Athens War Museum (Polemiko Mouseio) Tours

A brutalist concrete slab, the Athens War Museum (Polemiko Mouseio) celebrates Greece’s military history—ancient and modern. Collections start from prehistoric times and include weapons from the Troy era, but there’s a focus on the nation’s struggle during World War II. Heavy artillery and Greek military aircraft are on display outside.

The Basics
Tickets for the Athens War Museum are affordably priced compared to Athens’ big-name attractions, with discounts for kids. Most travelers visit independently, buying tickets at the door or online or exploring on a city museum pass. You can also see the Athens War Museum with a guide as part of a World War II Greece tour or Greek military history tour, alongside sights such as the Averof floating museum ship or the Commonwealth war graves at Phaleron War Cemetery.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Athens War Museum is a must for fans of military history and families with weapon-obsessed kids.
• Not all signage is available in English translation.
• The Athens War Museum is wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There
The Athens War Museum is located on the corner of Vassilis Sofias Avenue and Rizari Street in the Kolonaki district of downtown Athens. It’s about a 2-mile (3-kilometer) drive northeast of the Acropolis and a 10-minute walk east of Syntagma Square. Alternatively, walk three minutes from Evangelismos metro station (line 3).

When to Get There
The Athens War Museum is open from morning to late afternoon during low season (November through March) and stays open into the early evening during the high season (April through October). It closes on key holidays: New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day (December 26), May 1, and over the Greek Orthodox Easter period. It’s rarely crowded, but avoid visiting on days when admission is free.

War Machines of the Ancient World
The Athens War Museum houses exhibits from as far afield as Japan. Some of the most interesting displays cover ancient weaponry, which runs from Mycaenean swords to an early type of flamethrower the Byzantines used from the seventh century AD. Siege weapons, including the “ballista” projectile launcher, will fascinate Game of Thrones fans.