Forget everything you thought you knew about museums. This Sunday, May 18, Athens is throwing open the doors to some of its most iconic cultural spots – with free admission, hands-on workshops, pop-up exhibitions, and creative happenings that bring the past into the present in bold, unexpected ways.

Whether you’re into ancient history or modern art, International Museum Day 2025 is all about connecting with culture in fun, surprising ways. This year’s theme – “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities” – challenges institutions to evolve, engage, and inspire.

Here’s your guide to what’s happening around the city – and why it’s the perfect time to rediscover Athens’ rich and ever-evolving museum scene.

The Herakleidon Museum: Art Meets Innovation in Thiseio

This year’s International Museum Day celebrations shine a well-deserved spotlight on the Herakleidon Museum, the honored Greek institution for 2025. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Thiseio, just a stone’s throw from the Acropolis, the museum has long been celebrated for its unique blend of art, science, and ancient ingenuity — and this year, it’s pulling out all the stops.

In the lead-up to the big day, from May 12 to 17, visitors can dive into specially curated tours that explore everything from the famous Tunnel of Eupalinos on Samos – a wonder of ancient engineering – to the development of Greek theatre, and the legendary Antikythera Mechanism, often dubbed the world’s first computer.

The main event takes place on Sunday, May 18 at 7pm, at the museum’s elegant event hall (16 Herakleidon Street). Expect an evening of inspiring talks, artistic performances, and immersive experiences that capture the museum’s mission: to bring together diverse fields of study in creative, inspiring ways.

Families are in for a treat too. On the morning of the 18th, kids and parents can get hands-on with workshops that bring physics, math, and art to life – designed to spark curiosity and playful learning.

And don’t miss the open-air street party on Saturday, May 17, when Herakleidon Street becomes a vibrant festival zone filled with cultural happenings. No registration needed – just turn up and enjoy.

For more info and event registration: www.herakleidon.org/

The Acropolis Museum Takes Center Stage

As one of Athens’ crown jewels, the Acropolis Museum is embracing International Museum Day 2025 with a dynamic two-day program that speaks to both local and international audiences. Through bilingual events in Greek and English, the museum is offering new ways to explore ancient culture through a modern lens.

On Saturday, May 17, the museum is open from 9am to 8pm (regular admission applies), and the rooftop restaurant stays open until midnight – perfect for dining with a view. At 11am, join the guided tour “Aquatic Routes: From Nature to Myth and the Polis,” which explores how ancient Greeks saw water – in mythology, nature, and everyday life. Led by a museum archaeologist, this tour connects highlights from the permanent collection with finds from the museum’s newly-opened underground Excavation Gallery. Book online in advance; tickets must be picked up in person on the day.

Later that evening at 6:30pm, head to the Dimitrios Pandermalis Auditorium for a thoughtful conversation that marks the launch of the major new exhibition Allspice | Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Cultures, in partnership with cultural organization NEON. Artist Michael Rakowitz and curator Elina Kountouri will discuss how ancient Mesopotamian artifacts and contemporary art intersect in stories of identity, memory, and forced migration. Admission is free, but seats are first-come, first-served.

On Sunday, May 18, the museum joins the citywide celebration with free admission all day (9am–8pm). Don’t miss the guided tours of Allspice, running at 10am (English) and 1pm (Greek). These 45-minute sessions bring past and present into conversation, exploring the evolving role of museums and themes like cultural loss and displacement. Group sizes are limited to 30 participants, so arrive early.

Sign up here: events.theacropolismuseum.gr

Citywide Events

While the Herakleidon and Acropolis Museums take center stage, they’re far from the only ones getting in on the action. Across the city, museums big and small are opening their doors with free entry, interactive events, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

At the Museum of Cycladic Art, May 18 is filled with traditional craft demonstrations, loom weaving, storytelling sessions, and film screenings — all centered around the enduring spirit of Cycladic culture. No registration needed.

The National Archaeological Museum kicks off early on May 16 with thematic tours covering everything from Mycenaean cosmetics and perfumes to Neolithic life and ancient Athenian society. On May 18, enjoy live music performances featuring ancient instruments, plus virtual tours designed for mobility- and hearing-impaired visitors.

In Gazi, Technopolis offers a theatrical walking tour titled “Windmills” and a children’s workshop, creatively bridging the area’s industrial past and imagined future. Meanwhile, the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum invites young visitors (ages 12–25) to participate in envisioning what tomorrow’s museums might look like through a collaborative, idea-sharing workshop.

The Jewish Museum of Greece is offering a powerful guided tour of its new exhibition, “The Hunted Birds: Greek Jews after WWII,” while the Epigraphic Museum will host a moving concert on May 17 and creative family activities on Sunday, including marble engraving and a children’s art project inspired by everyday life in ancient Greece.

Contemporary art lovers can head to EMST, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, for a multisensory co-creation workshop on May 18, followed by the launch of a digital archive – “Save the Dates” – on May 22.

For children, the Museum of Greek Children’s Art will run a workshop inspired by artist Marisol Escobar, while the National Historical Museum (Old Parliament) stages a shadow theatre session focused on heroes of the Greek Revolution.

Nature and science enthusiasts should head up to Kifissia, where the Goulandris Natural History Museum will feature a full day of exhibitions and activities on climate change, botanical art, and immersive 360° screenings focused on environmental awareness.

And for the youngest culture seekers, the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments will host a gentle, musical morning on May 17 designed specifically for toddlers (12 to 24 months) and their families, proving once again that a love of culture and learning starts early.

Museums for the Future

At first glance, International Museum Day is fun – full of tours, workshops, music, and unexpected discoveries. But it’s also a moment to reflect on something deeper: how museums can help shape the world we live in.

Organized every year on May 18 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), this global celebration is a call to action. It highlights how museums aren’t just places to look at the past – they’re spaces for learning, creativity, connection, and inclusion.

In 2025, the theme focuses on how museums can help drive three key UN Sustainable Development goals: decent work and economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable cities and communities.

In a city like Athens – where ancient ruins sit beside buzzing art spaces – museums are anything but static. They’re living institutions that evolve with the times, welcome everyone, and spark dialogue across generations.

So, whether you’re visiting for the first time or know the city like the back of your hand, this weekend is your chance to step into a museum and see where the journey takes you.

Don’t just look at history – step into it, question it, and imagine where it’s going next.