About Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Have you ever been to a place that is so grand and surreal that it leaves you feeling amazed and in awe? You will have the answer to this profound question only after paying a visit to the best museum that Greece has to offer – the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This is the most prominent and biggest museum in the country.

Situated in the beautiful city of Crete, it is the pride of the island of Heraklion. The museum is home to the archaeological finds covering more than 5,500 years of the island’s history, right from the Neolithic to Roman times. Globally, it is considered to be the best museum for Minoan art. The museum boasts of having the entire outstanding collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete. Be sure to set aside an afternoon to visit this wonderful museum.

Must See

The permanent exhibition of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

The two-storeyed building has:

  • 27 galleries
  • a gallery for audio-visual displays
  • extensive modern laboratories
  • a cloakroom
  • a cafeteria
  • a museum shop 

How to reach

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, is located in the center of the city. 

Tips

  • Tickets can only be used on the scheduled day and time slot. Always maintain the time given on the ticket.
  • Visitors with reduced admission tickets are asked to present the relevant documents for admission to the museum (ID card/passport or student ID cards).
  • Visitors are expected to maintain silence in the museum.
  • Do visit the museum shop that sells museum copies, books, postcards, and slides. 
  • The museum organizes temporary exhibitions and houses a variety of cultural events. If you are visiting the museum during that period, do you want to miss out on cultural events?
  • This museum is a must-visit as it will enhance your understanding of Crete’s rich history. Hence advised not to skip it.
  • Start early in the morning or late in the day during the summer months, rush-hour can be avoided.
  • As large city-center spaces are cleared of traffic, you can enjoy walking in one of the most historically and socially fascinating cities.
  • Remember that touching the artifacts is strictly prohibited in the museum.

Visit Time

Winter: 
From 1st November to 31st December 2019: 

Sunday:        8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monday:       8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday:     10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday:  8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday:      8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 Friday:          8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 Saturday:      8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Summer: 
15th April to 31st October 2019: 

Sunday:         8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday:        8:00 a.m. to  8:00 p.m.
Tuesday:      10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday:  8:00 a.m. to  8:00 p.m.
Thursday:      8:00 a.m. to  8:00 p.m.
Friday:           8:00 a.m. to  8:00 p.m.
Saturday:       8:00 a.m. to  8:00 p.m.

Holidays
1st January:        Closed
6th January:        8:30 a.m. to  3:00 p.m.
Shrove Monday:  8:30 a.m. to  3:00 p.m.
25th March:         Closed
Good Friday:      12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Holy Saturday:     8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
1st May:              Closed
Easter Sunday:   Closed
Easter Monday:   Closed
Holy Spirit Day:    8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
15th August:         8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
28th October:       8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
25th December:    Closed
26th December:    Closed

Time Icon

Waiting Time

Nil

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Entrance fee Full is €10, and the reduced rate is €5

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).
Valid for: Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Knossos

Free admission days

6th March, this is in memory of Melina Mercouri
18th April, this is International Monuments Day
18th May, this is International Museums Day
The last weekend of September every year for European Heritage Days
28th October
First Sundays of the months from November 1st to March 31st

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Few Clouds 19.89°C

 

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