Fragmentary marble inscription from 185-184 BC found in Athens' Agora, related to Delphic Amphictyonic League reorganization

Epigraphical Museum

Epigraphical Museum Athens: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in central Athens, the Epigraphical Museum is the world’s largest museum devoted exclusively to ancient inscriptions. Established in 1885, it preserves, studies, and displays more than 14,000 artifacts—ranging from public decrees and treaties to funerary stelae and honorary monuments—offering direct insight into the language, society, and culture of ancient Greece and beyond. Housed in the neoclassical south wing of the National Archaeological Museum at 1 Tositsa Street, the museum features a thoughtfully curated visitor experience with accessible facilities, multilingual information, and ongoing digital initiatives to make its collections globally available (Epigraphical Museum Official Website; Greek News Agenda).

Whether you are a scholar, history enthusiast, or traveler, the Epigraphical Museum provides a unique window into the ancient world, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand Athens’ profound historical legacy (Wikipedia; Greeka.com).

Entrance of the Epigraphical Museum in Athens at the right wing of the Archaeological Museum

History and Significance
Collection Highlights
Visitor Information
Museum Layout and Exhibitions
Events and Educational Activities
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips and Accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
Sources and Further Reading

History and Significance

Founded by royal decree in 1885, the Epigraphical Museum was established to safeguard Greece’s epigraphic heritage. Its first director, Kyriakos Pittakis, began collecting inscriptions, particularly from the Acropolis and Athens. Over the decades, the museum expanded its holdings to include more than 14,000 inscriptions from Athens, Attica, Asia Minor, and beyond, spanning from the 8th century BCE through Byzantine times (official site; Greek News Agenda).

Significant renovations, including those led by architect Patroklos Karantinos (1953–1960) and later upgrades in the 1990s, have modernized the museum’s facilities. Today, it stands as a center for research, conservation, and education, supporting both public engagement and scholarly work (Wikipedia).

Collection Highlights

The Epigraphical Museum’s collection is renowned for its breadth and diversity:

Oldest Attic Inscription: The late 8th-century BCE stone from the Acropolis.
The Salaminian Decree: A 5th-century BCE inscription on the administration of Salamis.
Athenian Tribute Lists: Fragments recording payments by Delian League members.
Funerary Monuments: Stelae commemorating individuals, including Corinthians who fell at the Battle of Salamis.
Multilingual Inscriptions: Texts in Greek, Latin, Phoenician, Hebrew, and Ottoman Turkish, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan history.
Legal and Judicial Records: Laws, decrees, and court decisions illustrating the evolution of Greek law and governance (Greeka.com).

These artifacts provide direct evidence of ancient Greek life—political, religious, and everyday—making the museum a critical resource for understanding the foundations of Western civilization (Hellenic Ministry of Culture).

Visitor Information

Location

Address: 1 Tositsa Street, Athens, 10682, Greece
District: Exarcheia, adjacent to the National Archaeological Museum (athens.infotouch.gr)

Opening Hours

Wednesday to Monday: 08:30–15:30 (last entry 15 minutes before closing)
Tuesday: Closed
Seasonal hours may apply; check the official website for updates.

Tickets

April 1 – October 31: Full €10, Reduced €5
November 1 – March 31: Full €5, Reduced €2.50
Combined Museum Ticket: €15 (valid for three days, includes National Archaeological Museum, Epigraphical Museum, Numismatic Museum, Byzantine and Christian Museum)
Free Admission Days: International Museum Day and select national holidays (official website)

How to Get There

Metro: Victoria Station (Line 1), 10-minute walk
Bus: Several lines stop near the National Archaeological Museum
Taxi: Available throughout Athens
Parking: Limited street parking; paid lots recommended nearby (Google Maps)

Museum Layout and Exhibitions

The museum features four public galleries, a Pi-shaped hypostyle corridor, courtyards, and a lobby. Exhibits are organized by era and type:

Archaic and Classical Periods: Early Greek alphabet inscriptions, public decrees, treaties
Hellenistic and Roman Periods: Imperial edicts, honorary monuments, bilingual/multilingual texts
Funerary and Private Inscriptions: Tombstones, dedications, and epigrams

Information panels are in Greek and English, with ongoing efforts to expand digital and multilingual resources. Conservation labs and a specialized library support research and preservation (athens.infotouch.gr).

Events and Educational Activities

Special Exhibitions: Rotating shows on topics like the evolution of Greek writing and modern art inspired by inscriptions
Workshops and Lectures: Educational events for students and the public
Guided Tours: Private tours available in Greek and English by advance arrangement (epigraphicmuseum.gr)

Check the official website or call ahead for details on current events.

Nearby Attractions

National Archaeological Museum: World-class collection of Greek antiquities, located adjacent to the Epigraphical Museum
Numismatic Museum: Notable for its coin collections
Benaki Museum, National Gardens, Omonia Square: All within easy reach for a day of cultural exploration (whichmuseum.com)

Travel Tips and Accessibility

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators; accessible restrooms available
Facilities: Restrooms, cloakroom/lockers, seating, but no café (many options nearby)
Photography: Permitted without flash—check current policies at the entrance
Safety: Exarcheia is lively but can have demonstrations; keep an eye on belongings and avoid isolated areas after dark (thefoundrysuitesathens.com; athenstouristguide.com)

For those with mobility needs or special requirements, it’s advisable to contact the museum in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Epigraphical Museum visiting hours?
A: Open Wednesday to Monday, 08:30–15:30; closed on Tuesdays (official website).

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Tickets range from €2.50 (reduced in low season) to €10 (full price in high season); combined tickets available.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Private tours can be arranged in advance.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Generally allowed without flash; check current rules at entry.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Mornings are quieter; avoid peak crowds and enjoy a contemplative visit.

Contact Information

Address: 1 Tositsa Street, Athens, 10682, Greece
Phone: +30 210 8232950, 8847577
Email: [email protected]
Website: epigraphicmuseum.gr/en/

Conclusion

The Epigraphical Museum Athens is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil, scholarly atmosphere and a remarkable collection that brings the ancient world’s written record to life. Its modern amenities, accessibility, and engaging exhibitions make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the heritage of Athens and the evolution of Greek civilization.

Plan your visit by checking the latest updates on the museum’s official website. For an enriched experience, consider arranging a guided tour and exploring the nearby museums. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for audio guides and cultural insights, and follow the museum on social media for news and events.