The Benaki Toy Museum of Athens opened in 2017. Yet, the building is built between 1897 and 1900. It is built by Spyridon Despozitos. The building originally belonged to a rich family from Hydra. The collection in the museum belonged mostly to a collector named Maria Argyriadi. Argyriadi’s collection includes around 20,000 pieces. Toys, books, games, and clothing constitute the collection which is one of the largest in Europe.
What is in The Benaki Toy Museum of Athens?
The collection of the Benaki Toy Museum of Athens involves material both from antiquity and the 20th century. The collection is also geographically very diverse. It includes games and toys from Europe, Asia, South America, North America, and Africa. The museum has model cars and other vehicles, wind-up toys, clothes, dolls, puppets, board games, and many more. Queen Olga’s miniature collection is also exhibited in the Benaki Toy Museum of Athens.
The building that hosts the museum is also an attraction on its own. Mimicking a castle, the building involves two symmetrical towers. Architecturally, it is a mixture of Neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Baroque styles. Present at the opening of the museum, Maria Argyriadi said, “I never expected this day would come. After 25 years of many good as well as difficult moments, a circle has been completed for me today.”
Location of The Benaki Toy Museum of Athens
The Benaki Toy Museum of Athens is located on 14 Posidonos and 1 Tritonos, Palio Faliro, 175 61. It is accessible by wheelchair and stroller. Such visitors may enter the museum using the entrance on Tritonos Street. The closest metro station to the museum is Trokantero station. For more detailed information, visitors may reach the museum by calling (+30) 212 687 52 80. Alternatively, visitors may send an e-mail to “[email protected]”.
The Working Hours and The Pricing of The Benaki Toy Museum of Athens
Normally, the Benaki Toy Museum of Athens is open between Thursdays and Sundays. The working hours are between 10 am and 6 pm. However, due to Covid-19, the museum is closed at least until the 1st of December. It is a good idea to regularly check updates on the museum website.
The full tickets for the museum cost nine euros. Reduced tickets, on the other hand, can be purchased for seven euros. Journalists have a special category allowing them to visit for one euro.
