Plizio Visual Lab

Academy of Athens

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Academy of Athens is one of the three buildings comprising the neoclassical 'Athenian Trilogy' in the city center. It was designed in the 19th century by Danish architect Theophil von Hansen and is considered one of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in the world. The design is heavily inspired by ancient Greek architecture, particularly the Propylaea of the Acropolis. Its facade is adorned with sculptural masterpieces, including statues of Athena and Apollo on high columns, as well as seated figures of Plato and Socrates in front of the entrance. The Academy serves as Greece's national research institute, promoting sciences, humanities, and arts. The magnificent pediment depicts the birth of Athena and was created by sculptor Leonidas Drosis. The interior houses an impressive plenary hall with murals illustrating the Prometheus myth. As a symbol of Greece's intellectual continuity, the building is an essential part of Athens' architectural heritage.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Underground · Underathens Association · iFocus
Nearby: Peristeri (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	10	12	15	20	25	28	27	24	19	15	11
Rain mm	66	58	53	30	21	20	12	8	29	49	69	86

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The magnificent neoclassical building can usually only be viewed from the outside, as it serves as a working research institution. Access to the interior is generally restricted to official events or guided tours.

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Typical hours

The exterior grounds and the impressive facade adorned with statues can be viewed at any time during daylight hours. Special exhibitions inside usually have limited, irregular opening hours during the regular workweek.

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Photography

The magnificent marble facade with its Ionic columns and the statues of Athena and Apollo provides a fantastic photo opportunity. The best lighting conditions for striking outdoor shots are typically found in the early morning hours.

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Time needed

You should plan for about twenty to thirty minutes to view the exterior architecture and photograph the intricate artistic details. A longer stay is generally only worthwhile if you want to study the architectural complex in depth.

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Combine with

The building, together with the University and the National Library, forms the famous Athenian Neoclassical Trilogy. Syntagma Square and the bustling Kolonaki neighborhood are also located in the immediate vicinity for exploration.

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Getting there

The Academy is very centrally located on Panepistimiou Street and is extremely easy to reach on foot from the city center. The closest metro station is Panepistimio, from which it is only a very short and pleasant walk.

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Insider tip

When looking at the high columns, pay special attention to the filigree decorations and the gold leaf details that shine brightly in the sunlight. Bringing binoculars or a good quality camera zoom lens can be very helpful for this.

Geography

Coordinates

37.98060, 23.73360

Facts

Groundbreaking ceremony took place in 1859.
Officially inaugurated on March 20, 1887.
Designed by Theophil von Hansen and funded by Simon Sinas.
The Athena column stands at 10 meters high.
Houses valuable scientific archives.
Established as the Academy of Sciences in 1926.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Athens<1 km · NWExplore →

Temple of Olympian Zeus1 km · SExplore →

Zografou3 km · EExplore →

Nea Smyrni5 km · SWExplore →

Neo Psychiko5 km · NEExplore →

Peristeri5 km · NWExplore →

Moschato5 km · SWExplore →

South Athens6 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Academy of Athens (8)

Underground

Theatre in Athens, Greece.

Underathens Association

Arts centre in Athens.

iFocus

Photography gallery in Athens.

🌐 ifocus.gr🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00🆓

Museum and Study Centre of the Greek Theatre🏛 museum

Museum in Greece, dedicated to Greek theatre.

Saint Dionysius

Cathedral in Athens, Greece.

Museum of the City of Athens🏛 museum

Contains plans of the city from 1842, paintings, sculptures, old books and memorabilia.

Athens Club

Private club in Athens.

MOUSEION - BIBLIOThEKE ISTORIKES MNEMES EL. BENIKhELOU🏛 museum

Museum and library for the historical memory of Eleftherios Venizelos.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Academy of Athens?

The highest research institute in the country and an architectural landmark of Athens.

Can you visit the building inside?

Usually only the exterior; interior access is mostly reserved for scholars.

What architectural style was used here?

Neoclassical, part of the 'Athenian Trilogy'.

Which statues stand in front of the building?

Plato and Socrates are seated in front, with Athena and Apollo on high columns.

Where exactly is the Academy located?

On Panepistimiou Street, in the center of Athens near Syntagma Square.

Academy of Athens: where is it located?

Academy of Athens is located in Greece.

Academy of Athens: what is there to see?

Highlights include Underground, Underathens Association, iFocus.

Academy of Athens: when is the best time to visit?