War Museum Accessibility Guide

Overview

The War Museum of Athens is a modern purpose-built museum on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue in the Kolonaki area. It covers the military history of Greece from antiquity through the 20th century, with exhibits on ancient warfare, the Byzantine period, the Greek War of Independence, the Balkan Wars, World Wars I and II, and the Greek Civil War. Outside the building, a collection of military aircraft, artillery pieces, and other hardware is displayed in the open-air grounds.

For wheelchair users, this is one of the more accessible museums in Athens. The building was designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a ground-level entrance with ramps, elevators to all floors, and an adapted restroom on the ground floor. The outdoor exhibits sit on flat, paved ground.

Getting There

• Metro: Evangelismos station (Line 3, blue line) is about 300 meters west on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. The station has elevator access. From the exit, head east along the avenue. The museum is on the south side at the corner with Rizari Street.
• Bus: Several routes stop on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue near the museum. Most Athens buses are low-floor with ramps.
• Taxi: Drop-off on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue or Rizari Street, directly at the museum.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The main entrance has a ramp at the foyer providing step-free access from street level into the building.
• An elevator serves all floors of the museum, allowing access to every exhibition level.
• Exhibition halls are modern with wide corridors, smooth floors, and sufficient turning space for wheelchairs.
• Display cases are positioned at varying heights, with most key exhibits visible from a seated position.
• The outdoor military exhibits (aircraft, artillery, tanks) are displayed on flat, paved ground around the building. You can roll between the exhibits on concrete paths.
• Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome inside the museum.
• Visitors with a certified disability enter free, along with one companion.

Accessible Toilets

An adapted restroom is located on the ground floor, a short distance from the elevator. It has grab bars, a low sink, and adequate space for a wheelchair.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• The museum is a manageable size and can be visited in 1 to 2 hours. It is not overwhelming like some of the larger archaeological museums.
• The outdoor exhibits are worth exploring, especially the military aircraft. The flat ground makes it easy to roll between pieces.
• The museum is air-conditioned, which is a welcome break from Athens summer heat.
• Combine your visit with the Byzantine and Christian Museum (about 200 meters west on the same avenue) and the Benaki Museum (about 500 meters west). All three are on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue with wide sidewalks.
• The National Garden is about 400 meters west and offers a shaded rest stop.
• Free admission days include the first Sunday of each month from November through March and October 28 (Ohi Day).
• The museum has a small gift shop on the ground floor that is step-free.
• Photography is allowed in most areas. Ask at the entrance about any restrictions.