Located right in the centre of Crete’s capital city, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the most important in Greece. It is home to the world’s largest collection of Minoan artefacts and covers over 5,500 years of civilisation, ranging from the Neolithic to the Roman era.
Join us in the article as we share why the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must-see when looking for things to do in Heraklion. We’ll highlight the most iconic exhibits and offer up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket entry.
Why you should visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is so much more than your typical museum. It is important to European archaeology and key to understanding one of the world’s earliest advanced civilisations.
The museum proudly houses the world’s most complete collection of Minoan artefacts demonstrating how the Bronze Age civilisation lived on Crete from around 3000 to 1100 BCE. As you walk through the museum’s halls, you will see plenty of painted pottery and ritual objects. A must-see piece is the famous Phaistos Disc. There are also important treasures from the Palace of Knossos, such as the iconic snake goddess figurines and ceremonial items like the Bull’s Head Rhyton.
The architecture of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Equally impressive as the items inside the museum is the museum’s architecture. Originally built in the 1930s by the famous Greek architect Patroklos Karantinos, the building was constructed in a modernist style. This provides a unique balance between old and new worlds, providing a special experience when visiting the exhibits.
There are over 27 rooms within the museum that take you through a combination of chronological and thematic order. This is a great way to see the evolution of Crete and its cultural society through the millennia.
Key exhibits and highlights
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum has so many must-see exhibits and artefacts. To help guide you along the way, here’s a checklist of the museum’s most iconic and unmissable pieces:
Phaistos Disc: Dating to the 17th century BC, this clay disc is inscribed with a spiral of stamped symbols that remain undeciphered to this day. It’s one of the museum’s most intriguing and debated artefacts. We highly recommend taking a look for yourself!
Snake Goddess Figurines: Believed to have been made around 1600 BC, these faience statuettes have a bare-chested goddess holding snakes. It’s believed to symbolise fertility or domestic protection.
Bull’s Head Rhyton: This ceremonial vessel, carved from black steatite and inlaid with shell and crystal, was used for libations. It demonstrates the bull’s symbolic power in Minoan culture.
Prince of the Lilies Fresco: This is a beautiful and vividly colourful fresco that illustrates a young man adorned with lilies and a crown. It is believed to be a high-ranking figure or possibly a deity.
Kamares Ware: Kamares pottery represents the peak of Middle Minoan ceramic artistry. These pieces are eye-catching and distinctive due to their light-on-dark decoration (typically black with white and clay-coloured symbols).
Harvester Vase: Carved from steatite, this piece depicts a lively procession of men. It’s believed to depict the celebration of the harvest, as the men are carrying tools and singing.
The Archaeological Museum Heraklion opening hours and ticket information
Planning your visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is easy because of its convenient timetable and ticketing options.
Opening Hours
Monday: 08:00 – 20:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 20:00
Wednesday to Sunday: 08:00 – 20:00
The museum has extended summer opening hours to help accommodate visitors during the busy tourist season. During the winter period, opening hours may be reduced, so it’s a good idea to check the official website before your visit.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum tickets are reasonably priced, with general admission at €12 and reduced admission at €6. Reduced admission applies to EU citizens over 65, university students from non-EU countries, and some other eligible categories. Children under 5 years old, visitors with disabilities, and students from EU countries enter free of charge.
Free Admission Days
The museum also offers free entry on several holidays throughout the year. Keep in mind that this might mean larger crowds, so make sure you reserve entrance beforehand and arrive early.
- 6 March, In memory of Melina Mercouri
- 18 April, International Monuments Day
- 18 May, International Museums Day
- Last weekend of September, European Heritage Days
- 28 October, National OXI Day
Every first Sunday from 1 November to 31 March
You can buy tickets at the museum’s ticket booth or book online through the official e-ticket platform for Greek archaeological sites. We suggest always booking in advance, especially in peak summer months, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
Tips for the best museum experience
To make the most of your visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, keep these practical tips in mind:
Pair your visit with Knossos Palace
Only a short drive away, the Palace of Knossos will show you the real-world context of many of the museum’s artefacts. Seeing both brings the Minoan civilisation to life.
Arrive during off-peak hours
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times, especially during the summer months.
Plan ahead
Set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the museum comfortably. You don’t want to be rushing through important exhibits.
Book a guided tour
A guide can tell deeper stories and interpret the exhibits. Many options are available on-site or through local tour providers.
Come and enjoy the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum will take you deep into the world’s earliest civilisations. From a history lover, art enthusiast or someone just curious about Heraklion’s cultural history, this museum will give you an educational and fun experience.
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