Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: Insanely Helpful Visit Guide

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

If you love history or art or are just curious about the past, there’s a place in Crete that you shouldn’t miss. And it’s not the Palace of Knossos, not this time. It’s the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion… Why not combine a morning tour of Knossos with an afternoon at the Museum? Your day will be truly unforgettable.

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What to See in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

What to see at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete

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Crete’s Most Important Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important museums in Europe. It’s been built on what used to be a Venetian-Franciscan friary destroyed during an earthquake back in 1865.

The museum covers over 5500 years of Crete’s history, spanning from the Neolithic period (7000 BC) to the Roman times (200 AD).

Most objects belong to prehistoric times and the Minoan era, a period named after the mythological King Minos.

Impressive pottery pieces, fantastic jewelry, seals, sculptures, and metal objects are arrayed following a logical narrative that guides visitors through the collections’ different themes.

Therefore, you will find exhibits related to trade and others dedicated to death, religion, or even settlements. Twenty-seven galleries on two floors full of impressive beauty.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Draughtboard. A board game inlaid with ivory, blue glass paste, and rock crystal. Particularly complex and luxurious artifacts, witnessing the high living standards in the palace.

The Exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

These are a few of the things you should not miss when paying a visit to the museum.

What to See on the Ground Floor

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Here, the museum presents the prevalence of Minoan in the Aegean Sea. There are clay pots and other ceramics with stunning detail.

They range from miniature vases to those huge pithoi (the typical Cretan large containers used to store olive oil, wine, and grain in bulk).

There are incredible amounts of labrys (the symmetrical double-bitted ax), one of the oldest symbols of Greek civilization, associated explicitly with female divinities. Some of the most beautiful ones are even taller than a person.

Researchers believe that those enormous axes could have been used during religious ceremonies and sacrifices.

Phaistos Disc

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Want to discover more about the Minoan civilization? Check out this guide to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos in complete autonomy.

Another critical element visitors will appreciate during the visit is the famous Phaistos Disc, found in the Minoan palace of Phaistos, a few kilometers south of Heraklion.

Arguably, the most remarkable exhibit you can check out in the museum is the famous Phaistos Disc, which was found in the Minoan Palace of Phaistos (Faistos or also Festos), a few kilometers south of Heraklion.

This clay disc, about 15 cm in diameter (smaller than I expected, but still captivating) has on both sides a spiral of stamped symbols of unclear meaning. Symbols that turn it into one of the best-known mysteries of archaeology.

Even with such an obscure symbolism, many have concluded that symbols might stand for an alphabet or a syllabary.

Minoan Jewelry

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion - Kamares Vessels
Kamares Vessels.

Other magnificent elements worth admiring are the pieces of Minoan jewelry, so rich, detailed, and precise that you’ll quickly think you are in a fancy boutique more than in a museum.

Egyptian artisans probably influenced Minoan skills, but the craft on the island evolved to become an extremely refined art.

Several different techniques allowed Minoans to transform gold, silver, bronze, and semi-precious stones into a fantastic array of designs.

Stunning is also the collection of famous Kamares vessels, objects decorated with vibrant colors and representations of nature.

But color is not the only important trait of the vessels; some are egg-shelled because of their thinness.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The Snake Goddess

Of the several pieces to be discovered during a visit, the Minoan Snake Goddesses certainly deserve a few words. Snakes are typically associated with the renewal of life.

On the other hand, different studies also suggest that in Minoan society, snakes were the protectors of the household.

Another important detail that can be seen on the little statues is the knot between their breasts, and many consider the knot a symbol of holiness.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

What to See on the First Floor of Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The first floor welcomes visitors with the most amazing array of Minoan frescoes and mosaics. The “Hall of the Frescoes” represents Minoan’s love for nature and vibrant colors.

From the explosive reds the visitor will see in Knossos, the frescoes in the museum are a more faithful snapshot of the Palace of Knossos.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Other than that, the central theme of the galleries on this floor is the evolution of the city-state from the Iron Age through the Roman era, a critical historical moment on the island, often overshadowed by the splendor left by the Minoan civilization.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion for Kids

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

We visited the museum on a very hot morning last September. I would’ve imagined that my kids would prefer to be on a beach instead, but I was wrong.

I’m sure their previous visit to Knossos had already ignited their curiosity. Honestly, they are very much into everything related to Ancient Civilizations. Still… summer and museums do not always match, or not for everyone.

However, they took hundreds of pictures of bulls and axes and were impressed by the spectacular wooden reproduction of the Palace.

Moreover, there is a lovely entertainment area right before reaching the stairs, where kids can rest, play, and discover the ancient symbols of the Minoan era. When in Crete… don’t miss it!

Read also about the most important Archaeological Sites in Crete.

General Information about the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Entrance: Full ticket, €12; Reduced ticket, €6
Special ticket package: Full package, €20 (valid for three days. It includes the entrance to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos)
Xanthoudidou Str. 1-2, Heraklion

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More resources to enhance your Crete adventure

Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.

Use this comprehensive Crete packing list to ensure you have everything you need. Explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches, and check out the best times to experience its beauty.

If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion or Rethymnon, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.

Suggested accommodation in Heraklion

No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these hotels in the city:

More useful travel resources

  • Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
  • Discover Cars is the engine I use to find a rental car on the island.
  • To book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I recommend Get Your Guide.

Pin this Super Useful Guide to the Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion for Your Crete Holiday!

What to see at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete


About me:

Gabi Ancarola | The Tiny Book

Gabi Ancarola

I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the island. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.

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