Build Your Own Antikythera Mechanism

• Duration

  2 1/2 hours

• Theme

  • History & Mythology
  • Culture, Handicrafts & Games

• Group Type

  • Private

The Athens Museum of Ancient Greek Technology

Your family adventure unfolds at the Kostas Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. The museum was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award in 2019 and operates under the European Council’s auspices. It aims to highlight ancient Greece’s innovative spirit and its impact on the modern world.

You will begin with a one-hour tour to discover ancient Greek technological achievements. Then, you will explore exhibits showcasing mechanics, engineering, and innovation. The museum houses replicas of original ancient Greek inventions, the most famous of which is the Antikythera Mechanism (if you’d like to see the original invention housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, we can happily arrange a guided visit for your family).

Build Your Own Antikythera Mechanism!

Next comes your exciting hands-on workshop, where you’ll create your own piece of history!

You will explore outstanding Greek innovations, from the “calculator” of Salamina to the world-famous Antikythera Mechanism, considered the world’s first analog computer – ancient Greeks’ laptop!

The museum’s expert staff will guide you through the Build Your Own Ancient Greek Calculator: The Heart of Antikythera Mechanism Workshop. Each kid will take home her or his own Antikythera mechanism so you can remember your unique museum visit forever.

OPTIONAL: Change of the Guards in Syntagma Square

After the workshop, we can visit the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square and witness the change of the Greek Presidential Guard. This is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Athens! Their precision and attention to movement, with almost dance-like movements, are sure to keep your cameras busy.