Byzantine and Christian Museum: The magnificent legacy of the Byzantine Empire

Museum

Opening hours View Hours

Athens, GR Get Directions

Even if you have never visited the Byzantine and Christian Museum, you have certainly noticed its impressive building or have briefly retreated into its beautiful garden.

Τhe museum was founded in 1914 and its collection was originally housed in the National Archaeological Museum until it was permanently moved to Villa Ilissia in 1930. The impressive mansion, which combines elements of Classicism and Romanticism, was erected in 1840-1848 to be used as the winter residence of the eccentric Duchess of Plaisance, Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun, who spent the last years of her eventful life here.

Today, after the necessary extensions and modifications, the building is completely identified with the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, a major landmark and one of the most important museums for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine art internationally.

Its collection includes over 25,000 objects, from the 3rd to the 20th century, which exploit every aspect of Byzantine civilization: the transition from the ancient to the Byzantine world, the ultimate dominance of the Byzantine Empire, and its influence on modern art.

Access

22 Vasilissis Sofias Ave.
10675, Athens

Get directions

On foot

5 minutes from the “Evangelismos” Metro Station

By metro

Line 3, exit at “Evangelismos” station

By bus or trolleybus

By bus: Lines 203, 211, 550, 608, 815 – disembark at the “Byzantine Museum – Rigillis” stop

By trolleybus: Lines 10, 3 – disembark at the “Byzantine Museum – Rigillis” stop

By car

5 minutes from Syntagma Square

Opening hours

Summer hours

April 1 – October 31

Mon: 08:30 – 15:30
Tue: closed
Wed: 08:30 – 15:30
Thu: 08:30 – 15:30
Fri: 08:30 – 15:30
Sat: 08:30 – 15:30
Sun: 08:30 – 15:30

Winter hours

November 1 – March 31

Mon: 08:30 – 15:30
Tue: closed
Wed: 08:30 – 15:30
Thu: 08:30 – 15:30
Fri: 08:30 – 15:30
Sat: 08:30 – 15:30
Sun: 08:30 – 15:30

Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time  

The site remains closed on the following dates and public holidays: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26.

Tickets

Full: €8,00
Reduced: €4,00

Admission is free on March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September, on October 28, as well as on the first and third Sunday of each month between November 1 and March 31.

Café-Restaurant ILISSIA

Café-restaurant Ilissia is located in the garden of the Byzantine and Christian Museum, in the shadow of the Palace of the Duchess of Plaisance. In this charming and peaceful environment, visitors can enjoy coffee, dessert or a light meal.

Opening hours: Monday 08:30 – 19:00, Tuesday 10:00 – 18:00, Wednesday to Sunday 08:30 – 19:00
Τ: +30 211 0120441-2