Archaeological Site and Museum of Mycenae

About the museum

Mycenae was the most important palace centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Its greatest flourishing is placed between 1350 and 1200 BC, when the palaces, the fortification of the acropolis with the Cyclopean Walls, the Lion Gate and the tholos tombs were built. The excavations of Heinrich Schliemann in 1876 brought to light Grave Circle A with rich grave goods, most of which are today displayed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

The Archaeological Museum of Mycenae is located within the archaeological site, north of the acropolis. The idea for its construction is owed to the archaeologist Giorgos Mylonas of the Archaeological Society; work began in 1985 and the building was completed in 1997. Afterwards the material from the storerooms and the permanent exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio was transferred there. The museum was inaugurated on 31 July 2003.

The building extends over three levels; the exhibition area covers about a quarter of its surface and comprises three halls, with a model of the acropolis in the foyer. The first two halls are devoted to the life and burial customs of the Mycenaeans. The ticket also covers the Tholos Tomb of Atreus.

Highlights

• The Lion Gate and the Cyclopean Walls
• The Tholos Tomb of Atreus, with a dome 13.5 metres high
• Grave Circle A of the acropolis
• Model of the acropolis and exhibits on Mycenaean life and burial customs

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμη έκθεση του Αρχαιολογικού Μουσείου Μυκηνών – Three halls with exhibits on Mycenaean life and burial customs, with a model of the acropolis and explanatory material on the excavations.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Αργολίδας

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.

The ticket covers the archaeological site, the museum and the Tholos Tomb of Atreus. From 1 June to 30 September only the full ticket applies. Free admission and reduced tickets are available to special categories of visitors, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Culture.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access to the museum and the exhibition halls is by ramps; there are special toilets and a car park.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Athens, 20 minutes from Argos and 30 minutes from Nafplio.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

At the entrance to the site there is a shop run by ODAP selling books, guides and cards; there is a café/restaurant, toilets and a car park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit