Acropolis Museum: Tickets, Highlights & Visitor Guide

The Acropolis Museum in Athens is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, showcasing treasures from the Acropolis hill and ancient Greek civilization. Opened in 2009, it houses thousands of artifacts, including the original Parthenon sculptures, Caryatids, and finds from the Acropolis slopes

This page covers everything you need to know before your visit: tickets, highlights, opening hours, how to get there, facilities, and insider tips.

What to See

About the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is a state-of-the-art archaeological museum located on the southeastern slope of the Acropolis. Designed by architect Bernard Tschumi and opened in 2009, its glass structure was created to harmonize with the Parthenon rising above. The museum houses more than 4,000 artifacts, all uncovered on the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes.

Exhibits trace the development of Athenian culture from the Greek Bronze Age through the Roman and Byzantine periods. Among the highlights are the original Caryatids from the Erechtheion, delicate sculptures from the Archaic period, and the celebrated Parthenon Gallery, whose layout mirrors the temple itself. 

Beneath the glass floors, visitors can even view the remains of an ancient Athenian neighborhood, offering a rare glimpse into daily life thousands of years ago.

Is the Acropolis Museum Worth It?

Yes, visiting the Acropolis Museum is absolutely worth it.

It houses the original Parthenon sculptures, the Caryatids, and thousands of artifacts that bring the Acropolis to life. The modern building offers clear storytelling, glass floors with ancient excavations, and one of the best views of the Parthenon. For anyone exploring Athens, combining the Acropolis with its museum provides the most complete experience of ancient Greek history.

Why Visit the Acropolis Museum?

See the Parthenon Sculptures Up Close

Admire the original friezes, metopes, and pediments displayed in the Parthenon Gallery.

Meet the Caryatids

The elegant maidens from the Erechtheion are preserved here, protected from further weathering.

Walk Over Ancient Streets

Glass floors reveal the excavated remains of an Athenian neighborhood right beneath the museum.

Explore Thousands of Artifacts

From Bronze Age finds to Roman-era treasures, the museum tells the full story of the Acropolis.

Enjoy Stunning Views

The top floor offers panoramic views of the Acropolis hill and Parthenon, beautifully lit at sunset.

Relax with a Unique Setting

The museum café and restaurant combine Greek flavors with one of the best views in Athens.

Know Before You Book Your Acropolis Museum Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s ticket desk, but advance booking is recommended to avoid queues.

Reduced and free admission is available for children, students, and EU youth with valid identification.

Combo tickets are offered, combining entry to the Acropolis Museum with the Acropolis site or other archaeological sites.

→  Book Now for Combo: Acropolis Parthenon + Acropolis Museum Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended during peak season and weekends.

→ Buy Your Skip the Line Tickets Here!

Some guided tours include both the museum and the Acropolis, giving a complete experience in one package.

→ Buy here the most recommended Acropolis Museum tickets and guided tours

Explore the Acropolis Museum

Ground Floor

Acropolis Slopes

Artifacts from the sanctuaries and daily life on the slopes of the Acropolis, including votive offerings, ceramics, and objects used in festivals.

First Floor

Archaic Gallery & Caryatids

Statues from the Archaic period, showing the early development of Greek sculpture, and the five original Caryatids from the Erechtheion.

Top Floor

Parthenon Gallery

The highlight of the museum, aligned with the Parthenon itself. Here you can see the Parthenon frieze, metopes, and pediment sculptures arranged as they once stood.

Excavations

Ancient Neighborhood

Visible through glass floors and open to visitors, this area reveals the remains of houses, workshops, and streets from ancient Athens beneath the museum.

Plan Your Visit to the Acropolis Museum

  • Timings

  • Getting There

  • Best Time to Visit

  • Accessibility

  • Facilities

  • Rules

  • 3 Visitor Tips

  • Eat

  • Stay

Winter (Nov–Mar): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Summer (Apr–Oct): Mon 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tue–Sun 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Fri until 10:00 PM

Closed on Jan 1, Mar 25, May 1, Dec 25–26

→ For detailed information on visiting times and seasonal schedules, visit: Acropolis of Athens Opening Hours

Acropolis Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

Bestseller Acropolis Museum Entry Ticket

Skip the lines at the Acropolis Museum in Athens and explore the wonders of ancient Greece up close, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Acropolis through the museum’s stunning glass walls.

Includes 

  • Skip-the-line Entry Ticket
  • Access to the permanent collection
  • Access to the temporary exhibitions
  • Access to the excavation site under the venue
  • Audio guide
  • Map

“Great experience. The museum was very nice and we got to learn a lot about the culture of Greece.” Miguel, Sep. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]

Bestseller Acropolis of Athens Combo Tickets

Step into the heart of ancient Athens with a combined ticket for the Acropolis and its Museum—admire the Parthenon, discover its priceless treasures inside, and uncover the full story with an audio guide or expert-led tour, all in just 3 to 4 hours.

Includes 

  • Flexible duration
  • Audio guide
  • Guided tour
  • No cancellation

“John the archeologist made this tour absolutely amazing. From his great charisma to detailed explanations it made the day a 10 out of 10 experience. We maneuvered through the busy crowds brilliantly and went at a perfect pace to enjoy it all!” Christian, Aug. 2025 [Source: Headout]

Top-Value City Pass for Athens

The smartest way to discover Athens! With the Athens City Pass, skip the hassle and enjoy easy access to the city’s top highlights. Explore the Acropolis & Parthenon, ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, use handy audio guides, and more; all included at no extra cost for the complete Athens experience!

Includes 

  • City Pass
  • 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • 3 GB Internet Data
  • Audio Guide
  • Free Cancellation
  • More

“It was very useful package for athens. Really worth it! Customer service is also very helpful. Thank you.” Zeynep [Source: MegaPass]

FAQs About the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece

Why is the Acropolis Museum so famous?

The Acropolis Museum is famous for housing treasures from the Acropolis hill, including the Parthenon sculptures, Caryatids, and thousands of ancient artifacts. Opened in 2009, it is considered one of the world’s best archaeological museums and offers a complete story of Athens’ history and culture.

→ Buy Now: Acropolis Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

How much time is needed for the Acropolis Museum?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the Acropolis Museum. If you explore the galleries in detail, including the Parthenon Gallery and the underground excavation site, allow at least 3 hours.

Which is better, Acropolis or Acropolis Museum?

Both are must-sees, but they serve different purposes. The Acropolis lets you walk among the ancient temples, including the Parthenon, while the Acropolis Museum displays the original sculptures and artifacts in a protected setting. For the full experience, visit both.

→ Combo: Acropolis Parthenon + Acropolis Museum Tickets

Should I do the Acropolis Museum before or after the Acropolis?

It depends on your preference. Visiting the museum first helps you understand the history before seeing the ruins, while visiting after allows you to connect the sculptures with the temples you just explored. Many travelers recommend combining both on the same day.

Can you walk around the Acropolis for free?

No, entry to the Acropolis of Athens requires a ticket. However, you can walk around the base of the hill through neighborhoods like Plaka and Anafiotika for free, enjoying views of the Parthenon from the outside.

Athens City Pass: Compare & Book
Acropolis Parthenon: History, Construction & Materials