The Cycladic Collection

Active on the Cyclades, a cluster of islands in central Aegean, between 3200 and 2000 BC, the Cycladic culture may now be studied only by its archaeological remains. The collection exhibited on the 1st floor of the main building contains 350 objects representative of every phase or type of artefact those islanders have left us, be that marble sculpture, pottery, or metal ware. Among the exhibits, the marble figurines claim prime position. They represent human figures, mostly female, with the arms folded above the belly. Their abstract form has intrigued many contemporary artists. The collection includes representative examples from all the figurine types, as well as a multitude of marble and clay artefacts.

The Ancient Greek Art Collection

This exhibition includes Greek artefacts from the Bronze Age (2nd millennium BC) through to the Late Roman period (4th century AD). Most important categories of Greek art are represented by significant examples pottery, terracotta figurines, sculpture, metal and glass ware, jewellery, and a good collection of coins from the Cyclades. The Greek Collection is exhibited on the 2nd floor of the main building.

The 4th floor houses the Charles and Rita Politis Collection, donated to the Museum since 1989. This exhibition contains marble statuary, terracottas, jewellery, and an important collection of ancient bronze helmets.

The Stathatos House

This neo-classical creation by Ernst Ziller, a bavarian architect who worked extensively in Greece after it became an independent state in the late 19th century, was built in 1895 to become the residence of Otto and Athena Stathatos, a couple of wealthy Athenians who bequeathed it to the State. Since 1991 the House has become the Museum?s new wing. A collection of Greek artefacts, property of the Academy of Athens, is on permanent show in one of the ground floor rooms. The ground floor of the building, including a charming green-house rotunda have been preserved in their original state and may be visited by the Museum?s guests. The 1st floor has been turned into exhibition space, used for the Museum?s temporary exhibitions. The entrance to the Stathatos House is from the corner of Vassilissis Sophias and Herotodou Street, although access is provided from the courtyard of main building by means of a specially designed corridor.

Temporary Exhibitions

The Museum organises exhibitions on Greek Art and related subjects, or occasionally hosts similar events organised by other institutions. Information on the current shows may be found at our Web-site.