The National Gallery is one of Greece's main art institutions, with a strong collection of 19th- and 20th-century Greek painting alongside European works. It is especially useful for seeing modern Greek artists in context, beyond the ancient material that dominates many Athens itineraries.
It sits near several other Kolonaki and museum-quarter sights, making it easy to pair with the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, or the Benaki Museum.