Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum in Piraeus
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There’s no better way to learn about the rich Hellenic maritime tradition than by visiting the Hellenic Maritime Museum in Piraeus, one of the country’s biggest ports. It hosts a collection of more than 100 ships and boat models and several exhibitions and events throughout the year. Here’s more information about visiting this museum:
About the Hellenic Maritime Museum
The museum is located at the central port of Piraeus. It was established in 1949 by distinguished citizens as a foundation operating as a non-profit institution. In 1952 the foundation was officially recognized as a museum and administered since then by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Islands. In 1978 the museum was awarded the European Museum of the Year Award, given to outstanding museums all over Europe, and in 1984 it became a member of the International Council of Museums.
The museum is housed in a purpose-built building designed by Patroklos Karantinos. The structure was completed in 1974 and is part of a larger complex that includes a shopping center, restaurants, and other facilities. The museum’s main exhibit is its collection of historic ships. This includes a reserve collection of over 100 ships and boat models. The museum also hosts several research and educational programs.
It’s got a fascinating collection of more than 100 ships and boat models, dating from 1800 up to the 21st century. The best part? All of these boats are preserved in their original form—no fancy replicas here. The museum also often holds special exhibitions throughout the year.
What to Do at the Hellenic Maritime Museum
The museum is packed with hundreds of great ships and models. But there are still plenty of ways to enjoy it. There is a small café here you can grab a bite to eat or grab some lunch before heading back to your hotel with a full belly.
The museum hosts several events throughout the year, including festivals, exhibitions, workshops, movies, lectures, and concerts. There are also temporary exhibits in rotation which you can use to discover the latest trends in the world of maritime history.
If you’re traveling with kids or are just an enthusiast yourself, then check out the museum’s interactive exhibits for all ages. These desktop computers allow visitors to learn more about everything from shipbuilding to sailing.
Getting to the Hellenic Maritime Museum
It’s helpful if you start your journey in Athens. If that is the case, then getting to the museum is as simple as hopping on a bus or taking a train from the nearby metro station. Otherwise, you can take a taxi from your hotel.
If you’re planning to take a taxi from your hotel, make sure to hop on one going with the flow of traffic and not one sitting at a standstill containing passengers. This will minimize your fare and make things faster for both of you.
Take the metro to Piraeus Station (green line) and then take bus route 13 or 92. You can also take a tram from Syntagma Square. You may also walk north along Tositsa Street until you reach the small harbor. It’s just a few hundred meters from there.
If you’re planning on visiting Piraeus, then the Hellenic Maritime Museum is a must. It’s filled with hundreds of great ships and boat models that will transport you back in time to when Greece was the most advanced civilization in the world. It also makes for a great day trip from Athens.
Categorized in: About Piraeus, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
