Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Entry Ticket + Digital Hellenic Heritage Guide
A real Greek tragedy would be missing this astonishing museum
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Entry Ticket
- Digital Hellenic Heritage Guide (Download it from the confirmation email)
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum Tickets and Information
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum Address: Xanthoudidou 2, 712 02, Heraklion
- Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 - 20:00
Is Heraklion Archaeological Museum Worth Visiting
- If you are interested in historical artefacts, then the museum is worth visiting, yes.
- Its one of the most important museums in Greece.
What Visitors See at Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Frescoes
- Sculptures
- Pottery
- Bronzework
- Weapons
- Other Artefacts
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About Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete is one of Greece's most significant and renowned museums and famous for its extensive collection of artefacts from the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest advanced civilizations in Europe.
The museum was established in the early 20th century and has undergone several expansions and renovations since then and now showcases 27 galleries spread over 2 floors.
What The Collection Includes
- Minoan Artefacts: The museum's collection primarily focuses on the Minoan civilization, with artefacts dating from Neolithic times to the Roman period.
- Frescoes: The museum has multiple frescoes on show and they include the most famous pieces such as the "Prince of the Lilies" as well as scenes from the Palace of Knossos.
- Pottery: The museum also has an extensive collection of Minoan pottery on display which shows the evolution of ceramic art in ancient Crete.
- Sculptures and Figurines: The collection includes numerous figurines, such as the Snake Goddess figurines and the Palaikastro Kouros.
- Jewellery and Seals: The collection shows beautiful examples of Minoan gold jewellery and seal stones used for administrative purposes.
- Linear A and Linear B Tablets: The museum has a significant collection of ancient scripts, which provide insights into the administrative and daily life of the Minoans.
- Sarcophagi and Funerary Art: Elaborate sarcophagi and other funerary items reflecting the Minoans' burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife.
Important Exhibits On Show
- The Phaistos Disc: A unique clay disc inscribed with an undeciphered script, dating to around 1700 BCE.
- The Bull-Leaping Fresco: A fresco that depicts the Minoan sport of bull-leaping, an important cultural and religious activity.
- The Minoan Snake Goddess: Iconic figurines that represent a goddess or priestess holding snakes, symbolising fertility and protection.
- The Harvester Vase: A carved stone vessel depicting a lively scene of a harvest festival, notable for its dynamic and naturalistic portrayal of human figures.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology.
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum FAQs
- Do I need to book tickets in advance to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum?
- We always suggest booking tickets in advance as it’s easy to do so online and means you can avoid the ticket queue at the venue. It can get busy, especially during the summer months.
- Can I take my suitcase to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum?
- Unfortunately suitcases are not allowed at the museum for safety reasons.
- What is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum?
- The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Greece and houses a significant collection of artefacts from Crete's ancient history, including Minoan civilization items.
- What is the main focus of the Heraklion Museum's collection?
- The main focus is the Minoan civilization, including artefacts such as pottery, jewellery, frescoes, and religious items from the Bronze Age.
- How much time does it take to visit the Heraklion Museum?
- Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the exhibits, but it’s entirely up to you!
- Is the Heraklion Museum accessible to people with disabilities?
- Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for visitors with mobility issues.
Heraklion Museum Fun Facts
- Largest Collection of Minoan Artefacts: The museum has the world's most extensive collection of artefacts from the Minoan civilization, one of the earliest advanced cultures in Europe.
- Historical Evolution: The museum was originally founded in 1883 to house Cretan antiquities and has been expanded multiple times, especially after the archaeological discoveries at Knossos.
- Survived WWII Bombing: The museum was damaged during World War II but it’s priceless artefacts were moved to safety before the bombing of Heraklion.
- The Phaistos Disc: One of its most famous exhibits, the Phaistos Disc, is a unique archaeological find and remains one of the greatest mysteries of the ancient world.
- The Snake Goddess: The Snake Goddess figurines, representing a Minoan deity, are among the most iconic finds of Minoan religion on display.
- Minoan Gold Jewellery: The museum’s collection of Minoan gold jewellery, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets, is considered one of the finest from antiquity.
- Warrior Graves: The museum contains impressive finds from warrior graves, including weapons, armour, and personal items that shed light on the warrior class of ancient Crete.
- Fresco Restoration: Many of the frescoes displayed in the museum have been carefully restored from the fragments discovered at palaces like Knossos and Phaistos.
Useful Information About The Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Tips for visiting
- Book Tickets in advance: The museum is one of the island’s best selling tourist attractions, so it does get busy, especially during the summer months. We suggest booking ahead of your visit. This means you can skip the ticket queue and enjoy more time inside exploring the museum!
- Best Time To Visit: We suggest visiting early in the day if you want to avoid the crowds. It’s unlikely you will have the museum to yourself, but it can be quieter in the mornings.
How to get there
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Xanthoudidou 2, 712 02, Heraklion
Opening Hours
- Monday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 13:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
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