BENAKI MUSEUM

Antónis Benákis, an immense collector, spent thirty-five years bringing together all these objects, dating from prehistory to the present day, which are now housed in this elegant museum of neoclassical architecture. This enthusiast then donated his house and its rare pieces to the State in 1931. And to extend the experience, a gigantic, ultra-modern annex has also opened its doors on Avenue Pireos, hosting high-quality temporary exhibitions.

On the first floor, objects from the Roman, Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods. In particular, beautiful gold jewelry, mosaics and religious objects. Room 12, magnificent icons. Particularly noteworthy is the one depicting Saint Anne and the Virgin Mary, as well as a superb altarpiece.

On the second floor, folk art objects marking the development of Hellenism during periods of foreign domination are on display, including a fine collection of ^18th- and ^19th-century costumes and, in room 14, a magnificent reconstruction of an interior. Rooms 17 and 19 house a mansion in Kozani, Macedonia. Note the alternating carved vases and double-headed eagles characteristic of Neo-Hellenic art. In room 23, an admirable collection of illustrations of the Parthenon. In room 26, an immense altarpiece depicting St. John the Baptist, the Virgin and Child, Christ and St. George slaying the dragon.

The second floor takes visitors on a journey through the culture and economy of pre-war Greek society, with books, traditional musical instruments and other tools of the time.

On the third floor, objects evoke the transition between the War of Independence and the formation of the modern state. At the entrance is a membership card for the Philiki Etaireia, the secret society formed to prepare for the War of Independence. Many weapons in this room, as well as portraits of generals. At the back of the room, photos of Costis Palama, a poet involved in the struggle for independence, and of Constantin Cavafy, poet of the Greek diaspora.

Museum and stores. The Benaki Museum is one of the great gifts that increased the assets of the State, and at the same time, it is the oldest museum organization, operating in Greece as a private law institution. It comprises 6 exhibition spaces (the main building, the Pireos building, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Yannis Pappas studio, the Ghikas gallery and the Delta residence) and special departments such as the library and the store.