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Benaki Museum: A Journey Through Greece's Cultural Tapestry
Permanent Exhibition Of Benaki Museum
This section of the Benaki Museum is home to prehistoric Greek and Roman antiquities, including coins, sculptures, jewellery, vases, pottery, and much more. Visitors can get a glimpse of the brilliant artistic craftsmanship of the ancient Greek artists on their visit to this section of the museum.
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This section of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture showcases brilliant Byzantine and post-Byzantine objects. The exhibits in this section include miniature sculptures, ceramic objects, an impressive jewellery collection, manuscripts, daily use items and relics.
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This part of the museum exhibits objects from the 18th century onwards. This extensive collection mainly showcases heirlooms of modern Greek families. The rich Historical Heirlooms Collection exhibits items including weapons, nautical instruments, gold medals, seals, manuscripts, and Greek figurines.
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This collection in the museum showcases religious as well as non-religious objects, dating back to the period between the 15th and 19th centuries when the Ottoman Empire was ruling over Greece.
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This section of the Benaki Museum is home to an extensive collection of more than 6,000 impressive drawings, paintings, and prints. These artworks are the creations of Greek artists between the 19th and 20th centuries and European artists between the 17th and 19th centuries.
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History of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
- The original neo-classical structure that later housed the museum was established in 1895 by the businessman Panagis Harokopos.
- This mansion was purchased by the businessman Emmanuel Benakis in 1910 as a residence for his family.
- The present Benaki Museum Athens was built in 1930 in the loving memory of Emmanuel Benakis, by his son Antonis Benakis, a passionate art collector.
- The museum was inaugurated in 1931 and the ceremony was attended by the then President Alexandros Zaimis and Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos.
- The museum is home to an extensive collection of more than 37,000 pieces of artworks that are displayed across the various sections of the museum including the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, Greek Culture Museum, Chinese art, Coptic Art, Childhood toys and games, and Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika Gallery.
- The art and artefacts exhibited in the museum span from the pre-historical era till the present day.
- The museum was built with the idea to symbolize that Greek history does not have a specific period, but it continues even today.
- The museum has undergone several renovation works and it has been extended many times, back in 1965, 1968, and 1973, in order to accommodate new exhibits.
- The most recent renovation work was made between 1989 and 2000.
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Know Before You Go Benaki Museum
How to Reach:
- By Bus: You can take a hop-on hop-off bus and get down at “Kipos”. From there, you can take a short walk to reach the museum.
- By Metro: You may also want to take the Athens Metro and alight at the "Evangelismos" station (Line 3 - Blue Line). From there, it is a short walk of approximately 10 minutes to the museum.
- By Walk: If you are staying in the central part of Athens, especially in Kolonaki and Plaka, you can take a walk to the museum.
Location: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece
Best to Time to Visit - The best time to visit the Benaki Museum is during the seasons of spring and autumn, from April to June and from September to October. This is the time when the weather in Athens remains cool and pleasant for a relaxed sightseeing experience. Visitors are advised to plan their visit on weekdays during the morning hours when the crowd is less.
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The Benaki Museum in Athens is housed inside a neoclassical building, which in itself is a brilliant architectural marvel. Built in the year 1895, this building was originally owned by the businessman Panagis Harokopos. In 1910, the mansion was bought by the businessman Emmanuel Benakis as a residence for his family. The building was converted into the present-day museum in the year 1930 by Emmanuel Benakis’s son, Antonis Benakis in the loving memory of his father. In later periods, the building has undergone several renovations to make space for new exhibits.
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The present-day Benaki Museum happens to be the largest private museum in the country. The main building is home to a huge collection, which is dedicated to Greek Culture. In addition to that, there are other buildings in the area as well, which are part of the museum. The main building features the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. Other parts of the museum include the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, and Toy Museum.
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FAQs For Benaki Museum
Which are the places to visit in Acropolis?
- Roman Forum of Athens - Located near the Acropolis, the Roman Forum of Athens served as an important place of public gatherings and political discussions in ancient Greece. At present, this stunning Roman architectural marvel is in ruins, offering an insight of the rich heritage of the city.
- Parthenon - Dating back to the 5th century BC, the Parthenon is an iconic Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Featuring beautiful intricate friezes and Doric columns, the Parthenon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Benaki Museum Athens - Constructed in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, the Benaki Museum is home to an extensive collection of brilliant art and artefacts. The museum’s exhibits include paintings, historical documents, sculptures, textiles, and decorative arts.
- Propylaia - Constructed during the 5th century BC by the renowned architect Mnesicles, Propylaia is a historical architectural masterpiece. Showcasing stunning Greek architecture, the monument features intricate detailing and Doric columns.
- Temple of Hephaestus - Dating back to the 5th century BC, the Temple of Hephaestus is dedicated to Hephaestus and Athena Eegane, the god of craftsmanship and the goddess of crafts respectively. The temple features beautiful doric columns and intricate friezes showcasing various instances of Greek mythology.
What are the opening hours of the Benaki Museum?
The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm. The museum remains closed on Tuesday. However, make sure to check the official site for the date of your booking.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Photography is generally not allowed inside the museum, although it may be permitted for certain exhibits or with prior permission from the museum staff.
How much does it cost to visit the Benaki Museum?
The normal entry fee for the Benaki Museum is 9.00 €. Entry to the museum is free for differently abled visitors and children aged between 0 to 21 years. The entry fee is 7.00 € for students and visitors aged above 65 years.
Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?
The Benaki Museum is committed to accessibility and provides various accommodations for people with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, audio guides, and sign language interpretation upon request.
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Is the Benaki Museum worth it?
Home to an extensive collection of art and artefacts, the Benaki Museum Athens is completely worth visiting for visitors who want to learn about the rich history, culture, and art of Greek. Visitors can take a tour of the museum and check out its brilliant paintings, decorative art, Chinese art, Islamic art, and Greek sculptures.
What is the best time to visit the Benaki Museum?
The most ideal time to visit the Benaki Museum is during spring and autumn, from April to June and from September to October. This is the time when the weather in Athens remains cool and pleasant, perfect for enjoying sightseeing.
What does the Benaki Museum have?
The Benaki Museum is home to an extensive collection of brilliant art and artefacts, spanning from ancient to contemporary era. The museum exhibits Greek antiquities including pottery, decorative art, sculptures, and pottery. The other sections of the museum include Benaki Islamic Museum Athens, Chinese art, Byzantine art, Childhood toys and games, and history archives.