in London. If you make a stop here, you get to see the thousands of artifacts on display and learn more about the significance of each material through the ages.
And here is the best part. The museum building has a transparent design. So, as you interact with the displays, you can look down and see the ancient Acropolis site, which is quite exciting. It almost feels like you are back in the 5th century when the initial fortress was built.
National Archaeological Museum
Do you love archaeology? If yes, then this is a museum that will excite you. Built between the years 1866 and 1889, the goal behind this museum was to house and display antiquities sourced from all over the country. Thanks to its extensive collection, it is quite easy for visitors to trace Greek civilization and see its evolution over the years. Plus, you get to see highlights such as:
- The bronze statue of Poseidon/ Zeus.
- The mask of Agamemnon.
- The Mycenaean collection.
It's the kind of museum that grabs your attention from the minute you walk in. Even if you may not be particularly interested in archaeology, you are bound to be intrigued by all the ancient art collections.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Minoan civilization was Europe's first such advanced civilization and has been the subject of research for many years. But what better way to understand how they lived than by visiting a museum dedicated to their livelihoods?
This museum, built between the years 1937 and 1940, was created to preserve the findings of archaeological excavations that took place on the island of Crete. Much of the focus was on understanding the Minoan civilization. As a result, you will find that most of the art and artifacts you find here will paint a picture of this civilization, from snake goddesses through to the frescoes from the palaces.
It's the kind of museum that makes you want to reflect on the lives of the people before you, as you come to realize just how advanced they were for their time.
Museum of Cycladic Art
Artists learn a lot from each other and often get their inspiration from previous work. And if you have ever wondered what inspired names like Picasso and Modigliani, this is a museum that you will want to visit. It was created to house a private collection from Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris. The two had taken a particular interest in the ancient art and culture in Cyprus and the Aegean. And with a collection that also included marble figurines, they had created something that would last through the ages.
Given the expansiveness of their collection, it was seen fit to put these art pieces in a location where other people could appreciate their uniqueness. Moreover, these pieces allowed people to understand more about the Cypriot, Ancient Greek, and Cycladic civilizations. And, of course, they played a role in inspiring other artists to try similar art forms over the years.
If you love collections, we would also recommend that you take a trip to the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. This one was established by a wealthy art collector who donated his collection to the country in his quest to preserve its history.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The history of Thessaloniki and Macedonia has often been showcased in films and books. But what if you could get the chance to see it come to life, albeit through art forms? Well, you can, in this museum.
While this building was constructed in 1962, it has gone through several renovations and additions that have made it look newer than it really is. But the art forms have remained the same. Inside, you find artifacts which date back to the prehistoric and the Roman eras. They include:
- Artifacts, including gold from cemeteries
- Architectural elements from ancient buildings
Sculptures
Walking through the museum and seeing the displays feels like rummaging through the ruins of past centuries. Not only is it hugely insightful, but also educative, which is why it has been praised for its contribution to preserving the history of northern Greece.