Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, Athens

Imagine dedicating a good half a century of your life to collecting, studying, and preserving folk music. That’s exactly what the esteemed Cretan musicologist Phoivos Anogianákis did. In 1978, instead of hoarding his treasure trove of over 1,200 musical instruments like a mythical dragon guarding gold, he generously handed it over to the Greek state. 14 years later, a museum bearing his name opened its doors, celebrating the vibrant history of Greek folk and popular music, with his spectacular collection taking center stage.

Now, this isn’t just any museum. Housed in a charming 1842 mansion—once the home of a well-to-do Athenian family—it tells the tale of Greek music, from island tunes to the smoky, sorrowful sounds of rempétika, the Greek answer to the blues, which arrived from Smyrna in 1922.

Inside, instruments from every corner of Greece are neatly arranged into four categories: drums, wind instruments, string instruments, and bells. Some are humble, others are absolute masterpieces. And because just looking at them isn’t enough, the museum provides photos, headphones to hear their unique sounds, and even historic videos showing these instruments in action—because nothing illustrates "folk tradition" better than a lively village festival.

Venture down to the basement, and you’ll find an eclectic mix of church bells, livestock bells, water whistles, wooden clappers, and flutes. Meanwhile, wind instruments like the tsampoúna (a goatskin bagpipe with serious character) and the Cretan lýra (small in size, but mighty in sound) proudly claim their spots on display.

Tip:
The courtyard is a lifesaver on sweltering summer days, and if luck is on your side, you might catch a live concert. There’s also a tiny bookstore packed with books and CDs for the true folk music enthusiast. And don’t be shy to ask—the friendly staff is happy to help. Otherwise, you’re free to roam, explore, and soak up the sounds of Greece at your own pace.