Goulandris Natural History Museum

The basics

Families and science buffs visiting Athens will want to stop by this museum dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the natural sciences and Greece’s unique habitats and wildlife. Founded by philanthropists Angelos and Niki Goulandris in 1965 and set in an elegant neo-classical building, the museum focuses particularly on endangered species, environmental issues, and ongoing scientific research. The botanic collection has more than 200,000 species documented, the Gaia Centre offers interactive displays demonstrating the evolution of the planet over billions of years, and life-size replicas of a number of animals and dinosaurs are a perennial favorite.

Things to know before you go

• Kids especially love the paleontology section and dinosaur models, a welcome break from the city’s ancient archeological sites.
• The museum has two indoor and outdoor cafés for a light snack or drink, as well as a gift shop with educational toys and science- and botany-themed art and souvenirs for adults.
• Set in Kifissia, a northeastern suburb of Athens, the museum offers a quiet respite from the more crowded attractions in the city center.
• The exhibition space, shop, and cafés are accessible to wheelchairs.

How to get there

Located on Levidou Street in the Kifissia suburb, the museum can be reached from the city center by bus to either Kifissia ISAPStation or Platanos Square. Otherwise, take a taxi directly from your hotel, train station, or major transport hubs in downtown Athens.

When to get there

The museum is open daily until mid-afternoon and offers a cool and quiet retreat from the capital’s more crowded monuments and museums. Explore the exhibits during the midday hours, when the heat and crowds at the Acropolis and other A-list sights are at their peak.

Athen’s Elegant Kifissia Neighborhood

Kifissia is one of the capital city’s most historic and beautiful residential neighborhoods, famous for its elegant villas and lush parks. Thick with upscale boutiques and excellent restaurants, this suburb of central Athens offers a break from the bustle of the city and cultural highlights like the Goulandris Natural History Museum, Mamush Gallery, and Kouvoutsakis Art Institute.