The object of the museum is the city of Athens after it became the capital of the Greek state
The Museum of the City of Athens could only be housed in the heart of the capital. In Kalfthomonos Square. You can go by car, but what’s the point when you can move there by public transport? There is a stop a few meters from the entrance of the museum and the gas-fuelled bus will save you from great discomfort.
The object of the museum is the city of Athens since it became the capital of the Greek state until today. The exhibition unfolds in two historic buildings with paintings, engravings, furniture and other historical objects.
Before the exhibition begins, a 3D view of the historical sites of the city and its buildings puts the visitor in the mood. And the work of the French painter Jacques Karet, of 1786, cannot go unnoticed. It is the largest canvas oil painting ever made for Athens!
The first of the two buildings on 7 Paparigopoulou str, is one of the first buildings of the city of Athens after the establishment of the modern Greek state. It is known as the residence of Stamatios Decozis Vouros and dates since 1833-1834. There, the royal couple lived and it is the first palace of King Otto and Queen Amalia before they moved to today’s… Parliament.
The two buildings were joined at the behest of Otto, to meet the needs of the official palace and the residence of the royal couple. They lived there from 1836 to 1843. In the throne room, it is said that a historical phrase has emerged that is heard to this day. Otto invited people to this place for a soiree. When the fun was on, Plaputas threw his tsarouchi (traditional shoe of that time) so high, that Otto shouted at him“beware of the chandelier”. At least that’s what the legend says…
The journey through time continues by walking in the rooms of a bourgeoisie Athenian residence. The main living room of Stamatios Decozis Vouros. You can not ignore the details and not be impressed. Ceilings, furniture, chandeliers, doors, frames of a bygone era which makes you feel as if you were there.
The visit to the Museum of the City of Athens has been completed. The aristocratic Athensof the 19th century gives way to the capital of the 21st century. You get lost in the past. Until you hear the first car horn and come back to the present…
Or visit another of the city’s dozens of museums. The hidden treasures of the capital that you don’t know exist next to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Museum of the City of Athens is dedicated to the history of Athens since it became the capital of the Greek state. The museum is housed in two historic buildings located at Kalfthomonos Square and features paintings, engravings, furniture, and historical objects that chronicle the city's development from 1833 to the present day.
The Museum of the City of Athens is located in Kalfthomonos Square in the heart of Athens. You can reach it by car or public transport, with a bus stop just a few meters from the museum entrance. Public transport is recommended as it offers convenient access without parking concerns.
The museum consists of two buildings joined together. The first building at 7 Paparigopoulou Street dates from 1833-1834 and served as the residence of Stamatios Decozis Vouros and the first palace of King Otto and Queen Amalia from 1836 to 1843. The second building was connected to accommodate the official palace needs during the royal couple's residence.
Visitors can view a significant 1786 oil painting by French painter Jacques Karet, which is the largest canvas ever made for Athens. The museum also features a 3D view of historical Athens sites before the exhibition begins, as well as period furniture, chandeliers, ornate ceilings, doors, and frames from 19th century bourgeois Athenian residences.
According to legend, during a soiree in the throne room, an attendee named Plaputas threw his traditional tsarouchi (shoe) so high that King Otto shouted at him 'beware of the chandelier.' This phrase allegedly became a historical expression that is still heard today, adding to the museum's cultural significance.
