The Benaki Museum’s Historical Archives constitute one of the best-organised and richest archival collections in Greece. It became an independent department of the Museum in 1955. Most of the archival material comes from Antonis Benakis’ personal collection, as well as from subsequent donations by private benefactors. Focusing on the history of the Greek nation, the museum collects documents, records and other historical artifacts, mostly relating to the political, economic, and social life of the last three centuries.
The museum is housed in the marvelous mansion of Pinelopi Delta, a characteristic example of the mature neoclassical style of the early 20th century, with a number of eclectic features from medieval architecture, including the typically Athenian feature of a tower staircase. The interior is spare, with wood panelling, but without the plaster-of-Paris ornamentation common to bourgeois houses of the period.A substantial part of the collection pertains to the 1821 Greek War of Independence. The period of Othon's reign and the revolution of the 3rd of September 1843 are represented by the personal archive of General Demetrios Kallergis (1803-1867).
The first quarter of the 20th century is closely connected with the political rise of Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936) and exhibits of his correspondence and his personal and his contemporaries' archives are found.
There is also a section of the archives dealing with the National Resistance (1940-1944) during the German Occupation.
OPENING HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 - 15:00 Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
CLOSED: Saturday, Sunday & Greek holidays
SHOP: Open Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00, Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00
BUS: Α7, Β7, 503,507, 508, 509, 535, 536, 560 (bus stop KANARI) - 523, 525, 543 (3rd bus stop Ν. KIFISIAS)
METRO (RAIL): KIFISIA station