Overview

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most famous museums in Europe. It houses representative artefacts from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum prides itself on its unique Minoan collection, which includes the masterpieces of Minoan art. It is rightly considered the Museum of Minoan Culture par excellence. Located in the town centre, it was designed by architect Patroklos Karantinos and built between 1935 and 1958 on a site previously occupied by the Venetian Monastery of Saint Francis, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1856. The ruins of the monastery are still visible in the museum's garden. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a Special Regional Service of the Ministry of Culture. Alongside the permanent exhibition, the Museum organizes temporary exhibitions in Greece and abroad, creates and implements educational programmes, collaborates with scientific and scholarly institutions, and hosts a variety of cultural events.

Hellenic Ministry of Culture & Sports © Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Source: Museum website