Numismatic Museum of Athens — Attraction in Athens

Worthwile museum as far as artifacts are concerned. Falls short with staffing.

I have a disability that is invisible when I'm not having a flare. Upon entry I showed the clerk my disability badge detailing my condition and there was a lot of debate between her and another staff member whether they would accept it. In the end they accepted my disability badge and my admission was free. My partner paid regular admission which cost 10 Euros.

I have removed 2 stars for the overwhelming amount of staff they have at this museum that trails behind you from room to room. We were the only two guests in the whole museum and there were at least 10 staff members who followed us around in groups of 3, all chatting to each other. We literally saw less staff at the Acropolis Museum which is significantly larger and incomparably busy. It was uncomfortable having staff closely follow behind you like prison guards and we couldn't see a real reason for it since everything is in alarmed glass cases. I'm not sure what they were worrying we might do. I'm really not sure what this many people are paid to be doing at this museum. As others have commented the staff is extremely unwelcoming and seem like they can't wait for you to leave; like it's a burden to have to do their job for an hour.

1 star further is removed because I had an obvious medical episode while visiting the museum (full body tremors lasting about 10 -15 minutes or so) and the only time staff spoke to me was to tell me not to lean on the railing near a locked glass case while I was desperately trying to hold myself together. My partner could be seen multiple times taking my pulse as tachycardia is an issue for me during flares and usually preceeds my tremors. Not once were we asked if I was okay or needed help, they just looked at us and kept talking amongst themselves in Greek. Even though my disability badge read by staff at the door said I may require immediate access to a chair or a place to lay down, a chair was never offered as they seemed to be dedicated to staff only. At one point I was crouching on the floor while tremoring and still just looked at by staff. I felt a bit like an animal in the zoo being spectated upon. I was very thankful in that moment to have my partner because otherwise I would've been totally alone. Not the most disability friendly space I've ever been in.

Long and short: vibes are way off as far as the staff is concerned. Don't expect to feel welcomed. Nonetheless the museum is absolutely worth a visit for the sake of the artifacts and should be a priority on your next trip to Athens!...

One of the three best numismatic museums in Europe with over 600,000 ancient coins; some so unique, that there may be only 1 in existence, and you will see it here. Over the three floors, you will come to study the coin, first created in Ancient Athens, the metallurgy, and through the metals used in coins, the secrets of ancient world trade and the original globalization. The expanse of trade between Greece, Europe, and Asia is mind boggling, and the details on the surface of the coins capture maps, animals, symbols, people, politicians, ancient city names and religious iconography - which all carry a meaning, like reading a book filled with secrets, hints, and archaeological details of the ancient past and the characters of the people. You also see nuances and differences between city states that do not have large distances between them, and yet, spiritually can be miles apart. You also learn to understand the denominations of coins into smaller values, which helps you also understand cost of living in those times, and the classification of society's strata.

The true wonder of this museum though is the architecture, a gem by Ziller who also built the Hotel Grande Bretagne at roughly the same time, and the two buildings which are across the street from each other are in a conversation of details for over 150 years now. The ironwork, the Hellenistic neoclassical and modernist features make the numismatic museum unique among other buildings of the period, and a perfect example of the wonder who was Ernst Ziller.

Finally, the most fascinating offering of this museum is learning about its original owner who commissioned the work from Ziller, none other than Heinrich Schliemann, the German businessman and amateur archaeologist who discovered Ancient Troy, Argos and Mycenae. A man who through his extensive reading of the Iliad and the Odyssey added over 600 years of history to the Greek Ancient world. The visitor walking through these walls, and experiencing Hienrich's personal collection, makes you feel closer to Homer and also to Hienrich... A treasure hunt which continues to this day.

Do not miss this! Especially, if you will also be visiting the Ancient Agora where actual trade was taking place with...

There are two reasons to enter the museum. On the one hand there is a plenty of coins available. On the other hand the building itself is worth seeing. Lets just say the coins most likely aren't what should draw you there.

And why exactly would you wish to see yet another neo-classical building in Athens? Well, to immerse into a world of the "father of modern archaeology" who, among other things, used dynamite in his modern excavations. Like a true madman, the fellow had an obsession, but unlike most madmen, he actually followed it through.

The mansion is a testament for this fine excavator who destroyed most layers of Ilion and made a part of his legacy by naming his son Agamemnon -- keep that in mind when strolling into the boy's bedroom -- and daughter Andromache -- something also worth keeping in mind when walking into her bedroom. Once you've gotten through those, stay a moment in Heinrich's winter study and take a moment to reflect what he might have been doing while sitting in there.

Then, get out, consider for a moment how Heinrich probably rolls in his grave like a kebab because you thought it not worth while to learn enough Greek to read all those fine quotes he considered so inspiring that they ended up being painted on the walls of his mansion. Maybe go get...