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The War Museum in Athens, Greece, chronicles the history of Hellenic warfare from antiquity to the present.

War Museum in Athens, Greece
War Museum

 

Introduction to the War Museum

The War Museum was founded in 1964 and opened to the public on July 18, 1975. Since then, it established branches at Nafplio in 1988; Chania, Crete, in 1995; Tripoli in 1997; Thessaloniki in 2000; Kalamata in 2006; and Rethymno, Crete, in 2010.

War Museum in Athens, Greece
War Museum
Scale model


 

Visiting the War Museum

The War Museum is open daily from 9am to 7pm. Admission is 6€ for adults, 3€ for non-EU visitors age 6-18 and EU citizens over 65, and free for non-EU visitors up to age 5 and EU citizens up to 18 (as of September 2024). It’s located across from the Kolonaki neighborhood next to the Byzantine Museum. Give yourself a couple hours to properly see the exhibits. In addition to the museum, an attached building features a café and an outdoor amphitheatre. Visit the official website for more info.

Lobby
Entrance to the café and amphitheatre
Outdoor amphitheatre
Outdoor amphitheatre

 

Antiquity

The first exhibit of the War Museum starts on the 2nd floor with a long hallway about Greek warfare in antiquity. Many of the artifacts on display are replicas.

Antiquity at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Antiquity
Tools and figurines
Tools and figurines
Wall painting with a representation of a ship procession; end of the Middle Cycladic period, around 1627 BC; Akrotiri, Thira at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Wall painting with a representation of a ship procession; end of the Middle Cycladic period, around 1627 BC; Akrotiri, Thira
Bronze swords and daggers, Late Bronze Age III, 1400-1100 BC at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Bronze swords and daggers, Late Bronze Age III, 1400-1100 BC

The exhibit opens to two larger galleries. The first contains replica weapons and statues as well as a scale model of the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC. The next gallery covers the conquests of Alexander the Great, complete with maps and descriptions of battles.

Antiquity at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Antiquity
Model of the Battle of Salamis, 480 BC
Model of the Battle of Salamis, 480 BC
Alexander the Great's military campaigns at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Alexander the Great’s military campaigns


 

Byzantine Empire

The next exhibit on the 2nd floor of the War Museum is about warfare in the Byzantine Empire. Besides replica weapons and shields, there’s a model of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople. There are also replica shields and weapons of the European Middle Ages in Greece.

Byzantine Empire at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Byzantine Empire
Byzantine weapons
Byzantine weapons
Replica of the shield of Constantine XI Palaiologos bearing the emblem BBBB (King of kings reigning over kings)
Replica of the shield of Constantine XI Palaiologos bearing the emblem BBBB (King of kings reigning over kings)
Theodosian Walls of Constantinople at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Theodosian Walls of Constantinople
European Middle Ages in Greece
European Middle Ages in Greece

 

Greek War of Independence

Continuing along are a few galleries on the subject of the Greek War of Independence. The first gallery covers the origins of the movement and the initial steps. There’s a painting of Theodoros Kolokotronis (1770-1843) enlisting in the Filiki Eteria (Society of Friends). Nearby is a painting of the hanging of Patriarch Gregory V (1746-1821) at the gates of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which was based on eyewitness testimony of the event that occurred in retaliation to the start of the revolution.

Greek War of Independence at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Greek War of Independence
Theodoros Kolokotronis takes a vow and enlists in the ranks of Filiki Eteria (Society of Friends), copy of the painting by D. Tsokos
The hanging of Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople (1821) by N. Kessanlis at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
The hanging of Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople (1821) by N. Kessanlis

The next gallery includes several paintings of scenes of the Greek Revolution, including portraits of some of the Greek heroes.

Greek War of Independence
Bishop Germanos III (1771-1826) raises the flag of the Greek War of Independence at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in 1821, by Liparini
Bishop Germanos III (1771-1826) raises the flag of the Greek War of Independence at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in 1821, by Liparini
The Massacre at Chios, oil painting, copy of the work of French painter Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863), created in his workshop by his pupil, Pierre Andrieu (1821-1892) at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
The Massacre at Chios, oil painting, copy of the work of French painter Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863), created in his workshop by his pupil, Pierre Andrieu (1821-1892)

One corner is dedicated to Theodoros Kolokotronis. It displays items he owned as well as his death mask. There’s also a diorama of the Battle of Dervenakia, in which Kolokotronis annihilated the Ottoman army led by Dramalı Mahmud Pasha (c. 1770-1822) on July 26, 1822.

Items belonging to Theodoros Kolokotronis at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Items belonging to Theodoros Kolokotronis
Model of the Battle of Dervenakia
Battle of Dervenakia

The final gallery of the Greek War of Independence displays weapons, more portraits, and sketches. There’s also a uniform of an armatolos, which was a Greek revolutionary warrior.

Greek War of Independence
Manto Mavrogenous (1796-1848) (left) and Laskarina Bouboulina (1771-1825) (right)
Manto Mavrogenous (1796-1848) (left) and Laskarina Bouboulina (1771-1825) (right)
Armatolos, warrior of the Greek Revolution, 1821
Armatolos, warrior of the Greek Revolution, 1821


 

Creation of the Greek State

The next gallery on the 2nd floor of the War Museum deals with the creation of the Greek State. It begins with a portrait of English poet Lord Byron (1788-1824), who died fighting for Greek independence at Messolonghi.

The New Hellenic State 1828-1911
Portrait of Lord Byron
Lord Byron

It continues with portraits of the new monarchs of Greece, King Otto and Queen Amalia. Some items belonging to the pair are on display.

King Otto of Greece, 1833-1863, by N. Moschovakis, 1842
King Otto of Greece, 1833-1863, by N. Moschovakis, 1842
King Otto (left) and Queen Amalia (right) at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
King Otto (left) and Queen Amalia (right)
Queen Amalia’s small work table

Other interesting artifacts related to the early years of the Kingdom of Greece include the sword of Greek Artillery officer Panos Kolokotronis (1836-1893). He was the youngest son of Theodoros Kolokotronis and became Commander of the Hellenic Military Academy from 1881 to 1885. His name is embossed on the blade.

Sword of Panos Kolokotronis (1836-1893), 1868
Sword of Panos Kolokotronis (1836-1893), 1868

 

The Macedonian Struggle

The same gallery contains a section on the Macedonian Struggle from 1904 to 1908. It consists of mostly paintings and drawings. The most interesting items include historic military uniforms.

Macedonian freedom fighter, 1904-1908 at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Macedonian freedom fighter, 1904-1908
Infantry corporal, 1880-1910
Infantry corporal, 1880-1910


 

Balkan Wars

In the next two galleries are artifacts from the Balkan Wars, which took place from 1912 to 1913. The first gallery includes personal belongings of Ioannis Velissariou (1861-1913). He’s considered one of the most important figures in modern Greek military history and a hero of the Balkan Wars. During the First Balkan War, Velissariou forced the Ottomans under Mehmed Esad Pasha (1862-1952) to surrender unconditionally. He was killed in the Second Balkan War against Bulgaria.

Balkan Wars, 1912-1913 at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Balkan Wars, 1912-1913
Items belonging to Ioannis Velissariou

In the next gallery are spoils taken from the Ottomans during the Balkan Wars as well as portraits of Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936) and King Constantine I.

Ottoman flags, sword, and an officer's belt acquired by the Greek Army during the Balkan Wars
Ottoman flags, sword, and an officer’s belt acquired by the Greek Army during the Balkan Wars
Eleftherios Venizelos (left) and King Constantine I (right) at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Eleftherios Venizelos (left) and King Constantine I (right)

In one interesting display are artifacts related to the Redshirts. They were a corps of Italian volunteers established in 1843 by Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882). They participated in the Greco-Turkish War of 1897 as well as the First Balkan War under Riccioti Garibaldi (1847-1924), the fourth son of Giuseppe and and his wife Anita (1821-1849). The Redshirts are best known for the Battle of Driskos in Epirus. In this battle, they were led by Ricciotti and Alexandros Romas. They inflicted heavy casualties on the Ottomans but were blamed for the loss. Spanish-Greek poet Lorentzos Mavilis (1860-1912) was killed at Driskos.

Items related to the Redshirts
Items related to the Redshirts

 

World War I

In the same gallery are artifacts related to Greece’s participation in Word War I from 1914 to 1918. They include photographs, uniforms, and the flag under which the Greek detachment marched in Paris at the end of the war.

World War I, 1914-1918
Infantry colonel field uniform, 1917-1922, (left); Lieutenant general in full dress uniform, 1915 (center); Infantry lieutenant colonel field uniform with trench coat, 1917-1922 (right) at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Infantry colonel field uniform, 1917-1922, (left); Lieutenant general in full dress uniform, 1915 (center); Infantry lieutenant colonel field uniform with trench coat, 1917-1922 (right)
Cavalry major in full dress uniform, 1915 (left); Vice admiral in full dress uniform (center); Artillery colonel in full dress uniform, 1915 (right) at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Cavalry major in full dress uniform, 1915 (left); Vice admiral in full dress uniform (center); Artillery colonel in full dress uniform, 1915 (right)
Flag under which the Greek detachment marched in Paris upon the end of World War I at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Flag under which the Greek detachment marched in Paris upon the end of World War I


 

Asia Minor Campaign

The following exhibit concerns the Asia Minor Campaign, or the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922. This resulted in the Smyrna Catastrophe and the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. Both events were devastating blows that shaped the future of Greece and are still ingrained in the national psyche.

Asia Minor Campaign, 1919-1922
Asia Minor Campaign, 1919-1922 at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Asia Minor Campaign, 1919-1922

Artifacts include weapons, medals, uniforms, and spoils taken from Turkish troops. Also on display are a revolver belonging to Major General Nikolaos Trikoupis (c. 1868-1959) and a telephone belonging to General Anastasios Papoulas (1857-1935) made from the cartridge of a Turkish cannon.

Spoils of the Asia Minor Campaign
Spoils of the Asia Minor Campaign
Belgian Chamelot-Delvigne type 11 mm revolver, 1870s, belonged to Major General Nikolaos Trikoupis
Belgian Chamelot-Delvigne type 11 mm revolver, 1870s, belonged to Major General Nikolaos Trikoupis
Manually operated telephone made of a cartridge of a Turkish cannon, belonged to General Anastasios Papoulas at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Manually operated telephone made of a cartridge of a Turkish cannon, belonged to General Anastasios Papoulas

 

Greco-Italian War

Continuing through the 2nd floor of the War Museum are two galleries covering the Greco-Italian War, which pushed Greece into World War II. In addition to the photographs on display, there are uniforms, weapons, and objects used by soldiers from both sides.

Greco-Italian War, 1940-41
Guns
Guns
Objects used by Italian and Greek soldiers
Objects used by Greek soldiers
Objects used by Greek soldiers

One diorama displays the contributions and sacrifices of the Greek people during the war:

“Women from Epirus, old men, children, everyone rushed to replace the supply convoys. They fastened the cannons with ropes, took the shells in their hands, pulled the cannons and cartridges up to the mountain tops and carried weapons, blankets, bread, ammunition.”

Contributions of the Greek people during the Greco-Italian War

Another highlighted the harsh conditions troops faced during the war, which lasted from October 1940 to April 1941. It was mainly a mountain struggle with most battles taking place at high altitude under severe winter weather conditions.

Scene from the Greco-Italian War

Among some of the more interesting artifacts in this exhibit are a Benelli motorcycle used by Italian troops and gala uniforms of Field Marshal Alexandros Papagos (1883-1955). Another is  a theatrical costume and jewelry worn by Sofia Vembo (1910-1978), who performed patriotic songs during the war.

Greco-Italian War, 1940-41
Benelli motorcycle, Italy
Benelli motorcycle, Italy
Gala uniforms of Field Marshal Alexandros Papagos at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Gala uniforms of Field Marshal Alexandros Papagos
Theatrical costume and jewels belonging to Sofia Vembo at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Theatrical costume and jewels belonging to Sofia Vembo


 

German Invasion

The final gallery on the 2nd floor of the War Museum focuses on the German invasion, which led to the Axis Occupation of Greece in 1941. It includes more weapons, uniforms, photos, and a cutaway of a Metaxas Line fort. The Metaxas Line forts were the first line of defense during the invasion, dubbed the Battle of the Fortifications.

German invasion
German invasion
Medical kit
Medical kit
Battle of the Fortifications at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Battle of the Fortifications
Cutaway of a Metaxas Line fort

Finally, one hallway is dedicated to the Battle of Crete, in which Nazi paratroopers suffered heavy casualties during the initial phase of the invasion. They eventually took Crete where they faced heavy resistance.

Battle of Crete at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Battle of Crete

 

Gifts

Coming down from the 2nd floor is a case containing weapons gifted to the Hellenic Army from other countries. From there, visitors can see the exhibits on the 1st floor.

Weapons gifted from other countries
Weapons gifted from other countries


 

World War II

The exhibits begin in the south corridor with Nazi flags and a dagger captured by Greek forces during World War II. It continues with photos and items used at the Second Battle of El Alamein in Egypt, from October 23 to November 11, 1942.

Captured Nazi flags
Second Battle of El Alamein at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Second Battle of El Alamein

Turning the corner down the next corridor are photos and artifacts of the contributions of the Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Air Force, and National Resistance.

Hellenic Navy and Hellenic Air Force during World War II
National Resistance at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
National Resistance

The World War II exhibits at the War Museum end with a section on the liberation of Greece from the Axis Occupation in October 1944. Included is a photo of Prime Minister Georgios Papandreou (1888-1968) raising the Greek flag on the Acropolis after the withdrawal of Nazi troops.

Liberation at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Liberation
Georgios Papandreou raising the Greek flag on the Acropolis at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Georgios Papandreou raising the Greek flag on the Acropolis

 

Korean War

In the north corridor is a small section commemorating the Greek Expeditionary Force in the Korean War. Nearly 5,000 Greek soldiers from the Hellenic Army and Hellenic Air Force served in Korea from November 1950 to May 1958.

Korean War at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Korean War


 

Cyprus

The Cyprus Hall is a gallery on the north side of the 1st floor dedicated to Cyprus. The first room consists of historic and religious artifacts from Cyprus.

Cyprus Hall at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Cyprus Hall
Cyprus Hall

The second room contains information and artifacts about the Cypriot uprising against the Ottomans during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. There are also several photos and a short video about the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus in 1974, which left the island divided and the north ⅓ colonized and controlled by Turkey via the puppet state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Cyprus Hall at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Cyprus Hall
Cypriot uprising during the Greek War of Independence at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Cypriot uprising during the Greek War of Independence
1974 Turkish Invasion of Cyprus at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
1974 Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

 

Uniforms

Finally, the east corridor of the 1st floor of the War Museum is lined with uniforms worn by Greek soldiers since 1821. There’s also a case displaying medals and awards. A few more uniforms are located on the ground floor in the lobby.

Uniforms at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Uniforms
Uniforms
Warrior of the Greek War of Independence, 1821 at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Warrior of the Greek War of Independence, 1821
Pontian warrior at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Pontian warrior
Uniforms
Uniforms
Hellenic Military Academy combat support officer's cadet full dress (left); Ceremonial uniform, 3rd class student seargent major of the army permanent school NCO (center left); Royal Hellenic Air Force winter flying suit, 1938-1941 (center right); Royal Hellenic Air Force summer flying suit, 1938-1941 (right) at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Hellenic Military Academy combat support officer’s cadet full dress (left); Ceremonial uniform, 3rd class student seargent major of the army permanent school NCO (center left); Royal Hellenic Air Force winter flying suit, 1938-1941 (center right); Royal Hellenic Air Force summer flying suit, 1938-1941 (right)
Hellenic pilot flying suit during World War I and Asia Minor Campaign, 1917-1922 (left); Royal Hellenic Air Force summer flying suit, 1938-1941 (center); Hellenic Air Force flying suit, 1970s (right)
Hellenic pilot flying suit during World War I and Asia Minor Campaign, 1917-1922 (left); Royal Hellenic Air Force summer flying suit, 1938-1941 (center); Hellenic Air Force flying suit, 1970s (right)
Naval uniforms (left) and Air Force uniforms (right)
Naval uniforms (left) and Air Force uniforms (right)
Medals
Medals


 

Koren War Diorama

Moving on to the lobby on the ground floor are two life-sized dioramas. The one on the left represents the Greek expeditionary forces in Korea. It’s dedicated to Greek officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, who fought in the Korean War.

Diorama of Greek expeditionary forces in Korea at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Diorama of Greek expeditionary forces in Korea
Greek soldiers in the field in the diorama of Greek expeditionary forces in Korea at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Greek soldiers in the field
Attending to a wounded soldier
Medics

 

Messolonghi Diorama

The diorama to the right represents the exodus during the Third Siege of Messolonghi. Messolonghi was the center of the Greek Revolution in western Roumeli. In April 1825, Ottoman forces under Reşid Mehmed Pasha (1780-1836) started their siege of the city. Egyptian troops under Ibrahim Pasha (1789-1848) joined them in December of that year.

Exodus of Messolonghi

The Greeks resisted for a year but because they were unable to receive any supplies, had consumed all of the food in the city. Instead of surrendering, they attempted a mass exodus from Messolonghi the April 10 and 11, 1826.

Exodus of Messolonghi at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Exodus of Messolonghi

Unfortunately, the Ottoman and Egyptian forces were waiting for them outside the city walls. The soldiers massacred men, women, and children and only a few managed to escape. Word of this tragedy spread throughout Europe, revived the Philhellenic movement, and promoted support for the Greek cause internationally.

Exodus of Messolonghi

 

More Uniforms

Also in the lobby are a few more uniforms. The majority of uniforms in the War Museum are in a corridor on the 1st floor.

Chieftain officer of the Hellenic Phalanx, 1835-1868 (left); Seaman of the Hellenic Fleet, 1821-1887 (center); Cretan warrior, 1896 (right)
Chieftain officer of the Hellenic Phalanx, 1835-1868 (left); Seaman of the Hellenic Fleet, 1821-1887 (center); Cretan warrior, 1896 (right)
Diplomatic corps full dress uniform, 1960 (left); Diplomatic corps full dress uniform, 1920-1936 (center); Diplomatic corps full dress uniform, 1900 (right) at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Diplomatic corps full dress uniform, 1960 (left); Diplomatic corps full dress uniform, 1920-1936 (center); Diplomatic corps full dress uniform, 1900 (right)
Presidential Guard evzone sergeant in full dress uniform, 1995
Presidential Guard evzone sergeant in full dress uniform, 1995


 

Weapons

A gallery attached to the north side of the lobby features historic weapons. Some of the weapons were used during the Greek Revolution while others are from other countries.

Weapons gallery at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Weapons gallery
Rifles used during the Greek Revolution in the weapons gallery at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Rifles used during the Greek Revolution
Luxurious scimitars used in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th and 19th century and during the Greek Revolution
Luxurious scimitars used in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th and 19th century and during the Greek Revolution
Revolvers and self-loading pistols, late 19th-early 20th century
Revolvers and self-loading pistols, late 19th-early 20th century

Among the most interesting artifacts in the gallery are Japanese weapons from the 18th century and samurai armor from the 14th century. Persian helmets, shields, and weapons from the 19th century are also interesting.

Japanese wakizashi swords, samurai armor, knife and sheath, and katana sword; 18th century
Japanese wakizashi swords, samurai armor, knife and sheath, and katana sword; 18th century
Japanese samurai warrior armor, 14th century in the weapons gallery at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Japanese samurai warrior armor, 14th century
Persian helmets, shields, armguards, and weapons; 19th century in the weapons gallery at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Persian helmets, shields, armguards, and weapons; 19th century

Other objects include Russian sabers and armor from the 19th and early 20th century as well as French swords, pistols, and armor from the 18th and 19th century.

Cossack daggers and Russian dragoon sabers, 19th century; Cuirass and helmet of the Horse Guard Regiment of the Czar, 1846-1914; Russian general full dress epaulettes, 1880-90
Cossack daggers and Russian dragoon sabers, 19th century; Cuirass and helmet of the Horse Guard Regiment of the Czar, 1846-1914; Russian general full dress epaulettes, 1880-90
French noblemen swords, 18th century; Cases with pairs of dueling pistols and small traveling pistols, 19th century
French noblemen swords, 18th century; Cases with pairs of dueling pistols and small traveling pistols, 19th century
Small traveling pistols, French, 19th century
Small traveling pistols, French, 19th century
French sabers, helmet, and armor, 19th century in the weapons gallery at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
French sabers, helmet, and armor, 19th century

 

Courtyard

In the open-air courtyard in the center of the building are statues and busts of Greek military heroes. They range from antiquity to the present.

Courtyard at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Courtyard
Courtyard
Statues of Greek heroes
Statues of Greek heroes


 

South Terrace

On the terrace to the south of the building are artillery weapons, mines, and turrets. They date to the 19th and 20th century.

South terrace at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
South terrace
Artillery weapons
Artillery weapons
Turrets and mines
Turrets and mines
6lb British muzzle loading siege gun on gun carriage, early 19th century at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
6lb British muzzle loading siege gun on gun carriage, early 19th century
Turret from Centaur tank Mk VIII, Great Britain, used by the Hellenic Army from 1947 to 1960 at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Turret from Centaur tank Mk VIII, Great Britain, used by the Hellenic Army from 1947 to 1960

 

West Terrace

Finally, the west terrace features aircraft used by the Hellenic Air Force. On display are jets, propeller planes, and helicopters.

North terrace
North American F-86D Sabre Dog, USA at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
North American F-86D Sabre Dog, USA
North American T-6G Texan, USA
Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, USA at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, USA
Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, USA at the War Museum in Athens, Greece
Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, USA
Bell OH-13S single motor helicopter, USA

 

Map with the War Museum

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