Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropoleos) Tours

An Athenian landmark and feat of contemporary architecture, the Acropolis Museum sits at the base of the Acropolis, with the ruins of an ancient settlement visible through its floor. The collection runs from pre-classical times to the Roman era, but fifth-century BC treasures are the focus, especially the Parthenon Frieze sculptures.

The Basics
Wander the Acropolis Museum (Museo Akropoleos) for a look at original pieces from the temples of the Acropolis, protected from further deterioration and presented with historical context. In the Parthenon Gallery, see the famous marble frieze recreated. View statues that predate the Acropolis itself in Archaic Gallery, and find pots, children's toys and other things used by the early settlers in Gallery of the Slopes.

In summer and Easter tourist peaks, a skip-the-line ticket saves time. The Acropolis Museum is set up for independent exploration, but it’s also a popular stop on Athens history tours. An Acropolis Museum tour makes the perfect introduction to the sights of the Acropolis above.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Acropolis Museum is a must for any visitor to Athens.
• Museum facilities include two shops, a cafe, and a restaurant, open late on Fridays.
• Completed in 2007, the Acropolis Museum replaced an older museum of the same name.
• The museum appeals to families, with activity backpacks for kids.
• The Acropolis Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible bathrooms and elevators. Wheelchairs are available, and service dogs are welcome.

How to Get There
The Acropolis Museum is a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis in downtown Athens, and many travelers combine a visit to the Acropolis with a tour of the museum. Driving in historic Athens is not recommended. Ride the metro to Acropolis (Line 2), catch a bus or a trolley to Makriyianni, take the tram to Leoforos Vouliagmenis, cycle, or go with a tour.

When to Get There
The museum is open daily, with extended hours in summer and cheaper tickets in winter. It is closed on major holidays. Visit midweek for a less crowded experience.

The Parthenon Frieze
The Acropolis Museum’s most famous—and most controversial—display is the Parthenon Frieze, a 525-foot (160-meter) masterpiece by the fifth-century Athenian sculptor Phidias that once crowned the Parthenon temple. The white patches are plaster casts of its missing pieces, the Parthenon Marbles or Elgin Marbles, removed by Lord Elgin in 1801 and now held by London’s British Museum. Watch the film to learn more about the religious procession the frieze depicts.