Athens - Benaki Museum 
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The Benáki Museum is based on the rich private collections of Antonios Benáki, who lived in Cairo and collected Greek, Turkish and Chinese treasures. Of particular interest is the Greek gold jewelry, mainly from Thessalia.
Favorite motifs are Aphrodite and Eros, as well as the Knot of Heracles.
There is an interesting collection of jewelry from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods.
Favorite motifs are Aphrodite and Eros, as well as the Knot of Heracles.
There is an interesting collection of jewelry from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Mention should also be made of exhibits from early Christian Egypt, especially the Coptic robes. There are a number of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, including a 14th C. representation of Abraham and a 15th C. picture of Demetrius, and one by El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopulos) depicting the Magi.
Also exhibited is ceramic work from Asia Minor. Most impressive are Chinese vases and figures from the Tang dynasty.
Craftwork, including costumes and carvings, from several Greek provinces are on display in the basement; there, too, is a copy of a reception room from the house of a nobleman in Kozáni in the 18th C. Brauron (modern Greek Vrávron or Vráona).
Address:
Benaki Museum, Koumbari Street & Vas. Sofias Avenue, 10674 Athéna, Greece
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun: 9am-3pm; Closed: Tue
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian, Good Friday - Christian
Tips: Admission is free on Thursday except for groups.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Interpretive sessions sometimes available.
Facilities: Gift shop
Transit: Bus: 023, 234; Trolleybus: 3, 7, 8, 13 (L. Vass. Sofias).
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