
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
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
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.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 4,370 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
nhmuseum.grHighlights
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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.
You may also like
Numismatic Museum of Athens

University of Athens - Central Building Athens
Academy of Athens
Syntagma Square Athens
Hellenic Parliament Athens
National Library of Greece Athens
Numismatic Museum of Athens

University of Athens - Central Building Athens
Academy of Athens
Syntagma Square Athens
Hellenic Parliament Athens
National Library of Greece Athens
National Observatory of Athens Thissio

Aegina Town Athens
Benaki Museum of Islamic Art Athens
National Archaeological Museum Athens

Panepistimiou Avenue Athens

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit