Hellenic Motor Museum

About the museum

The Hellenic Motor Museum was founded by the entrepreneur Theodoros Charagionis (1948–2023), who began collecting cars in 1977. In the early 1990s his collection had reached 25 cars, and the idea of a museum in the centre of Athens gradually matured. From 1999 onwards the plot was assembled over a decade in the area between the National Archaeological Museum and Victoria metro station.

The museum has been operating since 2011 in the Capitol Mall complex, an Art Deco building with a characteristic spiral ramp. The complex has a total built area of around 30,000 m², half of which are car parks and support spaces. The main exhibition space exceeds 3,000 m² and houses 111 vehicles. On the spiral ramp, from the ground floor to the fourth floor, 72 wheeled exhibits are presented that tell the story of the car, and they are accessible without a ticket.

The museum also has an amphitheatre, a space for road-safety educational programmes for children, a shop and halls for events. The collection’s cars are arranged by period, from antiques and veterans to modern vehicles. A second collection, exclusively of racing cars, is in preparation.

Highlights

• 111 vehicles in an exhibition space of over 3,000 m², arranged by era
• Permanent exhibition “Made by Hellas” of cars and motorcycles produced or designed in Greece
• Authentic car workshop of the 1930s–1960s with over 3,000 period objects
• Exhibition “Diafaneia” (Transparency) with transparent cars and educational engine models
• Art Deco building with a spiral ramp and exhibits visible without a ticket

Permanent exhibitions

• Made by Hellas – Cars and motorcycles built, assembled or designed in Greece, on the highest and most important floor of the museum.
• Διαφάνεια (Transparency) – Five transparent cars and four educational models from the 1950s–1970s that show how engines and transmissions work.
• Συνεργείο αυτοκινήτων εποχής – Authentic workshop that operated from the 1930s to the 1960s, with more than 3,000 period objects.

Founded

2011

Operated by

Ελληνικό Μουσείο Αυτοκινήτου

Admission & discounts

The 72 wheeled exhibits on the spiral ramp are accessible without a ticket.

Accessibility

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

All public areas of the museum are accessible by wheelchair. There are parking spaces for people with disabilities. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The museum organises road-safety educational programmes for toddlers, primary school pupils and secondary school pupils. On the 4th floor there is a childcare area for infants.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Shop on the 4th floor. The museum offers free internet access via WLAN. Mobile phones may be used, and pets are welcome, observing hygiene rules.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Capitol Mall complex is available for corporate and social events, weddings, receptions and private dinners. Events phone: +30 210 727 9999.

Plan your visit