A Greek perspective

The Benaki Museum, established in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, has at its heart a neoclassical-style building in Athens, near the National Garden and the Hellenic Parliament. In this flagship venue, collections of Greek art and crafts are arranged diachronically from prehistory to the 20th century. Nine satellite museums spotlight further collections, including Islamic art and toys from around the world, while temporary exhibitions present various aspects of ancient and contemporary culture. The Benaki Museum is the only institution in Greece systematically supporting Greek artisans at all stages of their work, from inspiration to retail. It includes five galleries and shops showcasing Greek design and crafts and hosts temporary craft exhibitions at the Pireos 138 and the Ghika Gallery annexes. It also organises educational programmes and maintains seven state-of-the-art conservation workshops.