Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum

The Basics

Most international travelers visit the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum independently. You can buy tickets at the door, book them online ahead of time, or gain admission with one of a range of Athens visitor passes.

The museum operates a range of tours for groups of 10 or more, including hands-on master classes in its studio workshop. It’s also easy enough to explore the collections and exhibitions on your own. While the permanent collection centers on Ilias Lalaounis’ career journey, pieces on display stretch back to the 18th century and come from as far afield as India.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A must for fans of jewelry, the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum will also appeal to art lovers and fashionistas.

• The museum shop is a great place to stock up on creative souvenirs.

• The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum prides itself on accessibility and offers free admission to travelers with disabilities. As well as wheelchair access throughout, there are programs for people with hearing and vision challenges.

How to Get There

The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum is located on the corner of Karyatidon and Kallisperi streets in the fashionable Makrygianni neighborhood south of the Acropolis. It’s less than 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) from Syntagma Square and just one block away from the Acropolis Museum; to get there, walk 5 minutes from the Acropolis metro station (line 2).

When to Get There

The museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Greek public holidays, including Orthodox Easter. It’s open from morning until midafternoon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, but stays open well into the evening on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Aim to visit during the daytime in the working week for a quieter experience.

Who Was Ilias Lalaounis?

Best known for his statement pieces inspired by the rich traditions of ancient Greek jewelry, Ilias Lalaounis was a pioneering goldsmith. Celebrities including screen icon Elizabeth Taylor and Greek actress and politician Melina Mercouri have rocked his dramatic gold pieces, while he also designed the Olympic torch. Today, his daughters run the family firm.