Acropolis Museum: Events with Free Admission for International Museum Day

Photo source: Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum in Athens will commemorate International Museum Day (IMD) on May 18 with free admission and a series of cultural events highlighting Greece’s rich history and traditions.

The festivities will continue until May 19, featuring presentations, guided tours of the museum’s exhibition halls, and mystery games for children, offering guests insight into both ancient Greek mythology and modern Greek folklore.

Since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has organized IMD annually to underscore the significance of museums as vital conduits of cultural exchange. This year’s theme centers on the pivotal role of museums in education and research for the development of society.

On Saturday, May 18, the museum will welcome visitors from 9 am to 8 pm, offering free entry throughout the day. Additionally, the restaurant on the second floor will remain open until midnight.

As is customary every Saturday morning, guests can participate in the gallery talk titled “Saturday in the Museum with 20+1 Masterpieces”. Led by archaeologists, this discussion unveils the fascinating stories behind 20+1 masterpieces.

“Myths, fables, folklore, historical milestones, and human stories transform into art, creating a captivating experience for visitors as they explore the museum’s galleries,” according to an announcement by the Acropolis Museum.

The Archaic Acropolis Gallery © Acropolis Museum. Photo Giorgos Vitsaropoulos.

The following day, Sunday, May 19, families with children aged 6–12 will have the chance to participate in a mystery game titled “A Mystery Asking for Its Solution”. An interactive experience, the game will see children take on the role of detectives tasked with solving a captivating mystery to save the Panathenaic Festival. Through role-playing, ancient Greek Panathenaea and the myth of the Giant’s Fight will “come to life” within the museum’s halls.

Each event has a duration of 90 minutes, and tickets are required for all participants. Registration can be completed online at www.events.theacropolismuseum.gr.

In recent news, the Acropolis Museum marked the anniversary of Lord Byron’s death with a symbolic exhibition exploring Lord Elgin’s controversial removal of the Parthenon sculptures.