National Historical Museum (Old Parliament) Athens
Explore Greece's journey from Byzantine times to the 20th century in the grand Old Parliament building. Art, weapons, and documents tell the nation's ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
National Historical Museum (Old Parliament) Athens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Greece's journey from Byzantine times to the 20th century in the grand Old Parliament building. Art, weapons, and documents tell the nation's story.
"A must-visit for understanding modern Greece, housed in a building steeped in history."
Allocate Sufficient Time
You can easily spend 2-3 hours here to see the highlights, or more if you're a history buff.
Focus Your Visit
With extensive exhibits, prioritize sections like art, weapons, or documents based on your interests.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Parliament Building
Explore the grandeur of the historic Old Parliament building, a significant piece of Greek political history itself.
Modern Greek History Exhibits
Immerse yourself in artifacts, art, and documents detailing Greece's journey from the Ottoman era to modern times.
Military History Collection
Discover a comprehensive collection of weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia showcasing Greece's military past.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
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National Archaeological Museum
Allocate Sufficient Time
You can easily spend 2-3 hours here to see the highlights, or more if you're a history buff.
Focus Your Visit
With extensive exhibits, prioritize sections like art, weapons, or documents based on your interests.
National Archeological Museum
One day left in Athens, what to do?
Check Operating Hours
Ensure you check the museum's opening and closing times before your visit, especially around holidays.
Athens - Acropolis museum or archeological museum?
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Sufficient Time
You can easily spend 2-3 hours here to see the highlights, or more if you're a history buff.
Focus Your Visit
With extensive exhibits, prioritize sections like art, weapons, or documents based on your interests.
Check Operating Hours
Ensure you check the museum's opening and closing times before your visit, especially around holidays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the National Historical Museum for its comprehensive coverage of modern Greek history and its location within the significant Old Parliament building. While some find the sheer volume of exhibits overwhelming, most agree it offers valuable insights into Greece's past.
"The Candlelight concert by the Novarte Quartet, featuring iconic Queen songs, was nothing short of spectacular. Set against the soft glow of flickering candles, the atmosphere was charged with elegance and emotion. The quartet’s skillful renditions of Queen’s timeless classics were breathtaking, with each string subtly weaving the magic of Freddie Mercury's soaring melodies and the band’s legendary energy into a fresh, yet respectful interpretation. The harmonies were sublime, elevating the beloved anthems to a level of sophistication and grace. It was a performance that not only captured the essence of Queen’s music but also showcased the quartet's extraordinary ability to transform rock into pure classical beauty. A truly unforgettable evening of music and ambiance."
Gabriel Romanos
"The Museum, located in the Old Parliament House, offers a fair collection of artifacts showcasing Greece's history from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to World War II. The museum emphasizes the Greek Revolution and the establishment of the modern Greek state, with exhibits including weapons, manuscripts, personal belongings of historical figures, and traditional costumes from various regions. The building itself, which served as the Hellenic Parliament from 1875 to 1932, adds to the historical atmosphere.
The museum is fair in size and worth a visit if you're interested in Greek history."
Abdulkarim ALZarouni
"If you visit Athens and you came not only for shopping this Museum is very interesting place. It’s the old Parliament and the first floor is dedicated to the History of Greek. The most interesting part is the second floor where there is a new exhibition until Summer 2025: Refugees.The exhibition focuses on the demographic growth of Greece - amazing!!!"
Revitalbj
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Historical Museum is centrally located in Athens, easily accessible by public transport. The closest metro stations are Syntagma and Monastiraki. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other central attractions.
Street parking in central Athens can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transportation or a taxi. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity of Syntagma Square.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from the Acropolis area, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. It's a great way to see more of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, but it's generally an affordable entry. It's best to check the official museum website for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
While pre-booking is often not required for this museum, it can save you time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the museum's website for online ticketing options.
Museum hours can change seasonally. Typically, it's open most days of the week, but it's crucial to verify the exact operating hours on their official website before your visit.
Athens offers a combined ticket for several archaeological sites and museums, which might include this one or others nearby. Research the 'Athens archaeological sites combined ticket' to see if it fits your itinerary.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 2.5 to 3 hours is sufficient to see the main highlights. However, history enthusiasts could easily spend longer, up to a full day, exploring every detail.
Key exhibits include artifacts from the Greek War of Independence, Ottoman-era items, and displays on modern Greek political history. The building itself is also a significant attraction.
The museum offers a broad overview of Greek history, which can be educational for older children. However, younger children might find the extensive displays less engaging. Consider focusing on specific, visually interesting sections.
Information on guided tours can usually be found on the museum's official website. Sometimes, independent guides are available for hire outside the museum, but verify their credentials.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff for clarification.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself may have a small cafe or refreshment area, but it's not extensive. For a wider selection, you'll find numerous dining options in the surrounding Plaka and Syntagma areas.
The area around Syntagma Square and the nearby Plaka district offer a vast array of tavernas, cafes, and restaurants, from traditional Greek cuisine to international options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To keep younger visitors interested, consider a scavenger hunt approach, looking for specific types of objects or colors. The building's architecture itself can also be a point of interest. However, be prepared that the extensive textual information might be less engaging for very young children.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't overlook the documentary archives and the art collections, which provide nuanced perspectives on the social and political landscapes of different periods. The building itself, the Old Parliament, adds a significant layer to the historical context. Allocate ample time, perhaps 3-4 hours or more, to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of the exhibits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Old Parliament Building: A Historical Landmark
Visitors often remark on the atmosphere of the building, feeling the weight of history as they explore the exhibits. It's more than just a repository of artifacts; it's a place where pivotal moments in Greek history unfolded. The grandeur of the architecture complements the historical narratives presented within.
When planning your visit, take a moment to appreciate the building's exterior and its prominent location in the heart of Athens. Its historical significance adds another layer of depth to the museum experience, making it a dual attraction for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Exploring Modern Greek History
Many visitors highlight the military history collection as particularly compelling, featuring uniforms, weaponry, and personal accounts from various conflicts. The museum also showcases a significant collection of folk art and traditional costumes, providing insight into the cultural heritage of different regions of Greece. This breadth of material ensures that there's something to capture the interest of every visitor.
To make the most of your visit, consider researching key periods or events in modern Greek history beforehand. This will help you navigate the extensive displays and appreciate the context of the artifacts. The museum provides a vital link to understanding contemporary Greece through its historical journey.
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