Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos

The museum was founded in 1909 thanks to the donation of the benefactor Alexandros Athanasakis, and it is one of the oldest archaeological museums in Greece. The building is of neoclassical style, excellently preserved, and its plans were drawn up by the architects I. P. Skoutaris and A. Angelidis.

Until the establishment of the Diachronic Museum of Larissa, it was the central Archaeological Museum of Thessaly. The immense wealth of archaeological finds in its collections and the lack of sufficient exhibition and storage spaces made the expansion of the building an urgent necessity. This long-standing request was fulfilled in 2004.

Following the re-exhibitions of 2004 and 2009, the Archaeological Museum of Volos now hosts archaeological finds from the Neolithic period up to the Roman era. The exhibition is organized into eight halls (1–8) on the ground floor of the old and new wings, featuring artifacts from excavations carried out across the Prefecture of Magnesia from the early 20th century to the present day. Some of the most remarkable exhibits come from Sesklo and Dimini, two of the most important Neolithic settlements in Europe.

Informative texts, drawings, and photographs help visitors gain a thorough understanding of the nature and use of the archaeological finds in antiquity, as well as of the archaeological sites from which they originate.

Exhibitions and Collections

Among the exhibits, the following stand out:

• Neolithic pottery and figurines with unique geometric designs and symbolism.
• Mycenaean artifacts, such as weapons, jewelry, and funerary offerings.
• Classical and Hellenistic funerary stelae with moving depictions of everyday life.
• Roman sculptures and everyday objects.

Of particular interest is the exhibition of funerary finds, where actual graves are reconstructed, allowing visitors to be mentally transported to distant eras and their unique burial customs.

The Museum regularly hosts numerous educational programs, both ongoing and “special edition” ones, based on the principles of active learning. Emphasis is placed on careful observation of the exhibits, the spontaneous expression of emotions and ideas, and the creative engagement of participants. These programs are designed for schools and special visitor groups.

Useful Information

Address: Analipseos & 28th October Street, Volos

T/ +302421025285

Opening hours: Daily (except Tuesday),  08:30 – 15:30 

Ticket: Regular €4, reduced €2 (special exemptions apply)