The National Gallery, also known as the Alexandros Soutsos Museum, is on Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue in Athens, near Evangelismos metro station. Its collection follows Greek art from the post-Byzantine period through modern and contemporary work, with paintings, sculpture and prints alongside European art. Look for works by Theodoros Vryzakis, Nikiforos Lytras, Giannis Tsarouchis and other Greek artists, as well as pieces by El Greco, Rembrandt and Picasso. Permanent and temporary exhibitions fill a modern building with four floors of galleries.
A museum shaped by a collection
The National Gallery began in 1900, after jurist and art lover Alexandros Soutsos donated his collection and estate to the Greek government for a new art museum. Its earlier beginnings date to 1878, when a small collection was displayed at the University of Athens. Georgios Jakobides, the painter from Xidira on Lesvos, became the museum’s first curator.
The institution is also known as the Alexandros Soutsos Museum. Its collection now includes more than 20,000 works, among them paintings, sculpture and prints. The museum reopened in 2021 after an eight-year renovation, with a renewed and extended building and updated displays.
Greek art across changing periods
The collection focuses on Greek art, especially work from the post-Byzantine period through the 20th century, while also including European art. Its range gives visitors a way to trace changes in Greek painting and sculpture across different periods and artistic movements. The displays include works by artists such as Theodoros Vryzakis, Nikiforos Lytras, Nikolaos Kounelakis, Konstantinos Parthenis, Giannis Tsarouchis and Giannis Moralis.
Some works connect art directly with modern Greek history. Paintings inspired by the Greek Revolution include Vryzakis’ “Greece Expressing Gratitude” and Georgios Margaritis’ “Advances on the Acropolis.” Together with works relating to the post-Byzantine years and the establishment of the modern Greek state, they place historical events within the museum’s broader story of Greek art.
Greek and European artists under one roof
Greek artists are the main focus, but the collection also includes European masters such as El Greco, Rembrandt and Picasso. This wider selection lets you compare Greek work with art from other European traditions during a visit. Permanent displays sit alongside temporary exhibitions, so the galleries include both long-term collection works and changing presentations.
The museum occupies a modern building on Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue in the Pangrati district. It is within walking distance of Evangelismos metro station and Syntagma Square. Four floors of galleries give the collection room to cover a long span of art history; extra resources or an audio guide can help with the modern art sections.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the National Gallery in Athens?
It is at Leoforos Vasileos Konstantinou 50, in the Pangrati district. Evangelismos metro station is within walking distance.
What kind of art is in the National Gallery?
The collection includes Greek art from the post-Byzantine period to the present, along with European works. It covers painting, sculpture and prints.
Is the National Gallery open on Tuesdays?
No. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
How many works are in the collection?
The collection includes more than 20,000 works, including paintings, sculpture and prints.
