Guided tours to the exhibition "The ancient civilizations of Basilicata. Treasures emerging to light", special programs for children, festive music on the Museum’s ground floor, unique gifts at the Museum Shop, and seasonal dishes at the restaurant — this Christmas, the Acropolis Museum invites you to celebrate together.
Guided tours of the exhibition "The ancient civilizations of Basilicata. Treasures emerging to light"
The Museum invites you to explore the exhibition "The Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata: Treasures Emerging to Light" in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery. Join one of the weekly tours led by Museum archaeologists and uncover the fascinating cultures encountered by ancient Greeks from the Peloponnese and the islands during their voyages to settle in southern Italy and Sicily, an area later known as Magna Graecia. Discover the artistry of ancient Oenotria (modern-day Basilicata) through artifacts adorned with bronze, gold, silver, and amber. More information about the guided tours is available here. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a self-guided audio tour, via QR codes in the exhibition gallery, available in Greek.
Exhibition dates: Until January 26, 2025
Admission: Free
Festive Children's Program: "Games of the Past"
This Christmas, the Museum invites young visitors to discover and enjoy ancient toys! Tiny clay vessels, dolls, wheeled horses, spinning tops, and more await in the Εxcavation Museum. Guided by archaeologists, children will journey into the past, imagining the streets, courtyards, and homes of an ancient neighborhood where the voices of playing children once resonated. After this magical journey through time, children will head to the Kids Corner on the 2nd floor to touch replicas of ancient toys and craft their own, creating a souvenir to cherish.
- Age range: 6–12 years
- Language: Greek
- Dates: Friday, 27 December and Monday, 30 December
- Hours: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
More information is available here.
Festive Children's Program: "Myths in the Sky"
The Museum’s Kids Corner sparkles with starlight this season! Dressed for the holidays, it welcomes young visitors on a journey through the starry sky. Accompanied by melodic sounds, Museum archaeologists will narrate myths about gods, heroes, and extraordinary humans transformed into celestial wonders.
- Age range: 3–5 years
- Language: Greek
- Dates: Saturday, 28 December and Sunday, 29 December
- Hours: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
More information is available here.
Festive Music on the Museum’s Ground Floor
Sunday, 22 December, 12:00 p.m.
Students of the Pallini Experimental Music School will present a Christmas music journey, including:
- "Concerto Grosso Op. 6 Nr. 8" (Christmas Concerto) by Arcangelo Corelli
- Excerpts from Yiannis Konstantinidis’ "Eight Dodecanese Songs" and "Eight Asia Minor Songs"
- Traditional carols from Propontis
- The Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s Messiah
Monday, 23 December, 12:30 p.m.
The Museum will host a Cretan Dance Group for traditional dances and carols under the direction of Yiannis Petrakis.
Saturday, 28 December, 12:00 p.m.
A concert of festive melodies by the Hellenic Air Force Band, featuring soprano Sofia Zova and baritone Aggelos Mousikas, under the direction of Major Alexandros Litsardopoulos.
Monday, 30 December, 12:00 p.m.
The Jazz Ensemble of the Athens Music School will perform festive jazz classics, showcasing the vibrant talent nurtured within music schools.
Dining at the Museum with a view of the Acropolis
On Fridays and Saturdays, enjoy a festive dinner at the restaurant until midnight with views of the illuminated Acropolis. Restaurant Reservations: +30 210 9000915. On other days, visitors can enjoy coffee, desserts, and festive music on the Museum’s ground floor. Read more about the festive meal at the restaurant.
Festive Season Gifts
Before leaving, visit the ground-floor shop for the exhibition catalogue "The Ancient Civilizations of Basilicata: Treasures Emerging to Light" (available in Greek, English, and Italian) and a selection of Festive Season Gifts, including the Museum’s 2025 Lucky Charm, inspired by a clay model of a ladder with seven steps found at the Sanctuary of the Nymphe, dated on 6th century B.C. It is related with Aphrodite Ourania, the Adonis festivities and manifests the circle of life.
