The Museum of Greek Folk Art offers an overview of the Greek artistic heritage and showcases artifacts dating from 1650 to the present. This museum is located at less than a mile from the Acropolis in Athens. As of 2011, opening hours are between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Tuesdays to Sundays. Activities at the museum include educational programs, hands-on workshops and seminars, where children and adults watch shadow theater shows and try their hand at folk arts, such as pottery. Other exhibits include the V. Kyriazopoulos collection of folk pottery in the Tzami Annex, as well as displays of silver work, woodcarving, embroidery, paintings, which include the works of Theophilus Hatzimichail, stone carvings and theatrical costumes.
Ancient Greek pottery examples are not just beautiful artifacts, but also valuable historical tools, traditionally decorated with scenes from daily life which gave archeologists clues to the usage of the vessels. For a more intense experience of Greek art, consider courses such as those on the Island of Tinos. This island, located between Andros, Mykonos and Syros in the Cyclades group, is a center for Greek arts with its own museum. Students participate in daily workshops and enjoy the beaches during the day, as well as colorful local nightlife at clubs and restaurants, during the evenings.
The Museum of Popular Greek Musical Instruments is an elegant 18th Century mansion which holds more than 1,000 instruments, including lyres, lutes and ceramic drums. In the summer, the museum offers regular performances by Greek musicians. Visitors at other times of the year listen to a variety of recordings of traditional Greek music on headphones. The museum is located within walking distance of the Tower of the Winds in Athens. As of 2011, opening hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays to Sundays, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon to 6 p.m.
The Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art (MCA) is centrally located in the Athens district of Plaka. Weekend activities for kids at this museum include storytelling sessions and classes for parents, guided tours for kids and parents, as well painting and handicraft workshops.
