The Athens War Museum is housed in one of the more unusual looking buildings in Athens. Spread out over four floors, it exhibits weapons and memorabilia connected with the Greek Armed Forces. Here's a quick guide to visiting.
Athens War Museum
Few countries have known so much conflict and instability since their creation than Greece. The Greek War of Independence, The Balkans War, World War 1, World War 2, the Greek Civil War. For over 140 years, it barely seemed to get a moment's peace. It is hardly surprising then, that the Athens War Museum is such an important place. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles of the past.
The collections are housed both inside and outside the main building. Outside, you can find all the big armaments such as artillery pieces and even a plane. On the inside, the exhibits are given some context by describing the various conflicts in which they were used.
Inside the Athens War Museum
A collection of different uniforms used by various departments within the Greek armed services through the years.
The museum was split into several sections. Each one of these sections covered the major conflicts that I have already listed, except one. The Greek Civil War was strangely absent. Unless I missed a room somewhere of course – If I did, please comment below so that I go back and check it out! (During my subsequent visits to other museums in Athens, I found two related to this period of history. The first is the Political Exile Museum in Athens, and the second the Makronisos Political Exile Museum in Athens).
Understandably, World War 2 was extremely prominent. Along the walls, were stories of naval battles, resistance fighters, and fighters trained overseas. One of the more interesting stories, was that of the ‘Sacred Band' or ‘Sacred Squadron'. These were in effect a Greek special forces unit, which was initially made up mainly from officers.
Some of the guns from this era had a brutal, elegant simplicity about them. There was no time for individuality in an age where weapons were mass produced to kill an enemy en masse.
The Athens War Museum is one of the ‘must see' museums in Athens. Kids will enjoy the exhibits as much as adults, and I would advise to set aside between 1 and 2 hours in order to get the most from it. The Byzantine and Christian Museum is right next door, and so it would be possible to visit them both on the same morning or afternoon.
Athens War Museum Information
The museum is not hard to find. It's the place with all the artillery and planes outside it! No tanks though, which I found slightly disappointing. Its actual address is Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens, Greece, and the closest metro station is Evangelismos. The current opening hours are between 09.00 and 19.00 in the summer, and until 17.00 in the winter. The museum is not open on Mondays. However, as with all museums in Athens, opening times are subject to change, so if you want to check before you visit, contact them on TEL: 210-7252974 – 5 – 6.
If you are interested in finding out about the other museums in Athens, then check out this post – Museums in Athens
the great array of war equipments a testimony to the fact that wars has been unavoidable with parallel existence with civilization.