The building was designed by the architect Stuart M. Shaw, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and built by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens in the years 1939-1955. The north wing was added later, in 1960-61. The museum was renovated in 2014-2025. The new permanent exhibition was inaugurated in July the 5th of 2024. It consists of five halls and part of thw central courtyard.