Museum of Popular Music Instruments, Athens

Housed in an 1842 mansion belonging to a wealthy Athenian family, this small museum has a wide range of traditional Greek musical instruments arranged in three halls on three floors.

Eminent Greek musicologist, Fivos Anoyanakis, researched traditional folk music for 50 years. The museum now displays about 600 musical instruments gathered by him from different parts of the country, which were used by Greek performers from 1750 onwards. These are grouped into four sections, such as drums, wind instruments, string instruments and bells. Some are a bit rudimentary; others are unbelievable works of art in themselves.

The display cases are surrounded by photographs of people playing the instruments, and headphones next to many of the displays allow visitors to listen to what the instruments sound like. There are also historic videos demonstrating how some of the instruments (including goat bells!) were used during festivities.

The museum's courtyard provides a cool oasis on a hot summer day (if lucky, one might come across an outdoor concert). There is a small bookstore, offering books and CDs for those wishing to delve further. The staff is very welcoming and informative – just ask! Otherwise, you'll be left to wander at your own pace.

Opening Hours:
Tue, Thu-Sun: 10am-2pm; Wed: 12am-6pm