Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Overview

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Europe and the finest repository of Minoan art and artifacts in the world. Completely renovated and reopened in 2014, its 27 galleries span from the Neolithic era to the Roman period. It is the essential companion to a visit to Knossos.

Highlights

• Phaistos Disc: A mysterious 3,700-year-old clay disc covered in undeciphered pictographic script.
• Snake Goddess Figurines: Delicate faience statuettes depicting a Minoan priestess holding serpents, dating to c. 1600 BCE.
• Minoan Frescoes Hall: Originals of the Bull-Leaping Fresco, the Prince of the Lilies, and the Ladies in Blue, relocated from Knossos.

History

The museum was founded in 1883 as a simple collection of antiquities. The current building, designed by Patroklos Karantinos, was completed in 1940 in an earthquake-resistant style. After a 6-year renovation ending in 2014, it reopened with modern climate-controlled galleries and a chronological layout spanning 5,500 years of Cretan history.

Visitor Tips

• Combined ticket: A €20 combo ticket covers both the museum and Knossos — good for 3 days.
• Photography: Allowed without flash in all galleries.
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours.