Athens is a city where history comes alive at every corner. Known for its ancient ruins and its contributions to Western civilization, the Greek capital also boasts an impressive array of museums, showcasing everything from antiquities to modern art. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a curious traveler, here’s a guide to the must-visit museums in Athens.

1.  The Acropolis Museum

No trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Located at the foot of the Acropolis Hill, this architectural marvel houses over 4,000 artifacts from the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes, dating from the Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. The museum’s design, with its glass floors, offers stunning views of the Parthenon, connecting ancient history with the modern world.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- The Parthenon Frieze
- The Caryatids from the Erechtheion
- The Archaic Gallery

**Tip:** Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

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2. National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is Greece's largest and one of the most important in the world. It houses a comprehensive collection of Greek antiquities from various periods, including prehistoric artifacts, sculptures, and pottery from the Bronze Age, Minoan, Mycenaean, and classical periods. It’s a treasure trove for anyone interested in ancient civilizations.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- The Mask of Agamemnon
- The Antikythera Mechanism
- The Zeus or Poseidon Bronze Statue

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3. Benaki Museum

The **Benaki Museum** is unique in that it spans multiple periods of Greek history. From ancient Greece to Byzantine art, and even into modern Greek culture, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of Greece's evolution through the ages. It also houses impressive collections of Islamic and Asian art, making it a diverse cultural experience.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- Byzantine icons
- Greek folk costumes
- Modern art exhibitions

**Tip:** The museum has multiple branches focusing on different aspects of art and culture, including Islamic art and contemporary exhibitions.

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4. Museum of Cycladic Art

The **Museum of Cycladic Art** focuses on the prehistoric art and culture of the Cycladic islands, primarily from the third millennium BC. The minimalist beauty of Cycladic figurines is particularly striking, reflecting the abstract human forms that inspired many modern artists.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- Cycladic marble figurines
- Bronze Age pottery and tools
- Artifacts from ancient Cyprus

https://cycladic.gr/en/

5. Byzantine and Christian Museum

If you're interested in Byzantine art, the **Byzantine and Christian Museum** is the place to visit. It houses a collection of over 25,000 artifacts, including icons, frescoes, manuscripts, and ecclesiastical vestments, spanning from the early Christian era to the post-Byzantine period. The museum offers insights into the rich religious and cultural history of Greece.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- Early Christian sarcophagi
- Byzantine frescoes and icons
- Medieval manuscripts

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6.  The Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art

Opened in 2019, the **Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art** quickly became a highlight in the Athens art scene. Located in the upscale Pangrati neighborhood, it features a stellar collection of modern and contemporary art, with works from international artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet, and contemporary Greek artists. It’s a refreshing break from ancient history and a dive into more recent artistic movements.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- Pablo Picasso’s “Woman’s Head”
- Paul Cézanne’s “Still Life with Fruit”
- Works by El Greco and Giorgos Bouzianis

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7. Herakleidon Museum

Located in the Thissio area, the **Herakleidon Museum** is an interactive science and art museum. It focuses on the relationship between art, science, and technology, offering hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages. The museum also hosts exhibitions on ancient Greek inventions, linking the brilliance of the past with the innovative spirit of today.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- "Eureka!" exhibition on ancient Greek science
- The interactive Da Vinci Machines exhibition

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8. National Gallery – Alexandros Soutzos Museum

After years of renovation, the **National Gallery** reopened to the public in 2021, presenting a stunning collection of Greek and European art. With works from the post-Byzantine period to contemporary art, the gallery is home to masterpieces by Greek artists such as El Greco and Theophilos, as well as international figures like Picasso and Rembrandt.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- Works by Nikiforos Lytras and Yannis Tsarouchis
- 19th and 20th-century European art

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9. Epigraphic Museum

If you’re fascinated by ancient inscriptions, the **Epigraphic Museum** offers a rare opportunity to explore the largest collection of ancient Greek inscriptions in the world. This specialized museum is often overlooked, but it provides a deep dive into the history of written communication in Greece, with over 14,000 inscriptions from various historical periods.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- Decrees of the Athenian state
- Inscriptions from the Parthenon
- Funerary epigrams

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10. Jewish Museum of Greece

The **Jewish Museum of Greece** offers insight into the 2,300-year-old history of the Jewish community in Greece, from ancient times to the Holocaust and the present day. The museum highlights the customs, religious practices, and contributions of the Jewish population in Greece, with artifacts, photographs, and personal stories on display.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- Torah scrolls and religious artifacts
- Holocaust memorials
- Personal testimonies of Greek Jews during WWII

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11. War Museum of Athens

For military history enthusiasts, the **War Museum** covers Greece’s long history of warfare, from ancient battles to more modern conflicts. The museum features weaponry, uniforms, and artifacts from various historical periods, as well as exhibits on Greece's role in both World Wars.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- Ancient Greek armor and weapons
- WWII fighter planes
- Military medals and documents

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12. Hellenic Motor Museum

The **Hellenic Motor Museum** is a paradise for car enthusiasts. Located near the National Archaeological Museum, this museum boasts a unique collection of classic and vintage cars from different eras. It’s a perfect stop for those who want to take a break from ancient history and admire automotive engineering.

**Must-See Exhibits:**
- 1959 Cadillac Eldorado
- 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi
- Early 20th-century Rolls-Royce models

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Athens is not just about ancient ruins and historical landmarks; it’s a cultural hub filled with museums that cover the full spectrum of human history, art, and innovation. Whether you’re drawn to antiquities, Byzantine art, modern masterpieces, or interactive science exhibits, the city’s museums offer something for everyone. Make sure to carve out time for these top museums during your visit, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Greek history and culture.