What I can see

Although it is not as well known as other museums in Athens, the Benaki Museum has a rightful place among the elite of the capital’s museums. It showcases a timeline of the history of Hellenism with exhibits arranged by period, from prehistoric times to modern and contemporary history. Its lay-out gives visitors the opportunity to become familiar with the timeless character of Greek Civilisation. The building is a neoclassical mansion. It was originally the house of Panagis Charokopos. The original form of the structure has not been preserved as it was radically changed when it was purchased by Emmanuel Benakis, to a neo–antique style. The facades of the building that we see today  are divided into three zones (base, core and crowning) and the southern façade has a portico with Doric columns. Only the shell was preserved from this building. The interior has undergone sweeping changes.

What I can't see

Apart from the main building, the Benaki Museum has six branches that showcase different cultural themes. The museums include 47,388 items, more than 1000 historical records, 217,515 photo negatives, 16,499 original prints, 32 archival architectural units of modern Greek architecture and 160,000 books from the 15^th to the 20^th century (main building). The museum also supports research on a variety of fields (humanities, technology, art conservation).



 

Info

• Address: 1 Koumpari & V. Sofias St.
• Phone: 210 367 1000
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.benaki.gr/

Bibliography