National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST)

The basics

The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) offers guided tours, but many visitors explore independently; exhibits are clearly signed, and you can download the app for more information as you wander. Along with the permanent collection, there are regularly changing exhibitions, which often showcase large-scale pieces. The rooftop has gorgeous views of the Acropolis, particularly at sunset, and hosts art film screenings on select summer evenings, while the 4th-floor restaurant, Nyn Esti, offers fine dining with Acropolis views. Book ahead.

Things to know before you go

• The museum is a great choice for architecture buffs, fans of modern art, and folk looking for a change of pace from Athens sightseeing.
• There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the building, plus a museum shop to stock up on goodies.
• Flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
• Children 12 and under, travelers with disabilities, and their assistants go free; admission is discounted for visitors aged 13–18 and over 65, and university students.
• All areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible and there are wheelchair-friendly bathrooms. Travelers with mobility needs should enter via Syngrou Avenue. A sensory-friendly map is available for visitors with autism.

How to get there

The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens is in the Fix building in Syngrou, central Athens. It’s right by the Syngrou-Fix metro station (Line 2), about a 15-minute walk south of the Acropolis.

When to get there

The museum is open from late morning to evening Tuesday–Sunday, with extended hours on Thursdays; it’s closed on Mondays and major Greek public holidays. Nyn Esti is open at night Tuesday–Saturday and during the day on Sunday; it’s closed on Monday. Come late to enjoy the sunset views from the rooftop.

Street art and contemporary art in Athens

Painted vases and classical sculptures are wonderful, but Athens also boasts dynamic street art and contemporary art scenes. Some walking and bike tours focus on street art, which you’ll find in edgy Metaxourgio, as well as Psiri, Anafiotika, and Gazi. Head to Kolonaki to enjoy a wealth of independent galleries, including Zoumboulakis Gallery, a leading showcase for more than a century, and Gagosian Athens, the Greek outpost of the global contemporary art brand.

Ways to explore

There are several ways to visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens. Some visitors explore independently for a couple of hours; exhibits are clearly signed, and a downloadable app provides further information. This museum also offers guided tours for more insight into the stories behind the art and the artists. Along with the permanent collection, be sure to check out the regularly rotating exhibitions, and don’t miss the rooftop with its views of the Acropolis, especially at sunset.

Some visitors combine a trip to the museum with a day of artistic exploration: street art tours, contemporary art gallery tours, and private art tours are all available.

Accessibility

All areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators throughout. Visitors with mobility needs should enter via Syngrou Avenue. Wheelchairs are available for loan from the main entrance. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; children 12 and under receive free admission.

What to pack

Bring a small bag (as large bags aren’t permitted), and pack a tote for souvenirs.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, smart clothing if visiting the restaurant

Not allowed

Outside food and drink, large bags, selfie sticks, tripods, flash photography, phone calls in exhibition spaces

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi, museum shop, rooftop with Acropolis views, fine-dining restaurant, lockers

Address

The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens is located in the former Fix brewery. It is easily accessible by public transport, driving, or on foot from central Athens.

Driving

The museum does not offer parking on-site, and the nearest parking garage is located at the Syngrou-Fix metro station, a short walk away.

Public transportation

Choose between the metro and the tram to reach the museum. For the metro, take line 2 to Syngrou-Fix station; for the tram, hop off at Fix station.

Best times to visit

Visitors seeking a quiet experience may prefer weekday mornings to explore the museum in peace. Those seeking a buzzier atmosphere may enjoy an afternoon visit followed by sunset on the rooftop.

Best days to visit

This museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays (and major public holidays). It offers extended hours on Thursday evenings, which is a lovely time to visit and enjoy the rooftop views.

Best months to visit

The spring months of April and May, and the fall months of October and November, mean you’ll skip the crowds and high temperatures of the summer.

Special events

The museum hosts a variety of events, including film screenings on the rooftop on select summer evenings.