The majestic Greek city is Europe’s oldest capital. Records show that around 4,500BC the first district to become inhabited with civilians was Acropolis.  Named after the Greek goddess Athena, the city embraced its ancient mythological beliefs until it was invaded by empires such as the Byzantine Empire.  Since becoming an independent nation, Athens has transformed into a flourishing, vibrant city that aims to showcase its culture to both locals and travellers.  Therefore scattered about the capital are various museums, both world-famous and unusual,
 
National Archaeological Museum
 
One of the largest in Greece, National Archaeological Museum holds a vast collection of ancient relics belonging to different periods of history.  Created in 1829 the museum’s original intention was to preserve the artefacts found throughout Athens, but over the years it has grown to show more exhibits and is now a prestigious landmark.  Not only does it present Greek pieces, there are other collections from Egypt and Cypriot civilisations, plus exhibitions displaying authentic vases and sculptures for you to admire at their beauty.  This is a must-see attraction for everyone and is open daily.
 
http://www.namuseum.gr/wellcome-en.html
 
Acropolis Museum
 
Located by the ancient ruins of Acropolis this sophisticated museum recently faced a total reconstruction to accommodate the huge number of visitors it attracts each year.  Acropolis Museum was founded to protect the relics from the ancient district discovered across Athens, as Acropolis had been destroyed through the ages.  As a result, a lot of the exhibits showcase artefacts from the site of ancient Greek democracy, and thus Acropolis Museum celebrates the history of this epic landmark.  The museum is open daily from 8am from April to October and 9am during November to March.
 
http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
 
Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum
 
Founded in 1993, this museum contains contemporary jewellery pieces that have been influenced by history, nature and science.  The historical exhibitions shown are individual pieces that attempt to replicate the jewellery of the time, particularly in the Ancient Greek collection.  A combination of creative and attractive designs
 
The pieces influenced by nature and science are creative and tasteful designs that look very attractive.  Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum is wonderful for those who have an interest in jewellery and offers an imaginative way of preserving history and culture.  This museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday and Sundays for a limited period.
 
http://www.lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr/en/
 
National Historic Museum
 
Situated at the Old Parliament Street Stage, the National Historic Museum was founded to preserve and exhibit pieces from modern Greece, between the periods of post-Byzantine Empire occupation and the Italian-Greek War.  The museum offers visitors the exclusive chance to walk through the room of the Old House, where early Greek parliament had taken place and where major decisions were made to create modern Greece.  The museum also contains artefacts of various historical figures from European history such as the English Romantic poet Lord Byron, who famously chartered a ship to the Greek Islands from Genoa.
 
www.nhmuseum.gr
 
Epigraphical Museum
 
Created in 1885, this is a very unique museum that specialises in various inscriptions from the different periods of Ancient Greece.  First starting with pieces found across Athens, the museum branched out to inscriptions all over the country; the majority from a place called Attica and with a refurbishing during 1950s, Epigraphical Museum allows visitors to study these interesting artefacts.  There are educational displays where visitors can learn more about the Ancient Greek language and how it was formed.  
 
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3348

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