The National Historic Museum in Athens traces Modern Greek history inside the Old Parliament House, at 13 Stadiou Street, Kolokotroni Square. Its collections cover the period from Ottoman and Latin rule through independence and the country’s later political, social and cultural development.
- Location: 13 Stadiou Street, Kolokotroni Square, Athens 10561
- Opening pattern: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Admission: €10 general and €5 reduced for the permanent exhibition
The museum and its former Parliament building
The National Historical Museum is housed in the Old Parliament House, a building that served as Parliament from 1875 to 1935. Founded in 1884 by the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece, the museum has occupied the building on Stadiou Street since 1960.
The setting connects the museum’s account of Modern Greece with a building that was part of the country’s parliamentary life. Its address at Kolokotroni Square places it in Athens city centre, making it easy to include in a central Athens sights route.
Collections and Greek history to look for
The permanent exhibition follows Modern Greek history from the period of Ottoman and Latin rule through the Greek War of Independence of 1821, the creation of the independent state and later political, social and cultural change.
Objects include weapons, flags, documents, works of art and personal belongings of historical figures. Traditional costumes, household objects, tools and examples of modern Greek craftsmanship add detail to the story of everyday life and cultural traditions. A section also covers foreign support for the Greek Revolution, including the philhellene Lord Byron.
Opening hours, tickets and visitor access
Opening hours follow a seasonal pattern, and the museum closes on official public holidays. Last admission is 15:30.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00–16:00
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission to the permanent exhibition is €10 for general entry and €5 for reduced entry. Combined admission is €15 general and €8 reduced. Free admission is available on the first Sunday of each month from November through February, as well as March 25, May 18 and October 28.
The museum is wheelchair accessible. Hours, admission and free-entry arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get to the museum?
The museum is about a seven-minute walk from Athens Mansion Luxury Suites, making it practical to visit on foot while exploring central Athens.
By metro, you can reach the museum from Syntagma station on lines M2 and M3, or from Panepistimio station on line M2. Bus routes serving the area are 025, 040, 224, 732, 856, A2 and A3; trolleybus routes are 1, 5, 11 and 15. Tram line T6 stops at Syntagma.
FAQs
What is the National Historical Museum in Athens?
It is a museum of Modern Greek history housed in the Old Parliament House. Its permanent exhibition covers the period from Ottoman and Latin rule through the Greek Revolution and the development of the modern state.
When is the museum closed?
The museum is closed on Mondays and official public holidays. Its opening hours vary between September–June and July–August.
How much does admission cost?
Admission to the permanent exhibition is €10 general and €5 reduced. Combined admission is €15 general and €8 reduced.