Plan your trip
to Archeological Museum of Heraklion

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important museums in Greece and a leading cultural institution in Europe. It houses an extraordinary collection of artefacts from all periods of Cretan history, spanning over 5,500 years—from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Located in the heart of Heraklion, Crete, the museum is internationally renowned for its Minoan collection, which features some of the finest examples of Minoan art and craftsmanship ever discovered. Many of these works are considered true masterpieces and offer unique insight into one of the oldest civilizations in Europe.

The museum building was designed by architect Patroklos Karantinos and constructed between 1937 and 1940. It stands on the site of the former Roman Catholic Monastery of Saint Francis, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1856. The architectural design and use of materials in the museum reflect the aesthetic of Minoan wall paintings, creating a harmonious link between the space and the artefacts it preserves. Explore the rich history of Crete through one of the most comprehensive archaeological collections in the world.