The National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece, is home to a wealth of artifacts dating back thousands of years. Established in 1829 and originally located in Aegina, the first capital of Greece, the museum was later moved to Athens in 1834. The museum’s current building was constructed in 1866 with the support of Eleni Tositsa and the Bernardakis family. The museum first opened to the public in 1889 and underwent further expansions in the 1930s by architect George Nomikos, before being temporarily closed during World War II and undergoing repair work post-war.
The National Archaeological Museum is divided into five main permanent collections, each offering a unique glimpse into the history of ancient Greece. The “Prehistoric Antiquities” collection includes artifacts from the Neolithic period and Bronze Age, including items from mainland Greece, the Aegean Islands, and Troy. Notable pieces in this collection include the royal tombs of Mycenae, Cycladic marble figurines, and wall paintings from Thera. The “Sculpture Collection” features intricate sculptures spanning from the 7th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., sourced from sanctuaries, necropolises, and public buildings across Greece.
The “Vase and Minerals Collection” showcases Greek ceramics from the 11th century B.C. through the Roman Era, while the “Metallurgical Works Collection” consists mainly of bronze works from excavations conducted in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum’s “Egyptian and Eastern Antiquities” collection includes artifacts from Egypt and various eastern civilizations, donated by individuals and organizations such as Ioannis Dimitriou, Alexandros Rostovich, and the Greek Archaeological Society. Donations from the government of Egypt in 1893 also contributed to the collection.
During World War II, all museum artifacts were carefully packed in boxes and stored underground for safekeeping. After the war, repair work was undertaken to restore any damage that may have occurred during the conflict. The museum’s architecture, initially designed by Ludwig Lange and modified by Ernst Ziller, underwent various expansions throughout the years to accommodate the growing collection of antiquities. The National Archaeological Museum continues to be a significant cultural institution in Greece, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s rich history and ancient civilizations.
With over 4,000 items, the Staffordshire Hoard is the largest collection of its kind in history. The museum offers a variety of temporary exhibitions in addition to its permanent collections, allowing visitors to explore different facets of archaeology and history. The diverse range of artifacts housed in the National Archaeological Museum serves as a testament to the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations. Through these collections, visitors can gain insights into various aspects of daily life, religion, art, and technology in ancient Greece and beyond.