The Ark of Modern Greece
The National Historical Museum is permanently housed in the iconic Old Parliament building on Stadiou Street. It focuses on the history of modern Greece, covering a broad time period: from the Fall of Constantinople (1453) and the era of Ottoman and Frankish rule, to the Greek Revolution of 1821, the creation of the independent state, and the Greco-Italian War of 1940.
The museum was founded in 1884 by the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece. Its operation was directly associated with the "Exhibition of Monuments of the Holy Struggle", with families of fighters and government bodies donating valuable artifacts to form the core of the collections. Also worthy of note is the history of its location: it initially operated at the National Technical University of Athens, while during World War II the collections were packaged and stored underground for safety. After the war, it was temporarily housed on Vasilissis Amalias Street before being permanently relocated to the Old Parliament Building in 1962.
Visitors to the permanent exhibition can explore a collection of weapons, flags, personal items of historical figures, documents, and works of art. The collection has been enriched with significant folklore materials, including traditional costumes, household items, tools, and examples of modern Greek craftsmanship. The museum has extended its activities to the island of Hydra with two important branches: the Historic Residence of Lazaros Koundouriotis, which opened in 2001, and the Home & Studio of painter and academic Panagiotis Tetsis.
The Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece, established in 1882 by prominent figures in literature and the arts, remains the heart of the museum. Its purpose is to preserve and showcase documents of national heritage, while also maintaining an archive and library, and publishing a scientific journal featuring historical studies.
Founding and History
The museum was founded in 1884 by the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece. Its operation was directly associated with the "Exhibition of Monuments of the Holy Struggle", with families of fighters and government bodies donating valuable artifacts to form the core of the collections. Also worthy of note is the history of its location: it initially operated at the National Technical University of Athens, while during World War II the collections were packaged and stored underground for safety. After the war, it was temporarily housed on Vasilissis Amalias Street before being permanently relocated to the Old Parliament Building in 1962.
The Collections and Branches
Visitors to the permanent exhibition can explore a collection of weapons, flags, personal items of historical figures, documents, and works of art. The collection has been enriched with significant folklore materials, including traditional costumes, household items, tools, and examples of modern Greek craftsmanship. The museum has extended its activities to the island of Hydra with two important branches: the Historic Residence of Lazaros Koundouriotis, which opened in 2001, and the Home & Studio of painter and academic Panagiotis Tetsis.
The Historical and Ethnological Society
The Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece, established in 1882 by prominent figures in literature and the arts, remains the heart of the museum. Its purpose is to preserve and showcase documents of national heritage, while also maintaining an archive and library, and publishing a scientific journal featuring historical studies.
