In 1964, in order to study and preserve the history of the country in detail and to honour the memory of those who gave their lives for the independence of Greece, the government decided to establish the Athens Military Museum. A plot of land in the heart of Athens at the intersection of Queen Sofia Avenue and Rizari Street, originally planned for the construction of the National Gallery, was allocated specifically for the construction of the Museum. By 1975 the construction of the museum was completed and in July 1975 it was inaugurated. The ceremony was attended by Greek President Konstantinos Tsatsos and Minister of Defence Evangelos Averof-Tositsas. Over time, branches of the museum were opened in Greek cities such as Nafplion, Chania, Tripoli and Thessaloniki.
The museum's impressive collection is mainly exhibits illustrating the military history of Greece, from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century (with special emphasis on the period of the formation of the independent Greek state), as well as military operations in which Greece was directly involved. However, it is worth noting that in the Military Museum you can also see artefacts that will introduce you to the history of ancient China and Japan. The museum's exhibition halls feature such exhibits as weapons (including the famous collection of Peter Sargolos), ammunition, uniforms, medals and awards, maps, sculptures, paintings, printed materials, photographs and much more. The oversized military equipment is exhibited in the courtyard of the museum. Of definite architectural interest is the museum building, erected in the late modernist style..
In addition to permanent exhibitions, the Military Museum regularly holds specialised temporary exhibitions, as well as seminars and conferences. The museum also has an excellent library.
