Hellenic Motor Museum Athens Greece

One of Explorason’s (and my) passion is for a good motor car.

I used to own an old English sports convertible car – a Triumph Spitfire and my parents had a couple of oldies, so I guess I grew up loving classic cars.

When we saw that we could visit Hellenic Motor Museum, it was a better choice for my son than ‘another old museum’.

And we are so glad we did!

It all starts with “the wheel”.  This is dated as 300 years BC.

“HMM also gives the opportunity to its visitors to learn about the evolution of the car through the history of the wheel. While ascending the spiral ramp of the building they can admire 72 unique exhibits dating from 300 B.C. to the end of the 20^th century. This 3-floor exhibition of wheels is permanent and is offered free of charge.”

We were privileged to have a guide, and so we learned a lot. Out-sourcing education, as I call it, as we world school and travel the world with world schooling forming education.  This guide was just amazing.

In the Hellenic Motor Museum, we had the opportunity to admire more than 110 unique exhibits of the global automotive industry.  Many countries of origin and I believe there are over 300 vehicles in his total collection.

There is a lift at the rear of the floor – one for vehicles, and one for humans – and they are constantly changing the cars.

One that was there for the week was a solar paneled one. Explorason loved it.

He was even allowed to “beep” the horn on this one.

“The collection is rotating and has exhibits from companies that no longer exist like Avion Voisin, Adler, Packard, Facelvega, Delage, ISO, DINO, Stanguelini, Siata, Frazer Nash, HRG, Elva, Miler, Offenhauser.”

“But also classic models of famous current car manufacturers like Bentley, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Aston Martin,  Bristol, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, etc.”

Did you know this grill was inspired by the Parthenon?

Not only did we learn this, but the guide took the time to teach Explorason all about the difference between 2WD, 4WD, front and rear motors and more.

This motorbike is just for show, but there is a section with some strange beasts in it.

But the ending was the best bit for Explorason. The F1 Simulator.

Such concentration.  Way more advanced than any computer game.

It was great.  It gave him the feeling of how the steering would shake. What it would do if the vehicle went off the track and more.  If you win, you get a certificate too.

We spent 3 hours at the motor museum.

I hope we get to come back to Athens and visit again.

Because the cars are changing, this means next time there will be new models and makes to see. We can’t wait!

…………………..

Attraction Name: Hellenic Motor Museum

Location: Ioulianou 33, Athens 104 33, Greece

Telephone:  +30 21 0727 9915

Website: http://www.hellenicmotormuseum.gr/index.php?language=en

Date visited: October 2014

“Hellenic Motor Museum occupies 5.000 sqm. in a unique building in terms of architecture and design. Its exhibitions are dedicated to the evolution of the car and display more than 110 cars from the 19^th and the 20^th century. It is located in the heart of Athens, just a few minutes away from the National Archaeological Museum.”

Child-friendly: Yes

Questions and Comments

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