Location: Neofytou Douka 4, Kolonaki, Athens
Tel. 210 722
8321
Tram train: 3, 7
Open: 10am- 5pm Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat,
10am- 8pm Thu, 11am- 5pm Sun
Closed: public holidays
www.cycladic.gr
The Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens, Greece, is a world-renowned cultural institution dedicated to the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus, with a particular focus on Cycladic art from the 3rd millennium BC. Founded in 1986 by the Nicholas P. Goulandris Foundation, it houses one of the most comprehensive private collections of Cycladic antiquities, alongside significant artifacts from ancient Greek and Cypriot civilizations. Located in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood, the museum is celebrated for its elegant displays, architectural harmony, and its role in bridging ancient and modern artistic traditions.
The Museum of Cycladic Art was established to preserve and showcase
the private collection of Nicholas (d. 1983) and Dolly Goulandris
(1921–2008), prominent members of a Greek shipping family with a passion
for preserving Greek cultural heritage. Beginning in the 1960s, the
couple amassed a remarkable collection of Cycladic, Greek, and Cypriot
artifacts, with a special emphasis on the minimalist marble figurines of
the Cycladic culture. Their collection, initially displayed in
international museums, grew significantly, prompting the creation of a
permanent home in Athens. The museum opened to the public on January 26,
1986, under the auspices of the Nicholas P. Goulandris Foundation, a
non-profit organization, and operates under the supervision of the
Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports.
The museum’s mission
extends beyond preservation to education and cultural dialogue,
promoting the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean
while exploring connections between ancient and modern art. Since its
inception, the collection has expanded through acquisitions and
donations, such as the Karlos Politis collection in 1989, and now
includes over 3,000 artifacts spanning from the 4th millennium BC to the
6th century AD.
The Museum of Cycladic Art is housed in two interconnected buildings
in central Athens, blending modern and neoclassical architectural styles
to create a sophisticated and visitor-friendly environment:
Main
Building (4 Neophytou Douka Street)
Design: Constructed in 1985 by
Greek architect Ioannis Vikelas, the main building is a modern,
four-story structure with a reflective glass facade inspired by
international museum typologies. The facade, redesigned by Kois
Associated Architects in 2013, features vertical elements reminiscent of
Cycladic rock formations, balancing transparency, privacy, and natural
light control. The design enhances the building’s permeability, visually
connecting the street to the interior.
Interior: The ground floor
houses a spacious atrium with lush vegetation, creating an “oasis” in
the urban setting. This area includes the Cycladic Café and the museum
shop. The upper floors (1–4) host the permanent collections, accessible
via elevators, with exhibition spaces designed for optimal artifact
display and visitor flow. The galleries are well-lit, with bilingual
(Greek and English) descriptions and QR codes for self-guided tours.
Accessibility: A wheelchair ramp at the main entrance and elevators
ensure access for visitors with disabilities. Guide and assistance dogs
are permitted throughout the museum.
Stathatos Mansion (1
Irodotou & Vasilissis Sofias Avenue)
Design: Acquired in 1991, this
neoclassical mansion, built in 1895 by Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller,
is one of Athens’ finest examples of 19th-century architecture. Designed
for shipowner Othon Stathatos, it features a porticoed entrance, roof
statuary, and an elegant atrium. The mansion’s historical charm
contrasts with the modern main building, adding to the museum’s
aesthetic diversity.
Function: The Stathatos Mansion hosts temporary
exhibitions, focusing on archaeology, modern, and contemporary art. Its
grand interiors provide a fitting backdrop for high-profile shows
featuring artists like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Ai Weiwei.
Connection: A glass-roofed corridor links the mansion to the main
building, creating a seamless transition between the permanent and
temporary exhibition spaces. This passageway enhances the visitor
experience by integrating the two architectural styles.
The museum’s
architectural duality—modern functionality paired with neoclassical
elegance—reflects its mission to connect ancient heritage with
contemporary cultural expression. The Cycladic Café, renovated by Kois
Architects with a floating ceiling-sculpture by Stelios Kois and
lighting by Eleftheria Deko, further enhances the atrium’s ambiance,
offering a serene space inspired by Cycladic aesthetics.
The Museum of Cycladic Art’s permanent collections, comprising over
3,000 artifacts, are organized thematically across four floors in the
main building, covering Cycladic, ancient Greek, and Cypriot cultures
from the 4th millennium BC to the 6th century AD. The displays are
accompanied by bilingual texts, 3D models, and audiovisual
presentations, making the collections accessible and engaging. Below is
a detailed overview of each floor’s focus:
First Floor: Cycladic
Culture (3200–2000 BC)
Overview: The centerpiece of the museum, this
floor features over 350 artifacts from the Early Cycladic Periods
(I–III, ca. 3200–2000 BC), unearthed from islands like Naxos, Amorgos,
Andros, and Thera (Santorini). The collection is renowned for its marble
figurines, celebrated for their minimalist, near-modern aesthetic, which
influenced 20th-century artists like Picasso, Modigliani, and Henry
Moore.
Key Artifacts:
Marble Figurines: These iconic, abstract
statues (mostly female, some male) range from small (a few centimeters)
to near-human size. Notable examples include a 1.4-meter female figurine
(the second-tallest known) and a schematic, spade-shaped figurine from
the Early Cycladic I Period (ca. 3200 BC). Their smooth surfaces and
harmonious proportions exemplify Cycladic artistry.
“Treasure from
Keros”: A collection of figurines and vessels from the island of Keros
(ca. 2800–2300 BC), highlighting the richness of Cycladic burial
practices.
Vase Pigeon: A rare poppet valve with sculpted birds, one
of the most complete examples of its kind, showcasing Cycladic ceramic
techniques.
Tools and Vessels: Made of marble, clay, bronze, and
obsidian, these include utensils, jewelry, and weapons, reflecting daily
life and trade in the Early Bronze Age.
Significance: The figurines’
simplicity and elegance have made them global icons, offering insights
into Cycladic society, possibly used in funerary or religious contexts.
The collection is among the world’s most significant, rivaling that of
the National Archaeological Museum.
Second Floor: Ancient Greek
Art (2000 BC–4th Century AD)
Overview: This gallery displays nearly
400 artifacts from the Greek Bronze Age to the Roman period, organized
thematically around gods, heroes, and human experiences. It includes
vases, figurines, and weapons, with a focus on their cultural and
artistic evolution.
Key Artifacts:
Large Attic Pyxis (760–750
BC): A geometric-style vase with a lid crowned by four horse figurines,
possibly symbolizing the elite Hippeis (Knights) class. Found in
aristocratic graves, it features intricate motifs and fastening holes.
Corinthian Helmets (Early 7th–Early 6th Century BC): Three
well-preserved helmets showcasing Greek warfare technology and artistry.
Red-Figure Pottery: Developed in Athens around 520 BC, this style
features red figures on a black background, dominant until the 3rd
century BC. Vessels depict mythological and daily scenes.
Themes: The
exhibit covers gods and heroes (e.g., Olympian deities, legendary
figures), Eros (love and desire), the world of women, men, and the
underworld, providing a comprehensive view of Greek cultural values.
Third Floor: Cypriot Antiquities (4th Millennium BC–Medieval Period)
Overview: One of the world’s most important collections of Cypriot art,
this floor features artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman and
early medieval periods. It highlights Cyprus’ role as a cultural
crossroads in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Key Artifacts: Includes
pottery, figurines, and metalwork, such as bronze tools and terracotta
statues, reflecting Cyprus’ interactions with Egypt, the Levant, and
Greece. The collection is less familiar to visitors but offers unique
insights into Cypriot craftsmanship.
Significance: The Cypriot
collection underscores the museum’s commitment to broader Aegean and
Mediterranean cultures, showcasing Cyprus’ distinct artistic traditions.
Fourth Floor: Scenes from Daily Life in Antiquity
Overview: This
gallery, part of the Ancient Greek Art exhibit, focuses on the daily
lives of ancient Athenians, with around 150 artifacts (vases, figurines,
tools) displayed in photo recreations of ancient scenes. It covers the
2nd millennium BC to the 4th century AD.
Key Themes:
Gods and
Heroes: Vessels and figurines depict Olympian gods and legendary
figures, reflecting religious and cultural narratives.
Wedding
Preparations: Artifacts illustrate Athenian wedding customs during the
month of Gamelion, including bride dedications to Artemis and sacrifices
to marriage gods.
Daily Activities: Tools, jewelry, and pottery
reveal aspects of work, leisure, and burial customs, enhanced by two
audiovisual presentations on everyday life and funerary practices.
Significance: The exhibit’s immersive approach, with photo recreations
and detailed narratives, makes ancient Greek life accessible and
relatable to modern visitors.
Additional Notes
Donations: The
Karlos Politis collection, donated in 1989, enriched the fourth floor
with figurines from Keros, while other acquisitions have expanded the
museum’s scope.
3D Exploration: Select artifacts, such as Cycladic
figurines, are available for 3D viewing on the museum’s website,
enhancing accessibility.
Influence: The Cycladic figurines’
minimalist aesthetic has inspired modern artists, designers, and fashion
trends, underscoring their timeless appeal.
The Museum of Cycladic Art is renowned for its dynamic temporary
exhibitions, hosted in the Stathatos Mansion, which explore connections
between ancient cultures and modern/contemporary art. These exhibitions
aim to familiarize the public with 20th- and 21st-century artists while
highlighting the influence of Cycladic and Greek art. Notable past
exhibitions include:
Salvador Dalí: Myth and Singularity
(2002–2003)
Caravaggio and the 17th Century (2006)
El Greco and
His Workshop (2007–2008)
Louise Bourgeois: Personages (2010)
Ai
Weiwei (2016)
Cy Twombly and Greek Antiquity (2017, part of the
Divine Dialogues series)
Cindy Sherman at Cycladic: Early Works
(May–November 2024)
Current and upcoming exhibitions include:
Marlene Dumas: Cycladic Blues (until November 2, 2025): A contemporary
art show exploring themes inspired by Cycladic aesthetics.
Cycladic
Café Art Project: Stefania Strouza (May 28, 2025–June 30, 2025): An art
installation in the café space.
Cycladites: Stories of Women of the
Cyclades: A special exhibition featuring artifacts not typically in the
permanent collection, focusing on women’s roles in Cycladic society.
These exhibitions, often featuring artists like Pablo Picasso, Jannis
Kounellis, and Sarah Lucas, underscore the museum’s role as a cultural
bridge, drawing parallels between ancient simplicity and modern
abstraction.
The Museum of Cycladic Art is a dynamic institution with profound
cultural and educational impact:
Preservation of Cycladic
Heritage: It houses one of the world’s most significant collections of
Cycladic art, described by The New York Times as “one of the world’s
most significant privately assembled collections of Cycladic
antiquities.” Its focus on the Early Cycladic Period (3200–2000 BC)
illuminates a protohistoric culture that predates Classical Greece,
offering insights into early Aegean society.
Artistic Influence: The
Cycladic figurines’ minimalist forms have profoundly influenced modern
art, inspiring figures like Henry Moore and Constantin Brâncuși. The
museum’s exhibitions highlight these connections, fostering dialogue
between ancient and contemporary creativity.
Educational Programs:
The museum offers workshops, guided tours, and family-friendly
activities, including a family kit (€20, covering two adults and up to
three children) with unique self-guided experiences. These programs are
popular with schools and families, making the museum accessible to
younger audiences.
Cultural Hub: Located in Kolonaki, a vibrant
neighborhood, the museum is part of Athens’ “Museum Mile,” alongside the
Benaki Museum, Byzantine and Christian Museum, and Athens War Museum.
Its café and shop enhance its role as a social and cultural meeting
point.
Global Reach: The Goulandris collection has been exhibited
worldwide, and collaborations, such as with The Metropolitan Museum of
Art for the Leonard N. Stern Collection, underscore the museum’s
international influence.
The museum’s compact size—compared to larger
institutions like the National Archaeological Museum—allows for a
focused, manageable visit, ideal for those with specific interests in
Cycladic art or limited time. However, its high-quality exhibits and
curatorial excellence make it a must-visit for history buffs, art
lovers, and casual tourists alike.
Location: 4 Neophytou Douka Street (Main Building) and 1 Irodotou &
Vasilissis Sofias Avenue (Stathatos Mansion), Kolonaki, Athens 106 74.
The museum is a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square and 3 minutes from
Filikis Etairias Square.
Access:
Metro: Evangelismos (Line 3, 500m
away) or Syntagma (Lines 2 and 3, 600m away).
Bus: “Vyzantino Mouseio
- Rigilli” stop (lines 3, 203, 211, 214, 220, 221, 224, 235, 608, 622,
815, A5, E14, X95).
Private Transfers: Pre-booked taxis via (0030)
18288, (0030) 18222, or (0030) 18180.
Parking: No on-site parking;
nearby private lots include Ipsilantou 20 Garage, Polis Park, Lemos
Parking, and Parking 14 Filikis Etairias Square.
Hours (as of
September 2024):
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM–5:00
PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closed:
Tuesdays, January 1, Clean Monday, March 25, Easter Sunday and Monday,
May 1, Holy Spirit Monday, August 15, December 25–26.
Last entry: 15
minutes before closing.
Admission (as of September 2024):
Adults
(27–64): €12 (permanent exhibitions only)
Seniors (65+), students
(19–26): €9
Children (under 18), visitors with disabilities and their
companion, Greek unemployed citizens, archaeology/art history students,
Ministry of Culture employees, ICOM/ICOMOS members, journalists, tour
guides: Free
Family kit (2 adults, up to 3 children): €20
Prices
for temporary exhibitions may vary; check the museum website.
Tickets: Available online or on-site. Electronic tickets and
credit/debit card payments are encouraged to reduce paper waste. The
Athens Spotlighted Card offers discounts.
Amenities:
Cycladic
Café: Offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and desserts inspired by Cycladic
flavors, set in a garden-like atrium with natural light. Open during
museum hours, accessible without a ticket.
Cycladic Shop: Features
high-quality replicas of Cycladic figurines, jewelry, and homeware by
Greek and international designers, inspired by ancient art. The shop is
noted for its curated selection and safe packaging for travel.
Accessible without a ticket and via an e-shop.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary
Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.
Rules:
Photography
without flash or tripod is permitted for non-commercial purposes;
video/recording is prohibited. Share photos on Instagram
(@cycladic_museum) or Facebook (@CycladicArtMuseum).
Do not touch
artifacts to avoid damage from natural oils. Use provided bins and
respect “no flash” signs.
Face coverings are optional but
recommended.
Visiting Tips:
Visit between October and April to
avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more local atmosphere.
Allow 1–2 hours
for a standard visit; guided tours typically last 1–2 hours.
Start on
the fourth floor and work downward, ending with the Cycladic collection,
as recommended by reviewers for its impact.
Combine with nearby
attractions like the Benaki Museum (222m), Byzantine and Christian
Museum (168m), or National Garden (486m).
Use QR codes for additional
artifact information during self-guided tours.
The museum can get
crowded in peak seasons, so book tickets online to skip queues.
The Museum of Cycladic Art faces several challenges:
Crowding:
During peak tourist seasons, the museum’s compact size can feel crowded,
impacting the viewing experience.
Cost Perception: Some
visitors find the €12 admission fee high compared to other Athens
museums, though the unique collection is widely seen as justifying the
cost.
Preservation: The delicate nature of Cycladic marble figurines
and other artifacts requires strict conservation measures, including
controlled lighting and no-touch policies.
Urban Context: The
museum’s location in a dense urban area with limited public space poses
challenges for accessibility and parking. The facade redesign by Kois
Architects addressed this by increasing street-level engagement.
The
museum mitigates these through rigorous security (cameras monitor
exhibits), advanced ventilation systems, and ongoing collaborations with
institutions like the Greek Ministry of Culture and The Metropolitan
Museum of Art for research and preservation.