Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art: A Journey Through Ancient Cycladic Culture

This museum is a must-visit when in Athens. It offers an excellent exhibit of ancient relics from Cycladic civilization, with interactive displays and well-documented descriptions. A hidden gem featuring a temporary exhibit in a historic house and a lovely café surrounded by plants near the gift shop. (It's advisable to book ahead if you want to avoid the lines; the café can get busy during peak hours). Great for children too, as there are descriptions tailored for them.

Admission to the permanent collection is 12€. Temporary exhibitions are an additional 6€. For families (2 adults + 3 kids), the total is 20€, but that applies only to the permanent collection. The museum is somewhat expensive. A revised pricing model around 8-10€ for the permanent exhibition and 4€ for the temporary exhibits would be more appropriate. The permanent collection spans 4 floors, but realistically it's only 3 as the last one is quite lackluster. The main levels are well designed except for most touchscreen devices that are poorly executed and not useful. The informative panels, however, are well-crafted, concise, and easy to read in both Greek and English. There's also a handy smartphone app available for guided audio tours.

If you're looking to learn about Greece's history for the first time, this museum should be your starting point. It boasts four floors dedicated to the history of Greece and its islands, meticulously maintained with interactive platforms and screens in various areas. Currently, there is a must-see exhibition highlighting the women of the Cyclades islands. Inside the museum, you'll find a café and a shop offering souvenirs and books. While booking in advance isn't necessary, tickets can be purchased online if preferred.

My experience at the Museum of Cycladic Art was fantastic, where each exhibition presented something unique. The "Scenes from Daily Life in Antiquity" exhibition stood out, vividly depicting ancient traditions and routines. The ancient Cypriot art section was particularly enlightening, offering valuable insights into Cyprus's cultural heritage. I found the Cycladic Art collection to be remarkably educational, showcasing the era's minimalist beauty. Although the exhibitions were exceptional, the coffee shop's quality and service could be enhanced. Improving this aspect could significantly elevate the overall experience. Overall, this museum is essential for art and history lovers. It's well-organized, informative, and a genuine delight to explore.

This museum feels like a small version of the 'national archaeology museum', catering to those who prefer not to read extensive texts or navigate large crowds. While it features a limited number of artifacts supported by videos, it seems more suitable for families with children. During my week in Athens, I visited the archaeology museum three times, and I must say the art and history there are unmatched compared to this smaller exhibition. The books and reproductions of Cycladic art in the museum shop also reflect items found in the national archaeology museum, which are not available here. Had I known this in advance, I might have skipped this visit. Additionally, the entrance fee of 18€ for such a small exhibition is quite high, likely the priciest museum entry I have experienced. The temporary exhibition focuses on women's roles throughout history, which I found commendable. However, there’s little emphasis on the amazonomachy and how the independent warrior women were oppressed by the patriarchal systems of ancient Greek ‘democracy’. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the archaeologists who worked under difficult conditions to make these pieces accessible to society. I hope they receive greater recognition and benefits from the steep ticket prices we pay to witness this human heritage they uncovered for us.