The Islamic art collections of the Benaki Museum are housed in a complex of neo-classical buildings located in the historical centre of Athens, in the Kerameikos district.

The complex comprises a three-storey house and a two-storey house, the facades of which were listed in 1989. In 1996, on the basis of the officially approved architectural and structural design drawn up for the Benaki Museum by the architect P. Kalligas and the civil engineer G. Sparis. The Directorate of Special Works of the Ministry of the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works undertook works to reinforce the two buildings and to strengthen the ornamental features of their facades, as a part of the programme for the redevelopment of the Kerameikos district.

During these preservation works, a section of the ancient city wall of Athens and an ancient tomb were uncovered at the level of the houses’ foundations. Following discussions between the Museum and the 3rd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, it was decided that the finds should remain in situ and the area at basement level should be re-designed so as to make them accessible to visitors. To this end the initial design was immediately modified to allow for the finds made during excavation work to be preserved in accordance with contemporary methods of presenting associated cultural remains.