Perhaps some of these has been said before, but in case people are searching the Greece board for information on these, here is my take:
1) This new museum is one of the great cultural highlights of any European tour. The artifacts within are beautifully displayed and extraordinarily exciting to see. I saw dozens and dozens of ordinary tourists, from all different countries, fascinated by the labels and displays (everything has an English-langage label) and engaging in animated conversation with their travel partners about the stunning statues, architectectural fragments and mythological themes. Budget time to really learn from this museum. If you have already been to Athens and were thrilled, consider going back just to see this extraordinary place.
2) I wanted to buy a guidebook to the museum at the museum, and I was surprised to discover how really skimpy the bookstores inside the museum are and how inadequate the guidebook sold by the museum is. If your overall guidebook for Athens does not include a good guide to the museum, try to find one before you go.
3) By sheer happenstance, I ended up starting at the TOP FLOOR of the museum, and working my way down, and I am really glad I did. The top floor is the stunning Parthenon gallery, with a full-on view of the Acropolis out the window, and it is the crown jewel of the museum, and the entire reason the museum exists where it does. If you start on the ground floor, you will start with a detailed collection of shards and fragments arranged in chronological order, and a lot of archeological history, tracing the evolution of the Parthenon over time, and then you work your way up. But I noticed many people were too tired to really enjoy the third floor by the time they reached, having passed through many other galleries, and some probably gave in short shrift in favor of the cafeteria on the way up. So personally I recommend you read up on the Acropolis and the Parthenon before leaving home, and then head straight to the top floor for the start of your museum visit. If you give it a try and feel you don't like that approach, it is a simple enough matter to take the elevator down to the first floor and start anew. But if you start to feel tired, head to the top floor. Don't leave the museum without giving a thorough exploration.
4) The Archaic Gallery on the second floor is now one of the most beautiful sculpture galleries in Europe, to my eye now surpassing the interior courtyard of Louvre. It is on the second level, and also give yourself plenty of leisure to see it. Make sure you pass through it as well as the Parthenon Gallery if you see nothing else in the museum.
5) The first floor of the museum the day I was there was FRIGID with air conditioning, especially if you are dressed for walking about in the hot Athenian sun. I saw more than one woman in a thin top put on a wrap or overshirt. I highly recommend toting a wrap or shirt if you are woman. Men will probably be okay in a tee or ordinary shirt. Things warm up as you get to the windowed parts of the upper floors of the museum.
6) I had a very good meal at the terrace restaurant (baked eggplant with tomatoes, a delicious puree of beans from Santorini with lemon and caper leaves). It is probably a few euros more expensive than a souvlaki from a street vendor, but it is very nice and very convenient, and compared to other European destinations, food is Greece is always a terrific bargain.
7) I had an excellent stay at the Athens Gate, just a stone's throw from the museum and with a rooftop bar with beautiful views of the Acropolis and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. I speak no Greek, and the staff was fluent in English and very charming and helpful.
PS: Perhaps the biggest issue people will need to decide is whether they want to visit the museum before or after they see the Acropolis, and whether they want to combine both on the same day. I can't really advise as to the first, because I had already been to the Acropolis several times before the new museum was built., and I only went to the museum during this trip. Because Athens can be so hot, I think most people will want to see the Acropolis in the morning or very late afternoon. If you go the Acropolis in the morning, I highly recommend you do the museum on a different day so as not to find yourself experience fatigue and overload. For real lovers of Greek culture, you honestly wouldn't be overdoing it to visit the museum, visit the Acropolis and revisit the museum if you have a couple of days in Athens.
Some tips for others planning to visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens
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Some good points there, I'd just like to adda couple.
If you are visiting during the hottest months it's a great place to be in the afternoon, the hottest part of the day, as already said the Acropolis itself is best done early or late because of that, as well as the tour crowds.
The second point is for women, don't wear a skirt!!
These are great points. We followed the "suggested" route and weren't too tired by the time we got to the 3rd floor, but we did the museum on a separate day from the Acropolis, which I think definitely makes a difference.
It wasn't that cold when we were there, but I wish I had the tip from yiassas to not wear a skirt before going. The floor goes from opaque to transparent without any warning!
Great tips!!! Thank you, we will be there in mid-Sept!
Great to know Zeppole, thanks. Hub and I were there in the 1980s and I don't believe the museum existed then (or we missed it somehow). A good reason to return.
Also at that time, one walked up a hill to get to the Acropolis. Some of the folks on our tour were unable to make the walk. Is there a more "knee-friendly" way now?
Great tips, especially about starting at the top floor - thank you.
In terms of order, I've been pondering this. We don't have much time in Athens, and have been trying to decide whether we visit the Acropolis in the late afternoon of the first day and the museum the next morning, or vice versa. We'll be traveling with our children - any thoughts on whether seeing the museum first will help give context to the Acropolis, or the other way round? I visited the Acropolis before, but not the museum (and I'm really excited to see them both!!).
txtree - when are you going? It could be really hot at the Acropolis in the afternoon.
We'll be there June 15-16. Yes, it will be hot, so I was thinking of the Museum the afternoon of the 15th and the Acropolis first thing in the morning of the 16th. But I'll be with my restless kids, so it's not like we're going to be able to linger for hours and hours on the Acropolis anyway.
TDudette
the Acropolis is always on the top of a hill, with great views over the greater area of Athens....this is still unchanged for the last 2.000 years....
Now since you have visited Athens 2 things have changed :
- the new Acropolis museum was build, it opened its gates on June the 20th 2009. The museum is located on the other side of the street, a 100 meters away from the entrance of the Acropolis.
- they finally installed an elevator at the Acropolis, for all the people who can't walk up the many steps.
Zeppole,
Thanks for the great description of the museum - I'm saving this for our trip in September.
Paule
the Acropolis is always on the top of a hill, with great views over the greater area of Athens....this is still unchanged for the last 2.000 years....
√rather snarky thing for you to say, clausar, and unnecessary. Your other 2 statements were on point.
I don't think clausar was snarky!
You said "Also at that time, one walked up a hill to get to the Acropolis" which implies you thought that might have changed!
Regarding the elevator, it is NOT for general use, it is for disabilities only, it can't be used just because you don't feel like the walk up the hill. While some disabilities are obvious, others are not, & proof will be needed. It is still a short walk to the elevator, then a few steps to it (if it's working, there is a heirolift for this part). The person with the disability/need of the elevator can take someone with them. I can vouch for this as I have used it with a Greek friend who had a disability card. It is also wise to call ahead (or get your hotel to do so).
I have also walked up many times & the easiest approach is from Dionysou Areopagitou. On the way down you can return the same way to go to the Musem, or take the other route & visit the Agora or down through Anafiotika. I have seen many walk UP this way, but it is much more strenuous than the other route.
oh yiassas, the route through Anafiotika is my favorite one!!
It's like being somewhere else , far away from Athens, on a small cycladic island!!
For those of you wondering what both me & clausar are talking about (Anafiotika) take a look at a few photos here,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yiassas/sets/72157626210581946/
A really amazing place that is nothing like being in the middle of a city!
The reason it is like a Cycladic island is because the people who settled & built there came from the island of Anafi (hence the name Anafiotika).
Do try & incorporate it into an Acropolis visit (on the way down!), it leads into Plaka, so you could do a seperate visit if you wish.
I have just returned to my hotel room from the New Acropolis Museum. It is a beautiful setting for showing the antiquities that have remained from the Parthenon and the surrounding area below the Acropolis. I for one began at the bottom and worked my way to the top and having done so I do not think it really matters one way or the other where you start and where you finish.
I do recommend a stop in the restaurant for a snack or a drink. I had the feta/roasted red pepper sandwich which was particularly delicious. The staff is courteous and efficient and the area is great for looking over to the Acropolis with the Parthenon at the top. There are both indoor and outdoor areas for seating while you eat. If it's hot you might want to sit indoors where the A/C keeps it nice and cool.
Something that one should know is that the museum is open every Friday till 10 pm, and the restaurant till midnight.
The illuminated Museum at night looks fantastic, it could be combined with a walk to Thission, from where there is a wonderful view over the Acropolis.
This was just great report. I have been to Athens serveral times and to the Acropolis twice so for my next visit in Sept the museo is my only must do. Thanks for all the tips...I have copied them to my notes and will obey!!!
I'm really looking forward to visiting the new museum!
I'm still not clear, though, as to how long the lines are. Should I purchase advance tickets? We will be going on Sunday, 7/3.
Also still not sure which would be better to visit first -- the museum or the acropolis. We only have one day to visit both. We'll have two teenagers...
Thanks!
Thank you for this timely information as we are visiting tomorrow. Very helpful!
great tips! thanks!
Dina4,
As it is a Sunday in July for your visit I would definitely say do the Acropolis first, be there for opening time. Any later & it will be very hot as well as busy. There is no shade up there & you will be glad of the airconditioned museum afterwards, also it could mean good timing for lunch in the cafe there with a view of the Acropolis.
No need for advance tickets, you have to lock yourself into a time slot if you do. You may come down from the Acropolis & want to visit later, after a walk round elsewhere & a stop for a drink. You will only be able to decide how you feel on the day as to whether you want to descend via the Agora or Anafiotika, have a look round Plaka, lunch there, THEN do the museum.
I have been to the museum 4 times, only once was the queue long & looking daunting, but it moved quite quickly & we didn't have to wait long.
I agree with yiassas. Pay homage to the Acropolis first, have a lunch and a cool drink, then enjoy the Acropolis Museum. Wonderful history.The cafe is lovely and notice the reflection of the Acropolis on the wall. I will visit it every time I can get there.
Thanks for the excellent tips....I am planning a trip with my husband and 4 yr old son in September. Just wanted to know if it's a doable walk up for teh little one? Strollers possible?
Thanks,
Shilpi
Excellent points. Just returned from Greece and had a half day guide in Athens who suggested that we do the museum with her (the added commentary was extremely helpful!), then do the Acropolis on our own afterwards. It worked out great, because we were front-loaded with information, and could take our time and visit the Acropolis at our own pace, then walk back down to the Plaka via the Agora or down through Anafiotika.
And I don't think people stress enough to NOT WEAR A SKIRT!!!! We saw several young ladies (on the floor above us) who were completely blind to the fact that they were walking on a glass floor.
>>Strollers possible?<<
I don't see how they would be possible and they are restrictive on what is allowed in the area. If they would allow it you would be carrying the stroller rather than pushing it as there are many, many stairs and once you reach the parthenon it is a rocky, gravel area, no paved walkways.
We saw baby backpacks but no strollers. I think it's a doable walk and there are shady stops along the path. You cannot bring in food or drinks unless it is the water purchased from the vending machine inside the ticket gate. However, I saw a small family sitting in the shade enjoying snacks and drinks.
We saw too many girl's behinds because they had on short dresses/skirts and there are lots of stairs!
I loved Anafiotika too. I was determined to find it before I arrived in Athens and had good directions. I can't recommend it enough! It was like an oasis in the middle of everything, complete with laundry swaying in the breeze and cats sunning themselves on stone walls.
We visited the museum this afternoon (before our tour of the acropolis itself). Zeppole, I agree with all your observations - the museum is such a treasure; perfectly located, beautifully designed, well executed. Also, having visited Athens 20+ years ago, I must say, it's like I'm in a different city. Athens is utterly transformed.
Also, if you are visiting the museum with children, please note that they have a "backpack" you can borrow filled with activities for the kids. Really enhanced our family's visit.
zeppole, what a great idea! We are leaving for Greece in a week with two kids and this is very helpful. Would you guys recommend a tour guide either for the Acropolis or the museum? We usually do such things on our own but my kids are old enough (14 and 9) to be able to follow a guide. Is it worth it?
Also, I read somewhere that a part of the museum is either closed or closing. Is this true?
Gina, it depends upon what your budget is ... what is "worth"?? You can do the Athenswalkingtour.com. thing for 36€ adults, 29 students, free under 12 ... groups are up to 18, the guides are praised as being highly qualified and enthusiastic ... There is a list of private guides http://tourguides.viator.com/Listing.aspx?Country=Greece&Region=Attiki&City=Athens with varying prices -- with your short notice, I would advise telephoning (remember 7 hour time difference ... call at noon to possibly get at guide at home, at 7 pm). If you are staying in a bIg Athens hotel, they often have guides on tap for customized private tours.
If you want to do the Acropolis as a D-I-Y, I suggest photocopying the Rick Steves book, he has a very good D-I-Y tour ... also, the BLUE GUIDE ... neither one covers the Museum. You might consider D-I-Y (using such aids) for Acropolis, then having a guided tour of Museum.
You were not reading correctly.... the Nat. Arch. Museum (NOT the Acropolis museum) had closed some of its galleries due to budget cuts for staff, but I think now all are open -- they currently also have a terrif coin collection based on the gods & goddesses. Rick-Steves book also has a good "Top Ten" d-i-y tourof this museum... if it's on your list.
Thanks, Janet (I believe, that's your name), for the tips. You have been so helpful with planning our Greece trip. I guess, I had misread the name of the museum. Yes, we would like to do both, good to hear the Arch. Museum is all open.
Just want to make a minor correction to travelerjan's comments on Rick Steves Guide -- the newest book does have an overview & tour of the Acropolis Museum.
As someone who has had ambivalence over Rick Steves' guides at times, this book seems surprisingly well done and provides a comprehensive overview of the major sights in Athens and beyond (Delphi, Peloponnese and a taste of the popular islands). Since I will have just 2 days in Athens, it looks like it will suit my needs very well.
Thanks for the correction progol, ... I received mine a year ago but looking at it, its the Nov. 2009 edition. I am glad to hear it. His D-I-Y approaches for Delphi & Olympia are also very straightforward and useful. In the past, I've had to list quite a number of online sources in order to put together self-guides for these, especialy for people with lmited time.
tagging to read later.
bookmarking
Zeppole, thanks to you and the other contributors for an informative report.
One suggestion, if time in Athens is limited, is to do a walking tour with Athenswalkingtour.com. There is a tour combination which covers Athens and the Acropolis in the morning, and the museum in the afternoon. The guides are well informed and well prepared. Well worth it
The museum tour however does start from the bottom and one does tend to tire by the time you get to the top floor. Nonetheless highly informative and educational.