Museum of the City of Athens
The Museum of the City of Athens presents the development of the city in modern times in the “Old Palace” of Otto and Amalia, next to Plateia Klafthmonos.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum of the City of Athens – Vourou-Eftaxia Foundation is dedicated to the development of the city of Athens in modern times. It is housed in two of the oldest buildings in the capital: the neoclassical mansion of the Chiot banker Stamatis Dekozis Vourou at 7 Papparrigopoulou Street and the neighbouring building at 5 Papparrigopoulou Street.
The Vourou house was built in 1833–1834 to designs by Gustav-Adolph Lueders and Joseph Hoffer. In 1836 Otto rented it, together with the neighbouring houses, after his marriage to Amalia, and used it for seven years as a royal residence; this is why Athenians called it the “Old Palace”. In the garden, which was the capital’s first public garden, the palm tree planted by Amalia still survives.
The museum has a library and collections of around 40,000 objects, from Greek antiquity to the 21st century: ancient objects, books and music scores, Byzantine and post-Byzantine relics, sculptures, postage stamps, documents and manuscripts, crystal, porcelain and ceramics, metalwork, musical instruments and coins.
Highlights
- “Old Palace” of Otto and Amalia
- Around 40,000 objects from antiquity to the 21st century
- The palm tree planted by Amalia in the garden
- Library and rare editions
- Bistro in the garden and courtyard
Permanent exhibition
- Η εξέλιξη της πόλης των Αθηνών στους νεότερους χρόνους – The museum’s permanent display in the “Old Palace” and the neighbouring Vourou mansion, with objects from its collections.
- Founded
- 1973
- Operated by
- Ίδρυμα Βούρου Ευταξία
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5students, children aged 8–18, unemployed people, scouts, people over 65, members of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece, groups of more than four people and holders of special cards, upon presentation of a card or supporting documents |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 7 · Children aged 8–18 pay the reduced ticket; free admission for children up to 7. |
| Seniors | €5People over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companion. |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups (5+ people) | €5 per personGroups of more than 4 people, per person. |
| Pupils on school visits | €4Accompanying teachers have free admission only on school visits. |
Free admission is also available to members of ICOM and ICOMOS, large families and qualified guides. Advance ticket booking is not required. Visitors hand in their backpacks and bags to the security staff.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is next to Plateia Klafthmonos. The administration is housed at 2 Parnassou Street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Coat check
The Black Duck Garden – Athens City Museum Bistrot operates in the garden and courtyard. The museum shop has an online store.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The museum offers guided tours for groups and educational programmes; contact is by phone. |
