Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
The ILJM is the only jewelry museum in Greece. It is a nonprofit cultural organization certified by the Greek Ministries of Finance and of Culture since 1993. The ILJMuseum is not government funded. The Museum strives to act as an international center for the continuation of traditional crafts especially the ancient art of silver and goldsmithery. In its twenty years of operation over 50 temporary exhibitions have been organized in Greece and abroad. 1200 specialized educational programs have reached over 90.000 children and 20.000 adults. Its future agenda includes introducing new initiatives on education of art and cultural education through fun and inspirational activities for both children and adults. Collaboration with international Museums, organizations and Educational institutions is needed more than ever to bring Greece in the front page of the international Cultural agenda.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Thissio / Makriyanni
Named after the well-preserved Thission (ancient temple of Hephaestus), Thissio is blessed with a small wooded park and some less frenetic streets that offer numerous quieter places to stay and eat. Largely pedestrianised Apostolou Pavlou Street runs between the Acropolis and forested Filopappou Hill, well worth climbing for more great panoramas, until it merges with Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. This leads to the up-and-coming area of Makriyanni, whose centrepiece is the magnificent new Acropolis Museum. Opposite the museum is the entrance to the southern slopes of the Acropolis, while the eponymous metro station nearby is at the top of Makriyanni Street, another strip of touristic cafés and restaurants.
How to get there
- Akropoli • 4 min walk
- Neos Kosmos • 5 min walk
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4.5
105 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
25
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
1
knowsnyc
636 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
For some reason, there was no admission charge the day we went.
He was a master maker of fine jewelry, much of which is on display.
Go right after or before Acropolis Museum- it is that close!
It was interesting to chat with a jewelry artisan.
The rooftop cafe has glorious views.
He was a master maker of fine jewelry, much of which is on display.
Go right after or before Acropolis Museum- it is that close!
It was interesting to chat with a jewelry artisan.
The rooftop cafe has glorious views.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greekcypriot2009
Athens, Greece8,970 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
This museum offers a glimpse into the history of jewelry-making through the designs of master goldsmith Ilias Lalaounis, with works that cover his career from 1940 to 2000.
Located on the site of his father’s workshop, where Lalaounis originally learned his craft, the permanent collection comprises over 3.000 pieces of jewelry and miniature sculptures, and includes works that are reminiscent of jewelry from the Minoan, Mycenaean and Byzantine eras, to pieces inspired by nature, including a ‘DNA’ series with its molecular motifs and the ‘motion-in-space’ series with its diamond-studded planets and golden orbits.
The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions that include the applied and decorative arts.
On the ground floor, visitors can experience the methods and materials of the goldsmith up close with a look into the studio, but beware of the gift shop….you may want one of everything!
Located on the site of his father’s workshop, where Lalaounis originally learned his craft, the permanent collection comprises over 3.000 pieces of jewelry and miniature sculptures, and includes works that are reminiscent of jewelry from the Minoan, Mycenaean and Byzantine eras, to pieces inspired by nature, including a ‘DNA’ series with its molecular motifs and the ‘motion-in-space’ series with its diamond-studded planets and golden orbits.
The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions that include the applied and decorative arts.
On the ground floor, visitors can experience the methods and materials of the goldsmith up close with a look into the studio, but beware of the gift shop….you may want one of everything!
Written 5 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie W
Sydney, Australia45 contributions
A stunning retrospective collection of the work of a master craftsman. Shows another side of the influential culture of Greece inspiring beautiful jewellery.
Written 27 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DHG
Boston, MA1,186 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Everyone visits Athen's new Acropolis Museum; however there's a hidden gem right up the street at the corner of Karyatidon - Kallisperi 12 streets. The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum is the first and only museum in Athens devoted to modern jewelry in Greece and it pays fitting tribute to the world-renowned master jeweler Ilias Lalaounis by showcasing the diverse and innovative collections he created between 1940 - 2000. The displays of hand-crafted gold are hypnotizing. You'll recognize the names of many of his famous customers. Even if you aren't "into" jewelry, the workmanship of the pieces and the quality of the presentation will astound you. Like the Acropolis Museum, this is a well-researched, serious, educational venue that strives to preserve a very special aspect of Greece's heritage. For scholars, there is a research library available by appointment only.
In addition to several exhibition floors (all handicapped-accessible) there are displays and film describing the techniques of fine jewelry making. There is also a very tempting albeit expensive museum shop that contains all of the Museum's publications, other reference books, and replicas of Lalounis' designs, as well as designs by artists worldwide. There is a small coffee shop on the premises, but my suggestion would be to enjoy a lunch break at the Acropolis Museum cafe (with a stunning view of the Acropolis) before embarking on a 2nd museum.
The Ilias Lalounis Jewelry Museum is free on Saturdays (open 9-3) and 4-5 euros Tues. - Fri. (9-3), and Sundays (11-4). The Museum is located on the metro line, as well as the Hop On - Hop off bus and tram lines; just get off at the Acropolis Museum stop.
In addition to several exhibition floors (all handicapped-accessible) there are displays and film describing the techniques of fine jewelry making. There is also a very tempting albeit expensive museum shop that contains all of the Museum's publications, other reference books, and replicas of Lalounis' designs, as well as designs by artists worldwide. There is a small coffee shop on the premises, but my suggestion would be to enjoy a lunch break at the Acropolis Museum cafe (with a stunning view of the Acropolis) before embarking on a 2nd museum.
The Ilias Lalounis Jewelry Museum is free on Saturdays (open 9-3) and 4-5 euros Tues. - Fri. (9-3), and Sundays (11-4). The Museum is located on the metro line, as well as the Hop On - Hop off bus and tram lines; just get off at the Acropolis Museum stop.
Written 16 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise B
Sunshine Coast, Australia158 contributions
May 2016
Loved everything about this museum. Wednesday afternoons it's free admission and open until 9pm. Houses pieces from the various Collections created by this great man, permanent displays and temporary exhibitions by up and coming artists. A great insight and wonderful background knowledge to take to their store before making a purchase of a lifetime.
Written 28 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angc377
Vancouver, Canada207 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
A gorgeous museum dedicated to the art of jewellery, tucked away on a side street near the Acropolis Museum. It features collections from famous Greek jeweller Ilias Lalaounis and artworks from private collections. With an entrance fee of 5 euros, it is a bit pricier than other local museums nearby but, if you love art and jewellery, the admission is well worth it.
The museum is closed on Mondays.
The museum is closed on Mondays.
Written 1 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarionHLetitia
Athens, Greece1 contribution
Sept 2014 • Friends
I visited the museum together with a friend some days ago. We viewed the exhibits in the first floor but were disturbed by the loud business conversation held between what was obviously an employee of the museum with a client who wanted to use jewellery for a fashion show. No respect shown for rest of the visitors. We wanted to get up to the second floor but it was closed. I asked at the reception desk why they made us pay a normal entry fee and did not inform us that the exhibition was only partly accessible. No proper answer was given. I will not go again and will not recommend this museum because it is only for show and the atmosphere is snotty and disrespectful. No historic overview given, either. Really disappointing.
Written 6 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T M
Banjarmasin, Indonesia65 contributions
Have read about this museum and then came to it by chance. Pretty impressive design. Lots of gold...of course. Really like the greek archeological inspired design. Worth a visit.
Written 9 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
habaneros
Spain904 contributions
Aug 2012 • Solo
Gold lovers please go visit this different museum. This jewelry designer has taken historical objects and form and made jewelry with a contemporary flair. He has designed for many people to include Jackie Onassis. The displays are breathtaking. The museum shop has some interesting things to buy.
Written 6 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yako N
Athens, Greece150 contributions
The master Ilias Lalaounis is quiet old now, but his creations will last forever. It is not only the jewelry that are fantastic, the museum is just in front of the Acropolis.
It does'nt matter if you don't buy anything from his shops just make a point when you are in the vicinity of the new museum of Acropolis to have a visit.
It does'nt matter if you don't buy anything from his shops just make a point when you are in the vicinity of the new museum of Acropolis to have a visit.
Written 9 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
summan80
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Would like to know the entry fee per adult and for kid age 11yrs
Written 9 March 2017
The entrance to the museum includes a ticket. Free entrance every Saturday, Wednesday afternoons after 3 pm. and during the month of August. Please see also web site of facebook page for updates. Best :)
Written 29 January 2018
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