Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The Archaeological museum of Heraklion City, delineates Crete’s history. It presents artifacts belonging to the ancient civilizations that once populated the island.
It is considered one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and important artifacts’ collection of the Minoan Civilization.
The present building was initially constructed between 1933 and 1937 to plans by P. Karantinos, on the site of the imposing Venetian Franciscan friary destroyed by an earthquake in 1856.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a Special Regional Service of the Ministry of Culture. Along with the permanent exhibition, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions in Greece and abroad, creates and implements educational programs, collaborates with scientific and scholarly institutions, and houses a variety of cultural events.
What you will see in the Museum:
Ground Floor: Minoan Civilization artifacts, everyday objects of the Minoans, as well as the mysterious Phaistos Disc, the Snake Goddess, the ring of King Minos and more
First Floor: You can admire Minoan Frescoes of vivid colours and high aesthetics. Of course you cannot miss the impressive Prince of the Lilies.
After visiting the Minoan Civilization, at the remaining chambers you will see exhibits from the Subminoan and Geometric Period.
Important: Do not go without visiting the impressive sculpture chamber, which includes works of the Archaic and Roman Period.
At a glance:
- The New Archaeological Museum of Heraklion reopened its doors to the public in 2014, after 7 years of renovation works.
- It is one of the most important museums of Greece, housing the greatest collection of the Minoan Art.
- The Museum’s collections cover more than 5500 years of history.
- The museum’s antiseismic building is an important example or modernist architecture and was awarded a Bauhaus commendation*.
- Do not miss the opportunity visiting the Museum before (recommended) or even after visiting Knossos Palace to supplement the experience.
- There are special ticket packages (Full rate 16Euros, Reduced 8Euros) valid for 3 days for visitors to see both Knossos Palace and Museum.
Official Website: http://heraklionmuseum.gr/
Contact details:
Xanthoudidou 2, 71202 Heraklion
Tel. (+30)2810 / 279000 – Fax. (+30)2810 / 279071
e-mail: amh@culture.gr
Web:http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh155.jsp?obj_id=3327
Opening Hours:
Winter Hours:
01 November 2017 until 31st of March 2018:
Mondays: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday – Sunday & Bank Holidays: 09:00 – 16:00
Summer Hours (Valid for 2017)
12 of April until 31st of October
Mondays: 08:00 – 20:00
Tickets:
Full: €10, Reduced: €5
TV channels interested in video-recording at the museum are advised to consult with the museum in advance on the best time frame.
Special ticket package: Full: €16, Reduced: €8
The special ticket package is valid for 3 days (only one visit per site is allowed in the 3 day period). Tickets can be bought at the Heraklion Museum with a credit or debit card.
Valid for: Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Knossos
Free admission days
- 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
- 18 April (International Monuments Day)
- 18 May (International Museums Day)
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
- 28 October
- Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st
Read more info about reduced admission tickets: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh155.jsp?obj_id=3327
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraklion_Archaeological_Museum
https://www.heraklion.gr/en/ourplace/archeological-museum/archeological-museum.html
Find Archaeological Museum in Google Map
Read a few visitors’ reviews prior to your visit!
TripAdvisor
By Tony25919 – UK
This museum has been closed for years. This is my first opportunity to visit it since it reopened.
The museum itself is impressive, well designed and laid out. But is the exhibits that are so wonderful. They cover the period from around 6,000 bc until the last century. The quality of the items on display and the way in which they are displayed is superb.
If you are visiting Crete you will not be disappointed if you make the effort to get there.
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By RichardK938 – Florida
After you visit the Palace of Knossos, be sure to check out this museum which contains all the most precious objects from the palace. definitely worthwhile and not too far from the Archaeological site.
By Margaret G – Edinburgh
Excellent museum very well maintained
You really do need at least two hours preferably more to see all of the museum, there is such detail provided you get a great picture of life as far back as 7000 years BC which is quite simply mind blowing. The art work produced at Knossos included delicate and beautiful jewellery, painted pots vases and bowls as well as statues and carvings. There are strict rules on not taking photos but there are pictures and guide books for sale. I would have liked more time than the tour we were on allowed and I would love to go back.
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Geoff L – UK
I would admit to finding it difficult to imagine Knossos 7000 years ago, but the Archeological museum (combined ticket) compensated for this with its engaging exhibits. I think visiting the museum first might just be a better alternative.
Google Plus users have reviewed:
By Victor Saidanis
Excellent museum. It is supplementary to the Knossos Palace site. You can pay 16 Euros (Sept. 2017) and visit both sites, which is a great deal since the price difference between a regular visit to one site and the visit to both sites is just 1 Euro. In addition, the time limitation to use the single ticket for both sites is 3 days! Hence, you can enjoy both sites at your own time and pace.
Bottom line, it is a MUST VISIT
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By Martin K Head
Very modern museum building, purpose built with air conditioning, a shop and a cafe. Some amazing Minoan artefacts discovered at the Knossos palace, now on display in protective cabinets. I particularly liked the games board found near the King’s rooms.
Also, it was great to see some of the iconic Minoan graphics on many of the display pieces and jewellery. Note that flash photography is not allowed and some areas do not allow any photography at all.
A combined ticket (museum and Knossos site) costs €16 for an adult. Well worth it!
Best time to visit is late afternoon once all the cruise ship coach parties have left. We started at the museum at 4pm, and left at 5.30 to be at the Knossos site for 6pm (it closes at 8pm – August visit). Absolutely no problems with the timings. No large crowds at either location and the sun was then low enough so as not to burn when looking round the archaeological site too, which also has a shop and a cafe bar. Plenty of souvenir shops opposite the main entrance.
Plenty of free parking at/near both sites
It’s a ‘must-see’ if you are on Crete. ?
Read more reviews at: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g189417-d195895-Reviews-Heraklion_Archaeological_Museum-Heraklion_Crete.html
*The Bauhaus is considered the world’s most influential school of design, revolutionizing 20th-century design, art, and architecture the world over. Founded in Weimar, Germany by Walter Gropius in 1919, the Bauhaus’ activities spanned 14 years, and was relocated to Dessau and later Berlin.
Source: https://www.archdaily.com/876564/architectural-adventures-bauhaus-and-beyond
Congratulation!