National Archaeological Museum Athens Opening Hours | Best time to visit, duration, & tips

Today

Open 08:00–20:00

National Archaeological Museum

May 16 TO Oct 31 Timings

Days (May 16 TO Oct 31)

TIMINGS

Monday (Today)08:00–20:00
Tuesday13:00–20:00
Wednesday08:00–20:00
Thursday08:00–20:00
Friday08:00–20:00
Saturday08:00–20:00
Sunday08:00–20:00

Nov 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Nov 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Monday08:00–17:00
Tuesday13:00–20:00
Wednesday08:00–17:00
Thursday08:00–17:00
Friday08:00–17:00
Saturday08:00–17:00
Sunday08:00–17:00

Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)

TIMINGS

Monday08:30–15:30
Tuesday13:00–20:00
Wednesday08:30–15:30
Thursday08:30–15:30
Friday08:30–15:30
Saturday08:30–15:30
Sunday08:30–15:30

Apr 1 TO May 15 Timings

Days (Apr 1 TO May 15)

TIMINGS

Monday09:00–16:00
Tuesday13:00–20:00
Wednesday09:00–16:00
Thursday09:00–16:00
Friday09:00–16:00
Saturday09:00–16:00
Sunday09:00–16:00

Best time to visit the National Archaeological Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long should I spend at the museum?

Ideally, you need at least 3 to 4 hours to go through all the collections, take an audio-guided tour of the displays, and play around with the museum’s reconstruction technology and VR simulations. Most artifacts have information snippets in front of them. These text blocks will help you understand the history of the artifact. With more time on hand, you do not have to rush from one object to the next.

You can do a quick tour of the most significant collections like the Egyptian, Mycenean, and Cycladic exhibits in around an hour. However, we recommend you reserve at least half a day to explore the exhibits comfortably without feeling rushed.

Frequently asked questions about Athens Archaeological Museum hours

What are the standard opening hours of the museum?

The National Archaeological Museum Athens is open from 1pm to 8pm on all Tuesdays of the year. Between 1 November and 31 March, the museum is open from 8:30am to 3:30pm between Wednesday and Monday. The exhibits are open from 9am to 4pm from 1 April to 13 May between Wednesday and Monday. And, from 14 May to 31 October, the museum is open from 8am to 8pm between Wednesday and Monday.

Does the museum have extended hours on certain days?

The Athens National Archaeological Museum closes at 8pm from 14 May to 31 October. Occasionally, the museum also extends its hours for special events or exhibitions. We recommend you arrive late in the evening, after 6pm at the museum, if you want to avoid crowds. However, since the exhibits close by 8pm, note that you will have less time to explore the premises.

Is the museum open on weekends?

Yes, the National Archaeological Museum is open on all days throughout the year. The hours are typically from 8:30 to 9am and 3:30 to 4pm. From 14 May to 31 October, the museum is open until 8pm between Wednesday and Monday.

Are there any days when the museum is closed?

The National Archaeological Museum is closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25 and 26 December. During the fall and winter months, between September to February, the museum closes by 4pm.

How can I avoid large crowds at the museum?

The summer months of June and August is the busiest time of the year. To avoid the morning rush, visit late in the afternoon or the evening. If you do not mind the cold, consider planning a visit between November to March. There are no major special workshops and temporary exhibitions, however, even the most popular exhibitions have very few visitors around this time. You will be able to spend more time at the exhibits without rushing from one room to another.

How long does a visit to the museum take?

You need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the National Archaeological Museum Athens collection. There are information snippets in front of most of the exhibits. You need at least a few hours on hand to read through them and understand their cultural relevance. The National Archaeological Museum Athens also offers digital displays and VR simulations. Keep some extra time on hand to enjoy these innovative installations.

Is there a time limit on how long I can stay once I enter?

No, you’re welcome to stay and explore as long as you like during the museum’s opening hours. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to see all the highlights!

Can I enter the museum multiple times in one day?

Yes, you can re-enter the museum with your same-day ticket, allowing you to explore nearby attractions, grab a meal, or simply rest before continuing your visit. Just hold onto your ticket, and you’ll be able to resume your museum experience later in the day without any hassle.

Is it possible to visit just part of the museum due to time constraints?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can focus on the most popular exhibits like the Egyptian, Mycenean, and Cycladic antiquities. The museum staff will guide you to these must-see highlights for a shorter visit.

More reads

Plan your visit to the Athens National Archaeological Museum

Plan your visit to the Athens National Archaeological Museum

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Directions to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens

Directions to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens

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National Archaeological Museum Athens collections

National Archaeological Museum Athens collections

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