Athens Museum of Cycladic Art
Discover the Athens Museum of Cycladic Art, home to world-famous prehistoric figurines & ancient Greek treasures in the stunning Neoclassical Stathatos Mansion.
In the elegant Athens neighborhood of Kolonaki, where the bustle of central Athens gives way to leafy streets and Neoclassical facades, stands the Museum of Cycladic Art. While Athens is often defined by the monumental scale of the Parthenon, this museum celebrates the beauty of the miniature and the abstract. It is home to one of the most important private collections of prehistoric art in the world, specifically focusing on the enigmatic marble figurines of the Cyclades islands.
The museum is a masterclass in how ancient history can feel strikingly modern. Its clean lines and minimalist presentation mirror the very artifacts it houses, creating an experience that feels less like a dusty archive and more like a contemporary art gallery.
History of the Athens Museum of Cycladic Art
The museum owes its existence to the vision of Nikolaos and Dolly Goulandris. In the early 1960s, the couple began collecting Greek antiquities with a particular fascination for the 3rd millennium BC culture of the Cyclades. At the time, these primitive marble idols were not as widely appreciated as Classical Greek statues, but the Goulandris couple recognized their unique aesthetic value.
As their collection grew, it gained international acclaim, eventually touring major institutions like the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. In 1981, following the death of Nikolaos, Dolly Goulandris established the Nicholas P. Goulandris Foundation. The museum officially opened its doors on January 26, 1986. Today, it has grown from a private passion project into a world-class institution dedicated to the study and promotion of Aegean and Cypriot civilizations.
Where Is the Athens Museum of Cycladic Art?
The museum is uniquely split between two distinct but interconnected buildings on Neophytou Douka Street, just a short walk from Syntagma Square and the National Garden.
1. The Main Building: Designed by architect Ioannis Vikelas in 1985, this modern structure features a facade of glass and white marble—materials synonymous with the Cyclades. It houses the permanent collections across four floors.
2. The Stathatos Mansion: One of Athens’ most beautiful Neoclassical landmarks, this 1895 mansion was designed by the Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller. Originally the home of Otto and Athena Stathatos, it now serves as the museum’s wing for temporary exhibitions. The two buildings are joined by a sleek, glass-roofed corridor that allows visitors to transition between the 19th and 20th centuries in a single walk.
What to See: The Permanent Collections
The museum is organized chronologically and thematically, leading visitors through the evolution of art in the Eastern Mediterranean.
1. Cycladic Art (The Star Attraction)
Located on the first floor, this is the museum’s heart. Here, you will find over 350 objects from the Early Cycladic period (3200–2000 BC).
• The Figurines: These are the world-famous idols—flat, marble figures with folded arms and tilted heads. Their lack of facial features (originally painted with bright colors) and abstract geometry famously inspired 20th-century masters like Picasso, Modigliani, and Brancusi.
• The Cup-bearer: One of the most famous pieces in the collection is a rare seated male figure holding a cup, a masterpiece of 3rd-millennium BC sculpture.
• The Dove Vase: A stunning marble plate adorned with 16 carved doves, representing the incredible craftsmanship of a society that worked without metal tools.
2. Ancient Greek Art: A History in Images
The second and fourth floors transition into the historical periods of Greece.
• Daily Life: The fourth floor is particularly engaging for families and casual history buffs. It uses artifacts to reconstruct ‘Scenes from Daily Life in Antiquity’, covering themes like marriage, childhood, athletics, and war.
• Technology and Trade: You can see intricate gold jewelry, bronze helmets, and both black- and red-figure vases that tell stories of gods and heroes while showcasing the technological leaps made in pottery and metallurgy.
3. Cypriot Antiquities
The third floor houses one of the largest collections of Cypriot art outside of Cyprus.
• Cultural Crossroads: Because Cyprus sat at the intersection of the Greek, Egyptian, and Near Eastern worlds, the art here is remarkably eclectic. Look for the unique plank-shaped terracotta figurines and the elaborate limestone sculptures that show a distinct blend of Eastern and Western styles.
Visiting the Athens Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art is designed to be accessible. Each floor features high-tech interactive screens that explain the social context of the items on display—how they were made, who used them, and why.
The Cycladic Café
No visit is complete without a stop at the museum’s café. Tucked away in the atrium of the main building, it’s an architectural gem in its own right. With a floating ceiling that allows natural light to filter through and walls of lush greenery, it offers a serene escape from the city. The menu focuses on modern Cycladic flavors, making it a perfect spot for a light lunch.
The Museum Shop
If you are looking for a souvenir that isn’t a plastic magnet, the museum shop is one of the best in Athens. It sells high-quality replicas of the Cycladic figurines made by master craftsmen, as well as contemporary jewelry and design objects inspired by ancient forms.
Why It Matters
The Athens Museum of Cycladic Art proves that old does not mean outdated. By focusing on the purity of form and the early roots of human creativity, it offers a bridge between the prehistoric past and modern aesthetic sensibilities. Whether you’re an art student or a curious traveler, the museum provides a quiet, profound space to reflect on the beginnings of Western art.
More Information
cycladic.gr
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