Archaeological Museum of Sparta
The first provincial museum in Greece, housed in a neoclassical building of 1874–1876, displays antiquities of Laconia, crowned by the bust of Leonidas.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Archaeological Museum of Sparta is considered the first provincial museum in Greece. Its building was erected in 1874–1876 specifically for this purpose and in its original form had only three rooms; the central one has a propylon with Ionic columns. In 1905–1908 two more rooms were added, and in 1936 another two.
Today the museum houses thousands of finds from the province of Lacedaemon and from other areas of Laconia, covering the period from the Neolithic to the late Roman era. The finds from the major sanctuaries of Sparta hold the most important place.
Much of the finds are due to the perioikoi (free inhabitants of Laconia), who could practise artistic crafts, while the Spartiates devoted themselves to military training. Outstanding are the bust of Leonidas from around 480 BC, sculptures and reliefs of the Archaic and Classical periods, and the unusual ritual masks from the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia.
Highlights
- Bust of Leonidas, c. 480 BC
- Ritual masks from the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia
- Sculptures and reliefs of the Archaic and Classical periods
- Finds from the major sanctuaries of Sparta
- Neoclassical building of 1874–1876 with an Ionic propylon
Permanent exhibition
- Μόνιμη έκθεση αρχαιοτήτων της Λακωνίας – Sculptures, reliefs, masks and finds from the sanctuaries of Sparta, from the Neolithic to the Roman period.
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Λακωνίας
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5reduced ticket (50%): citizens over 65 from Greece and the EU (from 1 October to 31 May), parents accompanying primary school visits from the EU and the EEA, teachers accompanying visits from countries outside the EU |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Free admission for children and young people up to 25 from the EU and for children up to 18 from non-EU countries, with ID card or passport. |
| Seniors | €5Reduced ticket for citizens over 65 from Greece and the EU, from 1 October to 31 May. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion (for a disability of 67% or more). |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and every first and third Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March
Free admission is granted, upon presentation of the relevant documents, among others to young people up to 25 from the EU, children up to 18 from non-EU countries, people with disabilities and one companion (for a disability of 67% or more), unemployed people, large families, ICOM members and guides.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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
The museum has a ramp; the site is described as accessible.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum is about 3 minutes on foot from the central square of Sparta.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop at the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum offers educational programmes. |
