The Acropolis Museum welcomed a total of 3,904,768 visitors between early 2023 and the end of 2024, according to recently released figures from the museum’s official review of its activities over the past two years. The presentation, which focused primarily on developments between June 2024 and June 2025, highlighted key achievements and visitor trends during this period.
As detailed in the review, the museum experiences its highest footfall during the peak tourist season, spanning the months of May through August. During this time, daily visitor numbers average just under 7,000. Even on the busiest days—when attendance approaches 10,000—the museum manages to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests, thanks to an even distribution of visitors across its extended opening hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Since its inauguration in 2009, the Acropolis Museum has consistently maintained its reputation as one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. It has regularly featured among the top 100 most visited museums globally, as ranked by The Art Newspaper, a respected British art publication. In 2024, the museum achieved its highest-ever global ranking, placing 33rd in the world.
Although the first half of 2025 is still in progress, preliminary visitor data indicates a similar trend to that of the previous year. This raises strong expectations that the museum will once again surpass the milestone of 2 million annual visitors.
In addition to its role as a top-tier tourist destination, the Acropolis Museum continues to enrich Athens’ cultural landscape with a diverse array of exhibitions, educational programs, and public events. These offerings consistently attract both local residents and international audiences, reinforcing the museum’s dual mission of preservation and public engagement.
Renewed Momentum for the Return of the Parthenon Sculptures
The debate over the Parthenon Sculptures has resurfaced prominently, driven in part by the recent launch of The Parthenon Project in London. Media reports indicate that negotiations between the Greek government and the British Museum may be moving forward toward a potential agreement for their return.
Acropolis Museum Director General Prof. Nikolaos Stampolidis highlighted key developments, including the 2022 repatriation of the “Fagan fragment” from Sicily, now displayed on the Parthenon’s east frieze, and discussions at UNESCO’s 24th Intergovernmental Committee session in May 2024.
Stampolidis also pointed to recent events raising awareness around the issue, such as a January 2025 Acropolis Friends Association gathering and a book presentation by author Sir Stephen Fry, held at the museum with government support. He further noted an upcoming documentary by Scottish filmmaker David Wilkinson, which explores the ethical arguments for the sculptures’ return.
Ongoing Exhibitions
The museum’s ground-floor foyer currently hosts Parthenon and Byron, a free exhibition on Lord Elgin’s removal of Parthenon sculptures. In March–April 2025, a digital version was displayed at Athens International Airport, reaching a global audience.
On June 25, 2024, the Museum opened the Excavation Museum, showcasing daily life in an ancient neighborhood beneath the site, with 1,150 artifacts. Since then, all items have been documented in the MuseumPlus system, bringing the digital archive to 3,414 entries.
