The Museum of Islamic Art is an annex of the Benaki Museum in which the collection of Islamic works of art by the national benefactor AntoniosBenakis is displayed. In the specially designed neoclassical building are displayed about 10 thousands items, dated from the 7^th till the 19^th century and it is considered to be one of the most important collections of Islamic art in the world. Among the well-known works of the collection, you will see tessellations, two carved door panels from Mesopotamia of the 8^th century, a unique straw carpet of Tiberias of the 10^th century and the famous velvet saddle of Bursa of the 16^th century. In the foundations of the building complex, where the museum is housed, a section of the ancient wall of Athens as well as an ancient tomb were found. After the consultation of the Benaki Museum with the 3^rd Inspectorate of prehistoric and classical antiquities, the basement of the building was modeled properly so that the findings would remain in place and open to the public. The museum, which is located within close distance from important archaeological sites, has a magnificent view to the archeological area (Acropolis and Thissio on the right till Keramikos) from the cafe on the top floor of the building.
Opening Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 09:00-17:00