Archaeological Museum of Patras

About the museum

The Archaeological Museum of Patras is housed in a building completed in 2008 to designs by the architect Theofanis Bobos and opened to the public in 2009. The building, with a total area of 5,955 square metres, consists of asymmetrical prismatic and ellipsoidal volumes, and its façade is dominated by a dome of iridescent titanium. A central axis runs along its entire length and organises the exhibition rooms, the auditorium, the workshops and the other spaces.

The permanent exhibition was completed in 2011 and is divided into three sections: Public Life, Private Life and Necropolis. The exhibits cover the period from the 4th millennium BC to the 4th century AD and come from Patras and from southern and western Achaia. They present the organisation, religion and entertainment of the ancient city, its trade and the daily life of its inhabitants.

The most valuable works, such as sculptures of deities, cult objects, grave stelai of gladiators, masks, amphorae, coins and weapons, highlight the two periods of greatest prosperity of Patras: the Mycenaean and the Roman. The exhibition also includes part of the largest collection of Roman mosaic floors in Greece, covering a total area of 250 square metres.

Highlights

• Roman mosaic floors with scenes of athletic contests, the Nile and the Cyclops
• Grave stelai of gladiators and sculptures of deities
• Mycenaean finds and objects of the Roman period
• Exhibition in three sections: public life, private life, necropolis
• Modern building with a titanium dome

Permanent exhibitions

• Δημόσιος βίος – The organisation and administration of ancient Patras, its religion, entertainment and trade relations.
• Ιδιωτικός βίος – The daily life of the inhabitants, with houses, furniture, utilitarian objects and part of the collection of Roman mosaic floors.
• Νεκρόπολη – Funerary customs and finds from the cemeteries of Patras, with grave stelai of gladiators.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Αχαΐας

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.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers educational programmes for primary and secondary schools and for special groups, as well as recurring activities such as “Sunday at the Museum”, Christmas activities and the “Walk the Route” programme. The events are also aimed at families.

Getting there & parking

The museum is about 15 minutes by car from the centre of Patras.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The building has a refreshment kiosk, a shop and toilets; WiFi is available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit