The exhibits, in general, are in great condition – yes, they might look a little outdated compared to some of the new technologies other museums have incorporated, but the history remains the same! They all come with explanatory signs in both Greek and English (although the English ones tend to be shorter) and are carefully put together. One of the best things about this museum is that most exhibits are accompanied by related art, artifacts, scale models, video and photography, bringing the stories behind the objects to life. I’m a sucker for dioramas, and this museum has a ton of them. The whole thing is meticulously organized and presented.
The museum has a large number of weapons used during conflicts that involved Europe and Greece, including but not restricted to guns, knives, swords, and bayonets (they have flint axes, modern fighter jets and everything in between!). There’s also an excellent collection of arms on the bottom floor, most notably from the 1800’s, which I believe it’s probably one of the better ones around. And if this is not enough, venture into the underground toilets and be blown away by displays of international warfare equipment, such as tortoiseshell shields, spears and armor like you’ve never seen before.
Among the top floor highlights, you’ll find objects like ex prime minister George Papandreu‘s pocket pistol, a well as submachine guns with gold plated parts given by the Saudi Arabian government to Greece’s ministers. There are personal belongings, literature of the time pertaining to the events and in the WWII room there’s even a written command in Greek and German declaring the use of reprisal executions for acts of sabotage and resistance. And my favorite, as a medal collector: Awards accompanied by letters, photographs and even the uniforms of those that were recognized with them.