The Department of Educational Programmes began functioning in 1978, making the Benaki Museum the first Greek museum to offer educational programmes for children. Since then, educational programmes directed at primary and secondary schoolchildren have taken place within the context of the Museum's collections of prehistoric, ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, post-Byzantine and neo-Hellenic objects. Programmes concerning modern Greek art and the work of Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas are also presented in the Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas Gallery, which is part of the Benaki Museum.

Through the use of audio-visual equipment and specially produced material, schoolchildren between the ages of 4 and 17 years are introduced to Greek culture and contemporary art, at the same time as becoming familiar with museum environment. Museum educators bring the exhibits to life, encouraging the children to make observations, ask questions, express opinions and act independently. The programmes can be adapted to cater for individuals with special needs.

The Department maintains close relations with teachers and educational experts. It loans out preparatory material for use before visiting the Museum, and organises special educational tours which allow teachers to guide their own groups around the Museum. The Department is also able to arrange loans of related publications and museum kits.

Workshops are organised for children who arenot part of a group, and books and games are also published. For adults, there are studio-based courses in icon painting and jewellery making, both of which are aimed at preserving traditional Greek artistic techniques.

The Department's activities extend beyond the bounds of the Benaki Museum with programmes in other cities and towns in Greece being organised in conjunction with the local museum authorities, as is the case with the "'Melina' Project: Education and Culture".

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