Gift-Planning Mode: Artsy, Designer Finds at 9 Athens’ Museum Shops

Two boutiques, two moods. On the ground floor, the Acropolis Museum Gift Store edits the galleries into objects: silk scarves for him and her, jewelry with a classical wink, ceramics, stationery and postcards, even children’s games—each piece a distilled memory meant to be taken home. Upstairs, the second-floor Bookstore reads the city: multilingual titles, albums, and the official Museum Guides tracing the art, history, and mythology of the Acropolis and ancient Athens. Everything is uniquely conceived for the museum—exclusive designs, packaging to match—so what you carry out feels less like a souvenir and more like a fragment of inspiration.

Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Makryianni

The shop at the Museum of Cycladic Art is elegantly composed and deeply rooted in ancient inspiration. You’ll encounter modern jewelry and design objects that mirror the minimalist beauty of Cycladic civilization, alongside accessories, decorative art, books, and prints. The jewellery section offers classis and modern designs in all price ranges, from “Eye Necklaces” set with diamonds in mixed metals, to ancient-style leaf earrings. The shop also features a refined selection of deco items and museum-quality replicas of Cycladic figurines and artwork prints from past exhibitions. With each visit there’s also something of the current show: accessories like T-shirts and bags from the Marlene Dumas and Cindy Sherman exhibitions join the curated offering, giving you stylish wearable art to take home.

Neofitou Douka 4, Kolonaki

The shop at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation gives you the chance to take home pieces rooted in the museum’s exceptional art collection. In its offering you’ll find home-ware, books, accessories, jewellery, limited-edition prints and artworks, office goods, children’s items and more. Among the curated highlights are designer objects and exhibition-themed items: for instance the “Takis 1∞” series includes a cotton tote bag bearing his 1972 Electronic Relief and a notebook featuring Magnetic Wall – The 4th Dimension (2018). There’s also a rich jewellery section: a pendant inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Olive Picking (1889), a gold-plated silver pendant of Edgar Degas’s Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, and more. Collectors will appreciate the limited-edition category, offering numbered porcelain plates by Yannis Moralis (edition of 100), and plexiglass prints from Maria Filopoulou and Opy Zouni among others. Finally, you’ll find a well-curated book section including a two-volume hardcover of the foundation’s art collection—ideal for any art lover’s coffee table.

Eratosthenous 13, Pangrati

The main shop of the Benaki Museum on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue offers visitors a rich selection of items rooted in Greek cultural heritage. Alongside high-quality replicas of museum pieces, you’ll find handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, textiles and design pieces under the headings “New In”, “Exhibition Ranges” and “Gifts for Professionals”. Highlights include curated collections tied to current exhibitions, like the “Juvenilia” range, plus designer-crafted contemporary objects that reference the museum’s iconic holdings. The jewellery section features modern takes on Byzantine and folk-art motifs, and the ceramics span decorative vases to functional pieces inspired by ancient forms. For aspirant collectors and gift-seekers alike, the “Professionals” range supplies items suited to discerning tastes or corporate gifts—always with authentic cultural origins. The shop also stocks an art-book and print section, offering deeper insight into Greece’s artistic legacy. All of it adds up to a distinct opportunity to carry home a genuine piece of history.

Koumpari 1, Kolonaki

At the Benaki Museum’s Pireos 138, the shop offers a modern selection of art, design, homeware, decor items, and photography-related items. Known for its playful yet sophisticated products, this shop includes everything from quirky stationery to one-of-a-kind jewelry. Standout items include the Atlas Shopper handbag by STUDIOLAV, made from recycled olive oil tin containers, and jewelry by Elena Votsi, featuring vintage keys accented with rubies and gold. The shop also houses an impressive collection of books and prints, many tied to ongoing exhibitions. It’s an ideal stop for anyone interested in contemporary Greek design and art.

Pireos 138, Athens

The Theocharakis Foundation’s Artshop takes a playful, contemporary approach with its collection of design-forward artisanal items. Located across from the lobby, the shop is a visual treat, featuring a mix of interior decor pieces. Among the standout items are hand-painted tsarouchia (traditional Greek moccasins), crafted from vintage shoe trees by ENartists, a creative duo known for their unique designs that combine modern Greek history with reclaimed materials. The shop also sells a vibrant selection of bronze ornaments, including delicate micro-sculptures inspired by Greek symbols, lovely jewelry pieces and charming wooden boats, which are perfect as traditional Greek Christmas decorations.

Vassilissis Sofias 9 & Merlin 1, Syntagma

The SHOP AT ΕΜΣΤ at the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) mirrors the museum’s clean, urban aesthetic while adding a dash of wit. Its fashion range features bold graphic T-shirts, caps, and hand fans with tongue-in-cheek slogans, alongside minimalist jewellery and accessories. The sustainability-minded will love the upcycled backpacks by 3Quarters, made from Athenian balcony awnings in smart color combinations. Design collaborations with local studios such as Mud Lab bring handcrafted ceramics with sculptural lines and soft, earthy glazes. The “Prints” section showcases silkscreens, cyanotypes, and posters linked to EMST’s exhibitions, while the “Gifts” range covers homeware, stationery, and collectible pieces with a contemporary edge. Altogether, it’s a shop that turns the museum’s aesthetic into something you can wear, use, or display—art you can actually live in.

Kallirrois Ave. & Amvr. Frantzi 14, Koukaki

Located in the historic Villa Ilissia, the Byzantine & Christian Museum shop sells an impressive range of certified reproductions of Byzantine art, with a particular emphasis on religious iconography. The standout piece is the beautifully crafted replica of Archangel Michael, available in various sizes. For those looking for everyday items with a touch of history, minimalist ceramics by Vassilis Georgiou offer a fresh take on religious symbols and Byzantine landmarks. Silk scarves and umbrellas adorned with intricate patterns from Roman mosaics add a touch of elegance, while the extensive collection of books in Greek, English, and German makes for an enriching dive into Byzantine history.

Vassilissis Sofias 22, Ilisia

The Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology offers a fascinating array of items that celebrate the ingenuity of ancient Greek inventors. A highlight of the shop is the detailed replicas of the Antikythera mechanism, a mysterious and sophisticated ancient device that is often considered the world’s first analog computer. The shop also features interactive toys, board games, and puzzles that showcase how ancient Greek technology worked, making for both entertaining and educational gifts. For visitors curious about history and innovation, this shop is a treasure trove of knowledge and creativity, perfect for both adults and children.

Pindarou 6, Kolonaki