Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is the museum that presents almost all of Minoan civilization. It is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe [1]. Its exhibits include representative samples from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, spanning approximately 5,500 years, from the Neolithic to the Roman times. Dominant in his collections are the unique masterpieces of Minoan art. The collection of Minoan antiquities is the most important in the world and the museum is considered to be the prime museum of Minoan culture.
Natural History Museum of Crete
A visit to the Natural History Museum of Crete is an ideal thing to do for families. Situated right on the waterfront and just down from the Historical Museum, this is an impressive modern museum that showcases the best of Crete. Fun activities for children and adults include an earthquake and tsunami simulator. In addition, an entire floor is devoted to stuffed animals that live or once lived around the Mediterranean Sea. Make sure you try out the illusion exhibit. Also on display are artifacts from the Palace of Knossos. Displays have information in multiple languages. The building is bright and air conditioned, and makes for a good escape from the mid-day heat in Heraklion. Official site: https://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/en
Historical Museum of Crete
With a succession of foreign occupiers, Crete's history is complicated but fascinating. This museum traces 1,700 years of history on the island, from early Christian times to the modern era.You'll see religious icons, stone carvings, ceramics, textiles, and folk costumes from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish periods, as well as somber space dedicated to the Cretan Resistance Movement and those who lost their lives during WWII. Particular highlights include two paintings from the 16th century: The Baptism of Christ and the View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catharine. Everything is well presented and clearly labeled, and there's a peaceful garden café. You'll find it in a restored neoclassical mansion, a 10-minute walk west of the old harbor. Address: 7 Lyssimachou Kalokairinou Street, 71202 Heraklion, Crete Official site: http://www.historical-museum.gr/eng/
El Greco Museum, Fodele
The Museum of Dominique Theotokopoulos (also known as the El Greco Museum is located on the edge of the village of Fodele in Crete, west of the city of Heraklion. The museum is about 1 km from the center of Fodele, opposite a chapel and contains copies of works and documents related to Theotokopoulos. The original building was in ruins but was rebuilt from 1982 onwards with a grant from the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum was opened to the public in 1998. The village of Fodele is listed as the birthplace of Theotokopoulos, but this is disputed. The museum claims to be located where Theotokopoulos was born. The Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion is not far away and contains two original works by Theotokopoulos, the only original works of the artist in Crete.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon
This small museum holds a variety of historical treasures from the city and surrounding area. Well worth a quick stop, you'll see items from Neolithic, Roman, and Minoan times. Also on display is a collection of jewelry and coins, along with Roman statues. The admission fee is very modest, and display panels have descriptions in multiple languages. Historical & Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon. For insight into how the islanders once lived, tourists should visit this small museum in a typical 17th-century Venetian town house with an internal courtyard garden. Displayed in five rooms, the collection includes beautiful textiles, including woven fabrics, embroidery, and lacework, as well as pottery, baskets, weapons, coins, photographs, and maps. There are also mock-ups of traditional craftsmen's workshops and businesses, such as a blacksmith's, potter's, weaver's, and baker's.Location: M. Vernardou 28-30, 74100 Rethymnon, Crete.
Historical & Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon
For insight into how the islanders once lived, tourists should visit this small museum in a typical 17th-century Venetian town house with an internal courtyard garden. Displayed in five rooms, the collection includes beautiful textiles, including woven fabrics, embroidery, and lacework, as well as pottery, baskets, weapons, coins, photographs, and maps. There are also mock-ups of traditional craftsmen's workshops and businesses, such as a blacksmith's, potter's, weaver's, and baker's. Location: M. Vernardou 28-30, 74100 Rethymnon, Crete
Maritime Museum of Crete
This museum, at the tip of land across the channel from the lighthouse, traces Crete's centuries-old relationship with the sea, from the Minoans, through the Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish periods, to arrive at the German invasion of the island during WWII. Spread over two floors, the collection includes video presentations, amazing models of ships, paintings, photos, and nautical equipment. You'll find it at the western corner of the old harbour in a lovely red building constructed by the Venetians and used as a prison. Note that at the Moro dock, in one of the Venetian arsenals east of the old harbour, you can also see the Minoa, a reconstructed 15th-century-BC Minoan ship. Address: Fort Firkas, Akti Koundourioti, 73136 Chania, Crete Official site: http://mar-mus-crete.gr/en/the-museum/
Archaeological Museum of Chania
Chania's history dates back millennia to somewhere around 2200 BC, when the Minoans founded the ancient city-state of Kydonia on this same spot. Housed in the Gothic Church of San Francesco, a light and airy vaulted space (built by the Venetians and later used as a mosque by Turks), this museum holds archeological finds from western Crete dating from Neolithic times through to the Roman era. The museum displays a wealth of Minoan ceramics, painted burial urns, gold jewelry, and clay tablets with inscriptions. Other notable exhibits include peculiar clay figurines of bird-faced women, votive ceramic bulls, a third-century Roman mosaic floor, and an impressive marble bust of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Address: 21 Halidon Street, 73136 Chania, Crete Official site: http://chaniamuseum.culture.gr/en/
Minoan's World 3D Museum
This is the perfect place for families with children to spend part of an afternoon. A unique and interesting introduction to the ancient history of Greece is provided in a manner that everyone can enjoy. Interesting displays make for fun photo opportunities in the first part of the museum. Following that, you'll be treated to a 9D movie, where all your senses will be engaged. This is the perfect place to escape the midday heat or the rare rainy day and learn a bit along the way. Official site: https://minoansworld.com/english
Kazantzakis Museum
The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is a museum in Myrtia village in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete, in Greece. It is 20 km south of the town of Heraklion and it is dedicated to the life and work of the famous writer Nikos Kazantzakis.
