What makes it 70% Kids-Friendly: Free admission, scavenger-style trail cards, occasional workshops and safe gardens engage 6-12s, but no play zone and fragile exhibits limit fun after roughly an hour.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 2-3 hours is enough for a family to explore exhibits and enjoy garden breaks without tiring younger children.
Family Trail Cards:
Grab free picture-based trail cards at the entrance to help kids spot details in icons and mosaics.
Tip: Ask staff for the English version and guide children to mark fun finds.
Villa Ilissia Gardens:
Let kids explore themed garden areas like the Well-Cistern and River Ilissos.
Tip: Plan garden breaks between gallery stops to let kids run and rest.
Educational Workshops:
Join free storytelling sessions or art workshops for families (advance booking required).
Tip: Email edu.bma@culture.gr at least a week ahead to secure spots.
Ilissia Café-Bistro:
Enjoy light Greek snacks and shaded seating in the museum courtyard.
Tip: Order a yogurt with fruit for kids and grab high chairs from staff.
Souvenir Art Project:
Pick up postcards or icon reproductions from the shop.
Tip: Buy a few low-cost prints (€2–€5) for a post-visit craft session at home.

Steven dos Remedios
This is a world class museum for fans of Byzantine and early Christian artifacts. Their collection of icons is superb and they are presented in chronological order which reveals changes in pigments and techniques. There are several rare depictions of Mary nursing Jesus.
Michał Michał
Must-visit place to understand Athens not only from an ancient perspective. Suprisingly a big collection even thou Thessaloniki were more important for Byzantine Empire. Again not a fan of Greece's museum policies. I'm trying to respect the fact these things may still be read in a religious context but discussion with a security guard only because back of my wifes head appeared in a corner of a p...
JJ G
I was surprised to learn that when it became the capital of the newly-independent Greek state in 1934, Athens only had 700 inhabitants. Villa Ilissia, built for the Duchess of Plaisance, was one of the first buildings to be built in the new capital. Villa Ilissia now houses the Byzantine and Christian Museum, which traces the history of the Byzantine Empire from its founding to its fall in 1453. ...
George Syros
These halls display how the middle ages were far from dark in the eastern Mediterranean. The collection is largely ecclesiastical, as the various invaders of the empire left little else untouched. Nevertheless, the coin collection with the chronological depiction / succession of emperors is quite impressive. Wonderful building with a pleasant courtyard and a café-restaurant that could be an attrac...
CJW
Beautifully presented museum with very well displayed pieces. Some good explainers accompanying the works and all presented in chronological order as you make your way through the museum. Highly recommended for anyone of a curious mind (me) but with limited knowledge of the period (also me) but it informed and educated really well.
During summer, start early to enjoy cooler morning garden visits and rest in shaded cafés. In winter, mid-afternoon visits are less crowded and gallery temperatures are comfortable.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult admission tickets | EUR 16 |
| Café snacks and drinks | EUR 30 |
| Souvenir prints | EUR 12 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 58 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athina 106 75, Greece
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