From Rome to Berlin to Athens, these ten essential museums offer captivating collections that unveil the mysteries of the ancient world.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, recounting the story of ancient Greece
A must-visit when in Athens! Situated in the Exártxeia neighborhood, the National Archaeological Museum Houses the globe's biggest assortment of artifacts from ancient Greece. Spanning an area of 8,000 square meters for exhibitions, this museum guides guests through time, illustrating the progression of Greek art and culture from early pre-Hellenic civilizations up until the Roman period. It features an extensive array of Cycladic artworks, notable classical bronzes like the Artemision Poseidon statue, along with the intriguing funeral mask of Agamemnon found in Mycenae back in 1876; despite being incorrectly linked to the mythical Achaean king who appears prominently within tales of Troy.
National Archaeological Museum, Athens
28is Oktovriou 44
10682 Athens
The British Museum, an internationally renowned exploration of ancient civilizations
The British Museum in London Boasts an extensive archaeological collection spanning from ancient Egypt to the civilizations of Mesopotamia. Among these highlights are iconic artifacts like the renowned Rosetta Stone, crucial for decoding Egyptian hieroglyphics, along with approximately two-thirds of the Parthenon frieze. Aimed at "human history and culture," the British Museum's exhibits overflow with global treasures, ensuring it remains essential for enthusiasts of archaeology. Additionally, the esteemed British establishment regularly hosts top-notch temporary displays covering subjects ranging from Roman combatants in Britain to the riches of Assyrian heritage.
British Museum Great Russell Street
WC1B 3DG London
Exploring the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, tracing the legacy of the Roman Empire
Spanning across more than 12,000 square meters of exhibit area, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples houses an impressive array of artifacts retrieved from Pompeii and Herculaneum, along with an extensive assortment of sculptures once owned by the prominent Italian art-collecting Farnese family. Located on the first and second levels, the frescoes, mosaics, and statues originating from Pompeii and Herculaneum offer a captivating glimpse into the everyday lives of ancient Romans during those times: every chamber narrates part of the tale of the excavation projects conducted in the cities engulfed by Mount Vesuvius and details the preservation process undergone by these relics following their subterranean burial spanning hundreds of years.
National Archaeological Museum of Naples
Piazza Museo, 19
80135 Naples
www.museoarcheologiconapoli.it/
The Louvre, embodying the grandeur of ancient civilizations
The Louvre Museum in Paris It houses one of the globe's most extensive accumulations of ancient art and archaeological artifacts. This institution gained particular recognition for its section dedicated to Egyptian relics, where an opulently stocked exhibit provides visitors with a complete experience of Ancient Egypt: grandiose coffins, millennia-old scrolls, exceptionally conserved sculptures like the renowned Seated Scribe, along with common daily items are showcased. Additionally, the Museum’s Department of Near Eastern Antiquities spans approximately 8,000 years of history from the Middle East and Northern Africa, whereas its Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities encompasses the whole region around the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting numerous extraordinary treasures.
Louvre Museum Rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
The Acropolis Museum, a treasure trove of masterworks from Greek antiquity.
This is Athens Another significant archaeological museum that also serves as a tribute to ancient Greece. Located in a contemporary structure at the base of the Acropolis, this museum stands out. Acropolis Museum The exhibition showcases sculptures and artifacts taken from the Parthenon Temple and various structures atop the sacred hill. Notable among these are the renowned Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheion, roughly one-third of the grandiose Parthenon Frieze, along with less familiar remnants housed within the Archaic Gallery. Visitors on the lower level get a view beneath their feet via the transparent flooring, revealing fragments of old Athenian ruins and foundational elements dating back to as far as the late Neolithic era (circa 3000 BC). Additionally, panoramic views of the Acropolis are visible through the glass panels.
Acropolis Museum Dionysiou Areopagitou 15
11742 Athens
The Neues Museum, housing ancient Egyptian artifacts in Berlin
The Neues Museum in Berlin features two primary exhibitions: the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Prehistory. Among these, the Egyptian section stands out due to its exquisite artifacts such as intricately carved statues, coffins, and jewelry, making it one of the continent’s premier collections. Notable highlights include the highly lifelike Berlin Green Head from around 300 BC, which exemplifies advanced craftsmanship at the end of the Egyptian era, along with Queen Nefertiti’s renowned bust—one of the globe’s iconic sculptural works. Beyond just housing priceless relics, visiting this museum also means experiencing an architectural marvel constructed classically between 1843 and 1855; however, significant damage occurred during wartime conflicts, leaving it derelict until after reunification when extensive restoration led to reopening in 2009. Despite thorough renovations, remnants of historical devastation remain visible within the structure, offering visitors a poignant backdrop against which history comes alive.
Of particular note next to the Neues Museum the On Museum Island, the Pergamonmuseum stands out as a key attraction for those interested in archaeology within Berlin. As of October 23, 2023, however, this structure has been entirely off-limits to visitors as part of an extensive renovation initiative. Scheduled to return in 2027 are the central portion featuring the Pergamon Hall and the Hellenistic Hall, along with the north wing housing the Museum of Islamic Art. Meanwhile, plans include reopening the southern area and adding a recently constructed fourth wing. remain inacessible until 2037.
Neues Museum Bodestraße 1-3
10178 Berlin
www.smb.museum/museen-und-einrichtungen/neues-museum/
The Capitoline Museums, repositories of ancient Rome's heritage
Located on Rome's Capitoline Hill and the Square, Capitoline Museums The house boasts an outstanding collection related to the history of ancient Rome, along with a extensive art gallery. These collections are regarded as some of the finest. oldest public museum Around the globe, this institution was established in 1734. It houses renowned statues like the celebrated Capitoline Wolf and the captivating Capitoline Venus, along with various ancient bronze pieces and many classic artworks. This location offers an intriguing exploration into the roots of Roman civilization.
Musei Capitolini Piazza del Campidoglio 1
00186 Rome
The National Archaeology Museum in Madrid showcases the marvels of the Iberian Peninsula.
In Madrid The National Archaeology Museum showcases artifacts unearthed across the entire Iberian Peninsula, charting Spain’s historical journey back to prehistoric eras. This includes items from pre-Roman indigenous societies like the Iberians and their renowned figure, the Lady of Elche, along with treasures from Al-Andalus, religious relics from the Christian realms, and more. Additionally, the collection features notable Roman-era objects alongside select Egyptian and Greek artworks. Its extensive holdings make this institution an essential site for delving into both Spanish antiquity and broader Mediterranean histories. Special attention has been paid to curating these displays through carefully designed thematic pathways aimed at illuminating the progression of various Iberian civilizations.
Museo Arqueológico Nacional Calle de Serrano, 13
28001 Madrid
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum, situated at the intersection of civilizations,
Consisting of three locations — the primary Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum of Islamic Art — this ensemble offers a comprehensive experience. Istanbul The Archaeological Museum offers an intriguing journey into the past of this city situated between East and West. Its exhibits span various periods, including artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Sumeria and Babylonia through to Rome and Byzantium. Among the highlights are the remarkably intact sarcophagus attributed to Alexander the Great and remnants from legendary Troy. Additionally, the museum stands out for its extensive collection related to Ottoman archaeology, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of that time period.
İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzesi Cankurtaran
Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu
34122 Istanbul
The Egyptian Museum of Turin, keeper of the Nile's secrets
Home to one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts globally, Turin's Egyptian Museum offers an intriguing journey through the era of pharaohs. Exhibits such as sculptures, scrolls, preserved remains, memorials, and daily-use items narrate millennia of civilization along the Nile River. Among the highlights are approximately two dozen royal statues showcased in the King's Gallery and the Tomb of Architect Kha discovered within the Valley of Noblemen. Notably striking are the sarcophagi belonging to Queen Nefertari and Princess Butehamun, showcasing meticulous efforts made to safeguard the riches of Pharaonic Egypt.
Museo Egizio Through Accademia delle Scienze Street, Number 6
10123 Turin