Athens is one of the oldest private museum in Greece - Benaki Museum. It was founded in 1930 by Antonis Benakis after his father Emmanuel Benakis. The museum is located in a family mansion of neoclassical style, which was built back in 1867. In April 1931 the museum was opened to the public.

His collection, which became the foundation of the museum, Antonis Benakis collecting for 35 years and passed the state with the condition that it will be exhibited in the museum. He was the head of the museum until his death in 1954.

The museum has exhibits that cover the period from prehistoric times to the present day. In addition to the extensive collections of Greek art, the museum also has a large collection of Asian art. Initially, the collection of exhibits of Islamic art, china and toys were presented in a separate section of the museum. In 2000, after the global restoration, it was established museums satellites dedicated to specific topics, such as the Museum of Islamic Art in Ceramics, Gallery Nikos Hadzikiriakosa - Ghica, the famous Greek artist, in Kolonaki, a separate exhibition of the collection of children's toys, etc. This allowed the main museum to focus on Greek culture.

The museum features a variety of exhibits of Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts related to the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, the product early Hellenistic period. Ceramics, metal and wood, old icons and church vessels, gold jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculptures, engravings and other entertaining artifacts allow the visitor to take a journey into the world of ancient Greece and to trace its history to the present day. The museum presents the work of the Greek artist El Greco.

The museum has its own restoration and conservation workshops, a library, regularly traveling exhibitions.

On the roof is a cozy cafe. From there, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Athens.