Hellenic Motor Museum

The Hellenic Motor Museum Athens, Greece

Old cars have the mysterious ability to transport us back to a different time. The very shape of cars is a powerful device we use to romanticize a past we may have never experienced: the surfaces, shapes, colors and materials contextualize a deep historical narrative.

Greece has no automobile industry, but today, right in the central business district of Athens, the Hellenic Motor Museum is an impressive, modern, three-level collection of over 300 cars that welcomes the public seven days a week. The 30,000sq/m museum first took shape in 1977, and was the inspiration of the Greek shipping magnate, Theodore N. Charagionis (1948-2023), who had been fascinated by cars since his childhood. He wanted to give something back to his community and housed his collection inside an accessible shopping mall rather than a potentially elitist museum setting. The museum’s mission statement includes: “Through specialized programs, interactive exhibits, and educational initiatives, the museum aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving practices and responsible road use.”

“By combining history, education, and innovation, the Hellenic Motor Museum serves as a cultural and educational hub, inspiring visitors to appreciate the legacy of the automobile while fostering a deeper understanding of road safety and mobility.”[1]

Visitors walk easily through the impressive collection that is divided into different categories: Antique (up to 1904), Veteran (1905 to1919,) Vintage (1920-1930), Post Vintage (1931-1945), Classic (1946-1964), Post Classic (1965-1974), Modern (1975-1999) and Contemporary (2000+). There is explanatory wall text in Greek and English throughout the collection, and each car has a large, identifying floor plaque that describes the car’s model name, national origin, date of manufacture, horsepower, maximum speed and unique special features. The walls surrounding the cars are decorated with large black and white photos of cars in different real settings that lend an authentic ambience.

The impressive collection features models by manufacturers that no longer exist, like Avion Voisin, Adler, Allard, Borgward, Packard, Facel Vega, Delage, Delahaye, Iso, Dino, Lagonda, Stanguelini, Siata, OSCA, Jensen, Healey, Frazer-Nash and Offenhauser as well as models of legendary manufacturers still in production like Bugatti, Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Lotus, Bristol, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, and Alpine. Ample room is provided between the cars so visitors can take time to read the text and inspect the cars without feeling cramped. The vibe is relaxed and informal and everyone is in a good mood. Quiet conversations between young and old from different visiting nationalities is encouraged. The cars are obviously cared for and respected by the museum staff who are friendly and more than willing to answer questions.

If you find yourself in Athens and you have an interest in impressive cars of the past, Mr. Charagionis’ passionate collection is well worth a look. Location address: IOULIANOU 33-35 Athens, Greece. www.hellenicmotormusem.gr

[1] Driving fatalities in Greece account for roughly 600 to 650 deaths annually. With approximately 50 to 60 deaths per million inhabitants, Greece ranks among the highest in the European Union for road fatalities—well above the EU average—due to factors like aggressive driving, speeding, and rural road conditions.

Key Statistics

• Annual Fatalities:Total fatalities hover between 600 and 650 per year (e.g., ~621 reported recently).
• Fatality Rate:About 50 to 60 deaths per million inhabitants, ranking in the top five worst in the EU.
• Demographics:Male drivers account for roughly 66% of all road fatalities, with young males (15–24 years old) and the elderly (over 65) being the most vulnerable groups.