Time travel with exhibits from the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 up to the Second World War
In Kolokotroni Square, in the spaces around the old parliament, the National Historical Museum is housed in the Old Parliament. Exhibits from the Fall of Constantinople to the Second World War, next to the watchful eye of Theodoros Kolokotronis.
Paintings, banners, traditional costumes, weapons are some of the exhibits that will accompany the visitor on his journey through time. At the entrance of the museum, there is an interactive painting that unfolds the virtues of the exhibition. What is there and where. Immediately afterwards, technology gives way to the “Massacre of Chios” by Eugene Delacroix.
The collections are exhibited in seven successive spaces, around the main conference room, sorted in chronological order. In the premises, the story begins in 1453. Armour, uniforms, weapons from the end of Byzantium. From the Fall of Constantinople, to the Revolution of 1821.
In the museum that’s in the heart of Athens, there are many exhibits. But what dominates the place, is the uniform of Theodoros Kolokotronis. Purple, nobility and pride. the collection of weapons is impressive. Really elegant works of art. Historical Cariofilia (the rifles of that era) are mixed with paintings. The weapon of Athanasios Diakos, the exit of Mesologgi, costumes by personalities of the Revolution, statues.
Spetses, Hydra, Psara. The hall dedicated to the three islands that played an important role in 1821. Miniature ships, both Greek and Turkish, revive the naval battles in Greek waters. In the same room, in an amphora-shaped vessel, there is something no one expects: the heart of Kanaris!
We continue with the newly created Greek state and the political personalities that played the main role at that time. Historical objects on the part of Ioannis Kapodistrias, King George I, Charilaos Trikoupis.
During the latter’s prime ministership, on August 11, 1875, the official opening of the meetings of the Greek Parliament takes place. The magnificence of the place and its historical significance make any comment seem superfluous. Besides, there is so much that has been said in there…
In the National Historical Museum in the Old Parliament, there are treasures that everyone would enjoy. Even those who feel like… being bored of museums. Kolokotronis, Kanaris and the chieftains of 1821 Revolution will not leave them untouched.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Historical Museum is housed in the Old Parliament building located in Kolokotroni Square in Athens. It features exhibits spanning from the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 through the Second World War, showcasing paintings, weapons, traditional costumes, and artifacts related to Greek history and the 1821 Revolution.
The museum's collections are organized chronologically across seven exhibition spaces, beginning with 1453 and the Fall of Constantinople, continuing through the Byzantine period, the Greek Revolution of 1821, the formation of the modern Greek state, and extending to the Second World War.
Key attractions include Theodoros Kolokotronis's purple uniform, the 'Massacre of Chios' painting by Eugene Delacroix, an impressive weapons and historical rifles collection, exhibits from the three important revolutionary islands (Spetses, Hydra, and Psara), miniature naval ships, and notably, the preserved heart of Kanaris in an amphora-shaped vessel.
The official opening of Greek Parliament meetings took place on August 11, 1875, during the prime ministership of Charilaos Trikoupis. The building itself is a significant historical landmark that now houses the National Historical Museum.
Yes, the museum offers more than just historical facts. It features interactive paintings at the entrance, impressive artistic works, elegant weapon displays, traditional costumes, statues, and miniature naval scenes. The museum is designed to engage visitors of all interests, even those who typically avoid museum visits, with its combination of history, art, and interactive technology.
