Museum of Islamic Art

What I can see

The Museum of Islamic Art in Athens is housed in a building complex consisting of a three-storey and a two-storey house. The architecture is of neoclassical style, which is inspired by classical antiquity and constitutes an important part of the architectural history of Western civilization. This is part of the reason for the distinctiveness of the museum: it embodies a dialogue between two cultures, as it is a western-type building that has “embraced” masterpieces of Islamic culture. The museum spans 13 centuries, featuring treasures also from Iraq, Egypt and Yemen. The main theme is Islam in the Mediterranean area and its relationship with the Greco-Roman and Byzantine traditions. Among its most prominent exhibits are the marble floor of a 17^th century mansion from Cairo and textiles dating back to the Ottoman Empire.

What I can't see

The museum is an annex of the Benaki Museum. Until recently it was housed together with the Benaki, until a need arose to establish a separate institution. Lambros Eftaxias donated his house for its establishment. During building restoration works, a tomb and a part of the ancient Long Walls were discovered, which led to the architectural design being modified. Today, the findings are housed in the basement of the museum. The museum’s exhibits came from Benakis’ personal collection and from gifts he had received. Its collection was featured in the 13 top collections in the world by the Saudi Aramco World magazine and islamologists Jonathan M. Bloom and Sheila S. Blair (2009). It is classified in the same category as the Louvre, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan of New York, Topkapi Palace of Istanbul, and the museums of Islamic Art of Cairo and Doha.

Info

• Address: 22 Ag. Asomaton st. & 12 Dipylou St.
• Phone: +30 210 3251311
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.benaki.gr/

Bibliography