Overview:

The Byzantine Museum of Athens in Greece houses and displays important artifacts of the Eastern Orthodox Christian empire of Byzantium. It is located in the area of the historic Plaka district, north of Acropolis and the centre of Athens, and close to the Monastiraki District. The museum was inaugurated in 1914 and holds many interesting pieces from the period of Emperor Constantine, the Roman Emperor who first made Christianity the official religion of the empire, up to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The museum houses collections of paintings, sculptures, metalwork, coins, pottery, and other artifacts from the ancient Byzantine civilization. This museum is extremely important for the international world of Byzantine studies. It is one of the most significant sources for discovering and learning about Byzantine culture, and its artwork is one of the most important testimonies of the once vast empire. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

1. Home to an incredible collection of artifacts from the Byzantine and Roman periods. 2. Hosts an extensive collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, sculptures, frescoes and other relics from the Byzantine period. 3. Offers a range of educational activities, workshops and seminars. 4. Displays an array of special exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year. 5. Features a research library and reading room for interested visitors. 6. Boasts a well-curated permanent collection, including religious objects, coins, manuscripts, sculptures, and jewelry from the medieval and early modern Greek world. 7. Located in the Monastiraki area of Athens, providing visitors with easy access to the city’s ancient sights. 8. Carries out conservation and restoration projects to protect the artifacts in the collection. 9. Home to the Árgos Oros (Altars of Zeus), a major exhibit showcasing hundreds of artifact from the height of the Byzantine Empire. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Byzantine Museum of Athens was founded in 1914 by the Greek Archaeological Service to house the many Byzantine artifacts and art that had been discovered in Greece. Initially housed in the historic mansion of Loutsa in Plaka, the museum was moved to its current building in 1930 and is now an important part of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. The collections of the museum contain a diverse array of artifacts, including sculptures, icons, manuscripts, coins, jewelry, and architectural remains. The museum provides an overview of Byzantine art and culture from the 4th through to the 19th centuries, with particular emphasis on monuments and works from the Palaiologos period (1261–1453). The largest collection in the museum is of icons and it includes many of the finest examples of classical Byzantine painting from the Middle-Byzantine period (843–1204). In total, the museum has over 3,000 icons, ranging in date from the 5th to the 19th centuries, with examples of both Eastern and Western styles of Byzantine iconography. The museum also contains a small selection of illuminated manuscripts from 10th and 11th century Constantinople, many of which have been beautifully decorated with miniatures. These manuscripts have survived in exceptional condition and contain some of the earliest examples of Byzantine calligraphy. In addition, the museum also has an extensive collection of coins, jewelry, pottery, and ivory objects. One of the most remarkable items is a fragment of a mosaic floor with a representation of a tree in paradise, dating to the late 6th or early 7th century. The Byzantine Museum of Athens is a must-visit for those wanting to learn more about the history of the Byzantine Empire and the rich cultural markers it left behind in Greece. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Byzantine Museum of Athens houses the world’s largest collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, with over 25,000 objects in its collection. 2. The museum’s most iconic work is the large mosaic of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the 16th century. 3. During its heyday, the Byzantine Empire encompassed most of the Mediterranean world, stretching from Turkey in the East to modern-day Italy in the West. 4. The museum includes a wide range of religious icons, pottery, manuscripts, frescoes, coins, and jewelry spanning from the 4th to the 19th centuries. 5. The Byzantine Museum has recently opened its very own restaurant, offering a variety of traditional Greek dishes. 6. The museum also houses a library with more than 100,000 volumes on Byzantine history, art, and culture. 7. Guided tours in multiple languages are available and entrance is free for anyone under 25. 8. The museum hosts regular events and exhibitions, such as the free monthly Farmer’s Market and the International Byzantine Exhibition, held in May. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era