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Museum · Heraclião, Creta
Museu Arqueológico de Heraclião (Archaiologiko Mouseio Irakleiou)
The main museum of the Minoan civilization, housing the frescoes from Cnossos, the Phaistos Disc, the snake-goddess figurines and the rhyton shaped like a bull's head.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museu Arqueológico de Heraclião (Archaiologiko Mouseio Irakleiou)
The Museu Arqueológico de Heraclião houses the world’s largest collection of Minoan art, with pieces ranging from the Neolithic to the Roman period, found at Cnossos, Festo, Malia, Zakros and other sites on Crete. It is the essential complement to a visit to Cnossos: the frescoes that are shown as copies in the palace—such as the bull-leapers, the procession and the dolphins—are here in the originals.
Among the best-known pieces are the Phaistos Disc, a clay disk with an undeciphered spiral script; the faience figurines of the snake goddess; the stone rhyton shaped like a bull’s head from Cnossos; the painted sarcophagus from Agia Triada; and gold jewellery such as the bee pendant from Malia. The rooms follow chronological order on the lower floor and the frescoes and sculptures are displayed on the upper floor.
The building, in modern architecture, was built between 1937 and 1940 on the site of an old monastery. It is in the centre, near Praça da Liberdade, a few minutes on foot from the praça dos Leões.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours. Those who love archaeology can spend the whole afternoon.
Best time
In the afternoon, after Cnossos, is the most common combination. In summer the museum is a good refuge from the midday heat. Early morning hours usually have fewer groups.
How to get there
It is on rua Xanthoudidou, next to Praça da Liberdade (Plateia Eleftherias), about 5 minutes on foot from the praça dos Leões and 10 minutes from the port. The bus returning from Cnossos stops near Praça da Liberdade.
Tip
Start with the Minoan rooms on the lower floor and leave the frescoes on the upper floor for last. Check whether there is a combined ticket with Cnossos. The museum closes on some holidays; confirm before you go.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu Arqueológico de Heraclião (Archaiologiko Mouseio Irakleiou)
What is the Disc of Festo?
It's a clay disc about 16 cm in diameter, found in the palace of Festo, with symbols stamped in a spiral on both sides. The script has never been deciphered, and it's one of the museum's most famous pieces.
Are the frescoes of Cnossos in the museum or at the palace?
The originals are in the museum, on the upper floor. At the palace of Cnossos there are copies in the places where they were found.
How much time should you allow for the Museu Arqueológico de Heraclião?
Two to three hours to see the main rooms at a relaxed pace. It's the island's most important museum and worth the time.
Is the museum far from Cnossos?
It's in the center of Heraclião, about 5 km from the palace. The Cnossos city bus stops near Praça da Liberdade, next to the museum.