The Maritime Museum of Greece, officially the Hellenic Maritime Museum, is a maritime-history museum at Marina Zeas in Piraeus.
Its collections trace Greek seafaring from antiquity to modern times, while outdoor displays along the waterfront include naval guns, torpedoes and a submarine conning tower. From The Alex Monte Kastella Santikos Collection, the museum is about a 37-minute walk or a 9-minute drive.
- Location: Akti Themistokleous, Marina Zeas, 185 37 Piraeus.
- Opening pattern: Tuesday through Saturday, 09:00–14:00; closed Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.
- Admission: General entry costs €5; reduced entry costs €3 for eligible visitors.
- Public transport: Metro and tram connections involve a bus transfer in Piraeus.
What the Maritime Museum of Greece covers
The museum presents Greek maritime history across several eras, from the prehistoric period and classical antiquity through the Byzantine era and into modern times. Founded in 1949, it has been housed at Marina Zeas since 1971.
Its permanent-exhibition sections range across naval and commercial history, traditional shipbuilding, ships, art and the Aristotle Onassis Collection. The displays bring these themes together through ship models, nautical instruments, costumes, archives and paintings.
Collections and maritime-history themes
The museum’s collections connect naval history, commercial shipping, shipbuilding and maritime art. The displays on the Greek struggle for independence include authentic weapons, personal belongings and fighters’ flags from 1821, among them the flag of Anastasios Tsamados of Hydra. The art collection includes works by seascape painter Konstantinos Volanakis.
Leave time to see the outdoor exhibits along the waterfront, too: naval guns, torpedoes and the conning tower of the historic submarine Papanikolis. These exterior displays add a larger-scale counterpart to the objects inside.
Planning around opening hours
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00 and closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays. Its opening window is limited, so plan your museum visit for the morning and allow time for both the galleries and waterfront displays.
Hours and visitor arrangements can change. Before setting out, check the official site before you go.
Tickets and visitor access
General admission costs €5, and reduced admission costs €3 for students of all grades, families with three or more children, and visitors over 65.
Free admission applies to children under 6, people with disabilities, museum members, ICOM members, holders of the Ministry of Culture Free Entry Card, academics, teachers, guides, journalists, and Navy and Coast Guard officers. Bring proof of eligibility if you are seeking a discounted or free ticket.
How do you get to the museum by public transport?
From Dimotiko Theatro station on Metro Line 3, take bus 904 to Plateia Freattidos or bus 300 to Tzaneio Hospital. The museum is 300 metres from the 300 stop; follow the signs.
From Piraeus station on Metro Line 1, go to Karaiskaki Square and take bus 904 to Plateia Freattidos or bus 300 to Tzaneio Hospital. From Dimarcheio tram station in Piraeus, continue by either bus. A one-day Piraeus itinerary can help you fit the museum into a wider day in the city.
Other maritime sights in Piraeus
The museum’s own waterfront displays give you a chance to see naval equipment and the Papanikolis submarine conning tower outdoors as part of the visit. For another perspective on Greek naval history, the Trireme Olympias in Piraeus has its own visitor-planning guide.
These sights offer different ways to explore Piraeus’s history, from maritime heritage to the city’s archaeological past.
The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus offers a different museum focus within the city.
FAQs
Where is the Maritime Museum of Greece?
It is at Akti Themistokleous, Marina Zeas, 185 37 Piraeus.
Which days is the museum open?
It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.
How much does admission cost?
General admission costs €5, and reduced admission costs €3 for eligible groups. The museum also offers free admission to listed groups, with proof of eligibility required.
What can you see outside the museum?
Outdoor waterfront displays include naval guns, torpedoes and the conning tower of the historic submarine Papanikolis.