The Hellenic Maritime Museum is Greece‘s largest naval and maritime museum, located beside Zea Marina in Piraeus. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. The museum’s own website confirms it is closed on both Sundays and Mondays, a stricter schedule than the single closing day some guides still describe.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Tuesday–Saturday, 09:00–14:00. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays |
| Ticket prices | Full €5, reduced €3. Free for several visitor categories |
| Address | Akti Themistokleous, Zea Marina, 185 37 Piraeus |
| Nearest transport | Metro Line 3 to Piraeus (Dimotiko Theatro), then bus 904 or 300 |
| Typical visit length | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Hellenic Maritime Museum opening hours
The museum’s opening hours run Tuesday to Saturday, 09:00 to 14:00.
It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays, so a weekday morning visit is essential for planning.
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- 🍽️ Taste the flavours of Greece on a food walking tour.
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Hellenic Maritime Museum ticket prices
A full-price ticket costs €5 and a reduced ticket costs €3.
Reduced tickets apply to students, school pupils, members of large families, and visitors aged 65 and over.
Free admission applies to children under 6, disabled visitors, museum and ICOM members, holders of a Ministry of Culture free-entry card, academics, educators, tour guides, journalists, and serving Navy or Coast Guard personnel. Valid ID or proof of category is required.
The museum is not included in any city pass, since it operates as an independent non-profit foundation rather than part of a ticketed regional network.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
How to get to the Hellenic Maritime Museum
By metro, take Line 3 to the Piraeus terminus (Dimotiko Theatro stop) or Line 1 to Piraeus station.
From either station, take bus 904 to Plateia Freattidos or bus 300 to Tzaneio Hospital, both around 300 metres from the museum.
Buses 040 (from Syntagma Square) and 049 (from Omonoia Square) also run from central Athens to Piraeus, connecting to the same local buses.
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Parking near the Hellenic Maritime Museum
Street parking is available around Zea Marina, though spaces can be limited on weekdays.
Given the straightforward metro and bus connections, public transport is generally the more practical option from central Athens.
How long to spend at the Hellenic Maritime Museum
Most visitors need 1 to 1.5 hours to see the permanent exhibition across its main halls.
Allow extra time for the Aristotle Onassis collection and the submarine conning tower in the courtyard.
Accessibility at the Hellenic Maritime Museum
Disabled visitors are admitted free of charge, though the museum’s website does not publish specific details on ramps, lifts, or step-free routes.
Visitors with mobility needs are advised to contact the museum in advance to confirm current access arrangements.
Inside the Hellenic Maritime Museum: what to see
Founded in 1949 and housed at Zea Marina since 1971, the museum displays more than 2,500 items across roughly 1,700 square metres of exhibition space.
The permanent exhibition is arranged chronologically, from prehistoric and classical antiquity through the Byzantine era, the Greek War of Independence of 1821, and the modern Navy and merchant fleet.
In the courtyard stands the conning tower of the submarine Papanikolis, alongside anchors linked to the Battle of Navarino.
A dedicated section covers the collection of shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, alongside galleries on traditional shipbuilding and a maritime art collection.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit in the morning, since the museum closes at 14:00 every open day. |
| Combine your visit with a walk around Zea Marina, home to many private yachts. |
| Check public holiday closures before travelling, since these are in addition to the regular Sunday and Monday closures. |
| Bring ID if you qualify for a reduced or free ticket, since proof of eligibility is required. |
| Allow time for the bus transfer from the metro, since the museum is not directly on a metro line. |
Frequently asked questions about the Hellenic Maritime Museum
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the museum suitable for children? | Yes, particularly the ship models and the submarine conning tower outside. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, tickets are sold at the entrance with no booking system. |
| Is the museum open on Sundays? | No, it is closed on both Sundays and Mondays. |
| Are bags allowed inside? | Small bags are permitted; larger items may need to be left at the entrance. |
| Is entry free for disabled visitors? | Yes, with valid proof of disability status. |
Things to do near the Hellenic Maritime Museum
Zea Marina, lined with private yachts and waterside cafes, surrounds the museum. The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, with finds from the ancient port city, is a short walk away.
The Municipal Theatre of Piraeus stands near the Piraeus metro terminus. Mikrolimano, a smaller fishing harbour with seafood tavernas, lies a short walk along the coast.
Ferries to the Saronic Islands and the Cyclades depart from the main port of Piraeus, a short taxi or bus ride away.
Alternative attractions
The Aegean Maritime Museum, on Mykonos, offers a smaller-scale private collection with a similar focus on Greek seafaring history. The Andros Maritime Museum, in Chora, Andros, covers a single island’s shipping history in a modest municipal setting.
The Maritime Museum of Oia, on Santorini, focuses on the shipowners and captains of a specific Cycladic village.
More Athens travel
Other Athens travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- How to get to the Theatre of Dionysus, Athens.
- Can you visit the Parthenon at night?
- How much does it cost to see the Temple of Olympian Zeus?
- Visitor guide to the Ancient Agora of Athens.
- Practical guide to visiting Aristotle’s Lyceum in Athens.
