Written by
The Heloni Team
|
today
Every year on May 18, museums around the world celebrate International Museum Day, giving visitors the opportunity to rediscover culture, history, and art through free events and special activities. But today, museums are much more than places that preserve the past — they are vibrant social spaces where people can meet, exchange ideas, listen to music, participate in workshops, and experience culture in new and interactive ways.
The theme of this year’s International Museum Day is “Museums Unite the World.” In a time marked by division and uncertainty, museums continue to act as bridges between people, cultures, and generations, promoting dialogue, inclusion, creativity, and peaceful coexistence.
Across Athens and Attica, museums are celebrating with free admission, guided tours, concerts, performances, workshops, and immersive experiences. Here are some of the most interesting events taking place this year:
Free Admission at the National Gallery
Visitors will have the chance to explore the impressive collections of modern Greek art and the special exhibition dedicated to the Russian Avant-Garde with free admission on May 18. The National Gallery will also organize activities focused on inclusion and accessibility, including tactile tours for visitors with visual impairments and family-friendly experiences.
Behind the Scenes Tour at the National Glyptotheque
On May 17, the National Glyptotheque invites visitors to discover the hidden world of sculpture conservation. This unique guided tour explores how sculptures are affected by climate conditions, how conservators protect them over time, and the techniques used in restoration and preservation. The event will also include sign language interpretation.
A Sensory Experience at the Museum of Cycladic Art
One of the most original events of this year’s celebration takes place at the Museum of Cycladic Art. Visitors will explore the exhibitions not through traditional guided tours, but through breathing exercises, sound experimentation, vocal improvisation, and sensory interaction. Inspired by ancient memories and human expression, this immersive activity offers a completely different way of experiencing art.
Piano Recitals at the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum joins the Piano City Athens festival with special piano recitals by internationally awarded pianist Manos Kitsikopoulos. Surrounded by the museum’s stunning collection of Archaic sculptures, visitors can enjoy live music performances while exploring one of Athens’ most iconic cultural landmarks.
Collective Knitting at EMST
The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) transforms into an open creative workshop where visitors of all ages are invited to knit together, exchange stories, and connect through collective creativity. This participatory event highlights the museum’s role as a living social space that encourages interaction and community.
Space Debris & Climate Awareness at the Goulandris Natural History Museum
The Goulandris Natural History Museum in Kifisia combines science, technology, and environmental awareness with free educational dome screenings about space debris and the impact of human activity beyond Earth. Visitors can also explore the museum’s fascinating zoology and geology collections.
Art & Migration at the Goulandris Foundation
At the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, special guided tours will focus on artists such as Van Gogh, El Greco, and Max Ernst, exploring how migration, travel, and cultural exchange influenced their artistic identity and creative expression.
Traditional Greek Celebration at the Museum of Modern Greek Culture
In the historic neighborhood of Plaka, the Museum of Modern Greek Culture hosts a traditional music celebration featuring the choir “Perperouna.” Visitors can enjoy folk songs from across Greece and the Mediterranean inside one of Athens’ most atmospheric museum settings.
Stories from the Port at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus offers thematic tours focusing on the hidden stories behind its exhibits, revealing fascinating details about the history, everyday life, and secrets of the ancient port city.
International Museum Day is the perfect opportunity to experience Athens beyond its landmarks and discover the city through culture, creativity, and human connection. For guests staying at Heloni Apartments, these events offer a wonderful way to combine relaxation with authentic cultural experiences and explore the vibrant artistic spirit of Greece.