Discover the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum: A Hidden Gem for the Jewelry Artists

Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum

When I took a solo trip to Athens Greece in September 2024, I made sure to carve out 3 hours to visit the stunning Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum. Nestled in the heart of the city, this museum is not just a treasure trove for the jewelry lovers but an artistic journey through 60 centuries of craftsmanship. Established by the renowned Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis, the museum pays homage to both the art of jewelry-making and the rich cultural heritage of Greece.

Visiting Tips

• The Museum is on the south side of the Acropolis, an easy 5-minute walk from the Acropolis Metro station, the South entrance to the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum.

• It is housed in two adjoining buildings which are connected internally: one located at 12 Kallisperi Street and the second facing Karyatidon Street.

• Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

• Guided tours are available if you want an in-depth understanding of the pieces on display.

• A studio is at the lobby for you to observe the craftsmen at work.

• In the museum shop you can find replicas and souvenirs that capture the spirit of the exhibited works.

• Temporary exhibitions might be scheduled during your visit. I visited one on the top floor where contemporary artists' jewelry pieces are featured.

• Lastly, don't rush your visit! Allow 2 to 3 hours to immerse yourself in 4 floors of displays, as each piece has its own unique story and importance.

What to Expect at the Museum

When you step into the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, be prepared to be dazzled. The museum houses over 4,000 unique pieces of jewelry, each telling its own story. The collection spans various influences, including ancient Greek motifs and modern design techniques. You'll find not just jewelry, but also an impressive selection of artifacts, drawings, and photographs that explain the evolution of jewelry-making across the ages. This integration of art and history makes your visit not only visually engaging but also intellectually stimulating.

Ilias Lalaounis

Ilias Lalaounis (4 October 1920 − 30 December 2013) was a pioneer of Greek jewelry and an internationally renowned goldsmith. He is especially known for his collections inspired by Greek history. In 1990 he became the only jeweler ever to be inducted into the Académie des Beaux-Arts.

Lalaounis started his career working for the jewelry business of his uncle, Xenophon Zolotas. In 1940 he took over the administration of the firm, which he managed and designed all jewelry for until 1968. He founded the Greek Jewelers' Association and exhibited his first collection, the Archaeological Collection, at the Thessaloniki International Fair in 1957. It was inspired by Classical, Hellenistic and Minoan Mycenaean art. In 1969 he started his own firm, Greek Gold - Ilias Lalaounis S.A.

In 1994, he founded the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, located under the Acropolis, in the center of Athens. The permanent exhibition displays jewelry and micro-sculptures from forty-five collections, designed by Lalaounis in the period 1940–1992. Some special commissions are also kept on permanent display, such as the Olympic torch, designed by Ilias Lalaounis, used to start the Olympic torch rally before every Olympic Games.

My photos of the museum displays

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vcBHDhkoV26sf8vb9