On Panepistimiou Street in central Athens, the Numismatic Museum traces the history of money through coins and related objects from antiquity to modern Greece. Its collection spans ancient Greek city-states, Roman emperors, Byzantium and later periods. The museum is housed in Iliou Melathron, the former home of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, and the mansion’s preserved mosaics, murals and interiors are part of the visit. Follow the displays as a chronological journey, then take time to look around the historic rooms as well as the cases.
A collection that follows money through time
The Numismatic Museum brings together coins and other objects connected with money and trade, arranged to trace their history from antiquity into modern times. The collection includes coins from ancient Greek city-states, issues associated with Greek rulers and Roman emperors, and money used in the Byzantine Empire and Frankish kingdoms. Medals, stamps, gems, weights and related objects add context to the coins.
The displays move through periods in sequence, so the collection can be read as a history of changing currency and power. Even if coins are not your main interest, the progression gives the visit a clear thread. Take a moment with the cases: the small scale of the objects means details can be easy to miss, and there are no magnifying setups at present.
Iliou Melathron, Schliemann’s former home
The museum occupies Iliou Melathron, the mansion built for archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, known for his work at Troy and Mycenae. Architect Ernst Ziller designed the neoclassical residence, whose construction took place between 1878 and 1880. The building is a substantial part of the visit, with preserved interiors, mosaics and murals alongside the collection.
Look beyond the display cases to the floors, walls and ceilings. The mansion gives the museum a domestic setting that differs from a purpose-built exhibition space, and its historic rooms connect the visit to Schliemann’s life in Athens. The house is on Panepistimiou Street in the city centre.
Planning your visit
The collection is displayed across two floors. Its chronological arrangement helps you follow the changing forms of money, but visitors looking for detailed explanations of every coin may find the labels brief. If a particular period or object interests you, asking staff about it can add context.
Tour groups can make the galleries crowded, so a weekday morning is a practical choice for a quieter visit. Opening days and hours have differed across published information, so check the museum’s official website before going. Allow around one to two hours if you want time for both the collection and the mansion; a shorter visit is possible if you focus on a few periods.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Numismatic Museum of Athens?
It is at Iliou Melathron, 12 Panepistimiou Street, in central Athens.
What can you see at the Numismatic Museum?
The collection includes coins from ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and later periods, as well as medals, stamps, gems, weights and related objects.
Who lived in the museum building?
Iliou Melathron was built as the home of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Ernst Ziller designed the mansion, constructed between 1878 and 1880.
How long should you allow for a visit?
Allow around one to two hours to see the collection and the mansion.
