Greece to Raise Entrance Fees for Museums, Ancient Sites

Greece’s Central Archaeological Council on Tuesday unanimously approved new entrance fees to ancient sites and museums that raise prices, abolish unified tickets for multiple sites, and reduce ticket categories to five levels.

Greece is a treasure trove of ancient sites and museums, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. From the majestic Acropolis of Athens to the mystical ruins of Mycenae, these landmarks provide a tangible connection to the past.

Adjusted prices will be introduced in two phases, the first one starting on April 1, 2024, and the second one on April 1, 2025.

The five new categories of ticketing are as follows:

A. Acropolis of Athens, 30 euros

B. Archaeological sites and museums (over 200,000 visitors), 20 euros

C. Archaeological sites and museums (75,000-200,000 visitors), 15 euros

D. Archaeological sites and museums (15,000-75,000 visitors), 10 euros

E. Archaeological sites and museums (under 15,000 visitors), 5 euros

These ticket prices will be in effect regardless of season, as lower winter prices are abolished.

Five museums in Greece will establish their pricing policy

The five major Greek museums that were turned into independent entities of public interest, will establish their pricing policy.

These include the National Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the Byzantine & Christian Museum (Athens), and the Museum of Byzantine Culture (Thessaloniki).

The above museums were turned into independent entities earlier in the year, meaning they are now managed by technocrats and not civil servants or archaeologists.

They now manage the resources they collect from tickets, sales, and events which until then were collected by the Organization for the Management and Development of Cultural Resources (ODAP), and through these are expected to be self-financing.

In addition, they have the possibility not only to lend and borrow works, with a five-year duration and the possibility of renewal but also to establish branches in foreign countries to exhibit some of their collections in the long term.

Greek archaeologists protested the changes warning that the new law would lead to job cuts and an increase in ticket prices.

Single tickets for multiple sites will be abolished except for the following sites: Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae, and Aegae, or where necessary due to spatial considerations.

Free entrance will continue to be offered for EU citizens up to age 25, and for non-EU citizens up to age 25, and reduced ticket prices for EU citizens aged 65+ (October 1-May 31).

A Culture Card will be issued through gov.gr or the local Citizen Service Centers (KEP) for Greek taxpayers under specific categories.