The museum of Greek Folk art is one of the lesser known museums in Athens. Here's what you need to know to visit the Greek Folk Art Museum.
During my research into the different Museums In Athens, I discovered that many museums actually had more than one building.
This is the case with the Museum of Greek Folk Art in Athens. Below, I have described the different buildings which are annexed underneath this umbrella organisation.
The Museum of Greek Folk Art in Athens
In some ways, it is hardly surprising that tourists in Athens become confused when visiting ancient sites and museums.
For example, anyone looking for the Museum of Folk Art might believe that there was only one building. Wrong!
There are actually at least 10 buildings. To add to the confusion, some of these are no longer open, and one is under construction. Confused yet? I know I was as I researched these museums!
However, I believe I have finally come to a fully comprehensive list of the separate buildings which are included under the title of The Museum of Greek Folk Art Athens.
These are listed below, along with whether they are currently open to the public or not.
Note – If you think that there is a building to add or take away from this list, please leave a comment below so we can talk!
The Buildings of the Museum
According to the Greek Ministry of Cuture, Education, and Religious Affairs Website, the Museum of Greek Folk Art consists of seven buildings. This is wrong though. There are at least 10 buildings that I know of (and would love to know if there are more!)
1. The Museum of Greek Folk Art Gift Shop
(Picture at top of page). This gift shop is not actually attached to a museum at all. Instead, it can be found down a Monastiraki side street at Adrianou 43-45.
It sells a range of goods which are inspired by the various aspects of the museums different collections. Here, you can find books, candles, cd's and wooden carvings.
The lady working there was quite helpful, and she may be able to explain more to you about the museums various annexes.
2. The Bath House of the Winds
This is the only remaining public bath house of Athens. This annex is located at 8 Kirristou Street in Plaka, Athens. You can read about it here – The Bath House of the Winds Museum.
3. The Museum at 22 Panos Street
This museum hasn't even really got a proper name! Sometimes known as the Man and Tools Museum, sometimes as the House on Panos Street, it houses an interesting permanent exhibition entitled Man and Tools.
The theme is based around the relationship between man and tools, and how tools were important to pre-industrial society. Located at 22 Panos Street in Plaka, Athens, you can read more about it here – The Museums at 22 Panos Street.
4. The Tzisdaraki Mosque
Opposite Monastiraki Metro Station used to house the traditional pottery collection of V. Kyriazopoulos. For the time being, this is now closed.
5. The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments
This does not appear on the government website, nor on the main pages of the Museum of Greek Folk Art Website. It does though, feature on a buried page of that same website which discusses the closure of the Central Building (which I will write about later).
This is a great little museum, which has a full range of traditional Greek musical instruments on display, alongside recordings of folk songs from all over the country.
You can read more here about The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments.
6. The ‘Old' Central Building
This is located at 17 Kydathinaion Street in Plaka, Athens. The public area is now closed, as a new Central Building for the Museum of Greek Folk Art is being built.
7. The ‘New' Central Building
The current opening date for the new central building of the Museum of Greek Folk Art is 2017. The building will be on the block formed by Areos, Adrianou, Vrysakiou and Kladou streets.
Additional Buildings
8. There is a building at 8 Thespidos street where the office of the museum curators and researchers are. Not open to the public.
9. Another building at 19 Sotiros street houses the storerooms.
10. The final building for the Museum of Greek Folk Art is at 3 Ragava Street, and contains the conservation laboratory.
As I mentioned, if you believe that any more buildings should be added to this list, please let me know by leaving a comment below.
Further Information About Athens
I have put together some other guides on Athens that you might find useful when planning your trip.
2 Days in Athens – A guide on what to see and do during 2 days in Athens
Hotels near the Acropolis – Stay at one of the hotels near the Acropolis and make the most of your time in Athens.
What to see in Athens – A complete guide to historic buildings and landmarks in Athens.
Take some side trips from Athens
Make the most of your time in Athens, Greece. Athens is a great hub for day trips, no matter what type of adventure you're looking for. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Athens:
Delphi: Travel back in time to Delphi and immerse yourself in Greek mythology. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular day trips to take our of Athens
Nafplio: If you're looking for an escape from busy Athens, head to Nafplio to experience its laidback charm! This historic seaside town still retains its Venetian fortresses, narrow cobblestone streets, charming restaurants and waterfront cafes.
Mycenae: Take a trip to Mycenae and explore the archaeological site that's home to some of Greece's oldest monuments and remains from ancient civilizations. This is also where Homer set his legendary tale about Agamemnon's return from Troy – so don't forget your camera for those epic photos!