Mycenae Archaeological Museum

Location: Ancient Site

The Archaeological Museum of Mycenae Greece, Peloponnese: The Archaeological Museum of Mycenae is found at the entrance of the ancient site, just a few steps before the Lion Gate. The idea for the construction of this museum right next to the ancient site belongs to late archaeologist Giorgos Mylonas, member of the Greek Archaeological Society. The works for its construction began in 1985 and the museum was finally inaugurated in 2003.

The building of the museum is modern and covers a total surface of 2,000 sq.m. It is constructed in three levels and includes findings from excavations all over the ancient site of Mycenae. A large part of the building is used for storage and elaboration of the findings and only three rooms in two levels are exhibition rooms.

The exhibits come from Mycenae and the wider region and represent time periods from the Copper Period around 3,000 B.C. till the Hellenistic time in the 2nd century B.C. There are about 2,500 exhibits, mostly ceramic vases, jewelry, wall paintings, tools, and weapons. The jewelry pieces particularly are very impressive, made of gold and with complicated designs.

In one of the rooms, you can also see a copy of the Golden Mask of Agamemnon, a grave mask that was found in the Treasury of Atreus. The original mask, a funeral mask made of pure gold, is kept in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. It is not exactly proved but archaeologist Schliemann, who first excavated Mycenae, believed it was the funeral mask of King Agamemnon.

The first room of the Archaeological Museum of Mycenae is dedicated to the life of the Mycenaeans with ceramic exhibits from the ancient town. The second room is dedicated to life after death and includes exhibits from graves, such as offerings to the dead. The third room is dedicated to the Mycenaen civilization in the concepts of religion, science, art, administration, and trade. At the entrance of the museum, there are wall posts narrating the history of Mycenae and of its excavation. Right opposite the entrance, there is also a model of the ancient site.