On Friday, June 20, the Acropolis Museum, one of the Greek capital’s most iconic cultural landmarks, will celebrate 16 years since it first opened its doors, and it’s inviting the public to celebrate in true Athenian style.

Visitors can spend the day exploring the Museum’s collections — galleries will stay open from 9 am to 10 pm as usual (standard admission applies). The acclaimed restaurant on the second floor will keep serving until midnight, perfect for anyone wanting to pair a meal with views of the Acropolis lit up against the night sky.

There’s more to see beyond the permanent displays. The Museum’s temporary exhibition, ALLSPICE – Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Cultures, offers a fresh take on how ancient artifacts connect with the present. Organized with NEON, the show places objects from the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean alongside contemporary works by Rakowitz, an Iraqi-American artist known for tackling themes of cultural loss, resilience, and the ongoing fight to preserve heritage. Admission to ALLSPICE is free, and archaeologist-led tours will run at 10 am in English and 6 pm in Greek. Each tour lasts 45 minutes and is limited to 30 people, so it’s best to book ahead at events.theacropolismuseum.gr.

The evening’s centerpiece will be a free concert in the courtyard at 9 pm, where the Symphony Orchestra of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) will take the stage. Expect a mix of classical pieces by Greek composers alongside beloved film scores, all brought to life by talented student musicians under the direction of conductor Zoe Zeniodi, Assistant Professor of Music Studies at NKUA.

Whether you’re drawn by the music, the art, or just the chance to soak up the atmosphere, the Museum’s anniversary promises a memorable night at one of Athens’ most iconic spots.