English
Language
Currency
English
English
Explore
About
Athens Attractions
City Guide
  • About
  • Athens Attractions
  • Themes
  • City Guide
    Contents

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

    Today

    Open 8am–5pm

    AthensNational Archaeological Museum AthensTimings

    National Archaeological Museum

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

    Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings

    Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)

    		TIMINGS
    Monday 8:30am–3:30pm
    Tuesday 1:00pm–8:00pm
    Wednesday 8:30am–3:30pm
    Thursday 8:30am–3:30pm
    Friday 8:30am–3:30pm
    Saturday 8:30am–3:30pm
    Sunday 8:30am–3:30pm
    National Archaeological Museum Athens
    • The Athens National Archaeological Museum is closed on 1st January, 25th March, Easter Sunday, 1st May, 25th and 26th December.

    Best time to visit the National Archaeological Museum

    Weekday vs Weekend

    • Weekends: Weekends are comparatively more crowded. Reach the museum late in the evening, after 6pm, or after the noon hours for slightly fewer visitors. Use public transport when traveling on weekends, for the main entrance has limited parking, and tends to get congested. 
    • Weekdays: Weekdays are not as crowded as the weekends. However, popular collections like the Mycenean exhibits and the Cycladic exhibits always have a line of visitors in front of them. Start your tour with the vases, minor crafts, or the Egyptian collection to save time.

    Mon

    Tue

    Wed

    Thu

    Fri

    Sat

    Sun

    Pleasant
    Crowded
    Very Crowded

    Peak season vs Low season

    • Peak season (June to August): The summer holidays and warm temperatures attract the highest number of tourists, leading to a surge in prices. 
    • Mid-season (April, May, September, & October): The cooler temperatures and manageable crowds are perfect for exploring. 
    • Low season (November to February): The colder months have very few visitors, even around the popular exhibits.

    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

    Directions to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens

    Directions to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens

    National Archaeological Museum Athens collections

    National Archaeological Museum Athens collections