Visit the Archeological Museum of Heraklion: tickets, prices, schedules

A good one in the past to discover more than 5,500 years of history, is it tempting you? Direction la Crete, to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion!

Heraklion is an incredible port city, which houses many archaeological sites and other historical monuments, testimonies of a very rich history. In fact, to learn more about the history of this city and the civilizations that have succeeded in it over the centuries, it is to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

During your visit, you will discover precious objects of the oldest civilization in Europe, covering 5,500 years of History, from Neolithic to Roman times.

You are told everything you need to know to visit the Archeological Museum of Heraklion.

History of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The first archaeological collection of the city of Heraklion was formed in 1883 at the initiative of the Local Association of Friends of Education. She was then housed in two rooms in the courtyard of the Cathedral of Saint Minas.

In 1900, when large-scale excavations began on the island, the archaeological collection intensified. The museum is then transferred to the Cretan State and transferred to the barracks (now the service of the Crete region).

Between 1904 and 1907, the first exhibition hall was opened on the remains of the famous Venetian monastery of Saint-François. Then a second room in 1908, the collection continued to be enriched by the discoveries of Greek and foreign archaeologists.

The construction of the current museum began in 1937 according to the plans of architect Patroklos Karantinos. It is an anti-seism building, having won the Bauhaus Prize thanks to its modern architecture. It opened its doors to the public in 1952.

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is to visit one of the most important museums in Europe, with collections and objects dating from 7,000 BC, up to 400 BC. Some of these objects are part of the largest collection of minoan objects. Many of them were found by archaeologists at the palaces of Cnossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros or Aghia Triada.

In addition to the exhibition rooms, the museum also has offices, laboratories and a library.

Our advice to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

To help you organize your visit as best as possible and to optimize your time once you have your ticket for the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, here are some small tips.

The best time to visit

The museum is very frequent during the summer months. We therefore recommend that you visit it during the quieter periods of the year May, June and September, October.

Then, like most museums, the ideal to avoid the world is to visit Weekly . In the morning (if possible at the opening) is also to be preferred in the afternoon, especially if you visit a weekend or in the middle of the summer.

The museum is air-conditioned and is the ideal visit for hot days.

The duration of a visit

It depends on your curiosity and your way of visiting, but count between 2 and 3 hours to fully enjoy the museum.

Spot in the museum

On the official website of the museum, you can have access to detailed map of the museum . This will allow you to study it upstream, and to easily spot you at the time of the visit.

Some practical information

• The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is accessible to persons with reduced mobility ;
• A dressing room is located on the ground floor of the museum;
• It is possible to take pictures (without flash) in the enclosure of the museum, with the exception of exhibitions that bear a sign “no photographs”;
• The use of mobile phones is prohibited in exhibition areas Museum.

What do you see during your visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion?

To visit the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, it is to browse 2 floors and 27 exhibition rooms, telling the History of Crete. The visit takes place in chronological order and by thematic, from Neolithic to Roman times.

The collections are developed thanks to modern exhibition techniques, and audiovisual equipment, for a real immersion.

The ground floor

On the ground floor, seven rooms have all the riches of Neolithic and Minoan periods . This is where you can observe the finds associated with religious rituals, sports, public holidays, aspects of privacy and funeral customs.

Then two other rooms contain a collection of sculptures from the Hellenistic and Roman period. This sculpture collection forms an autonomous section, which works independently of the rest of the exhibition, like a kind of gallery.

The first floor

Upstairs, a room is entirely dedicated to the beautiful Milanese frescoes. In the other upstairs rooms, you will discover Objects of Historical Time .

It is also on the first floor that you will find the private collections of Stylianos Giamalakis and Nikos ' Theano Metaxa.

A separate section is dedicated to the influence of the Mexican past of Crete in ancient and modern times.

The currency, testimony to the vitality of the cities and the employment of the Crétois, has its own section.

The garden of the museum

In the museum garden, the ruins of the Venetian monastery of Saint-François are preserved.

Temporary exhibition

Your ticket to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion gives you access to the temporary exhibition during your visit.

The works not to be missed:

• The tablets of Linéaire B;
• The record of Phaistos;
• The figures of the goddess to the Serpents;
• The bullhead rhyton;
• The fresco of the Sauteur above the Taurus;
• The sarcophagus of Haghia Triada;
• The Kamares ships.

How much does a ticket cost to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion?

Prices to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum vary depending on the season.

1 November to 31 March:

• Single rate: 6€.

1 April to 31 October:

• Full rate: 12€ ;
• Reduced price (less than 25 years and over 65 years): 6€.

Combined ticket Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Cnossos Palace:

• Single rate: 20€.

Free entrance:

• The 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri) ;
• The 18 April (International Day of Monuments);
• The 18 May (International Museum Day);
• The last weekend of September each year (European Heritage Days);
• The 28 October ;
• Every first Sunday of each monthNovember 1 to March 31.

How to book an online ticket for the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion?

You can easily buy your ticket for the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, online. It is also possible to buy its entry on a third party site and take advantage of certain discounts or special visits.

Are there guided tours of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion?

Many operators and specialized platforms offer guided tours. These operators allow you to choose between two options. The first is to be accompanied by a passionate historian guide. It will give you a real experience within the museum, and other monuments according to the chosen option.

The second is to opt for an audio guide, to be more free and autonomous in your visit.

Are there visits combined with other monuments in Heraklion?

On the museum site you can buy a ticket combined with the Palace of Cnossos . Its tariff is 20€ . It is valid for 3 days (one visit on each site), allowing you to fully enjoy your days without having to do everything in one day.

Some operators also offer guided tours of the city, the archaeological museum, combined with other monuments of the city (most often the palace of Cnossos).

Opening hours

Know that the Archeological Museum of Heraklion opens only Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, and closed from Thursday to Saturday.

In low season

• Monday, Wednesday, Sunday: 9h - 16h ;
• Tuesday: 10:00-17:00.

Summer season:

• Monday, Wednesday, Sunday: 8h - 20h ;
• Tuesday: 10-20h.

Special opening days:

• 6 January: 8:30 – 15:00 ;
• Fat Monday: 8:30 – 15:00;
• Friday Saint : 12h - 17h ;
• Saturday Saint : 8h - 15h ;
• Day of the Holy Spirit: 8h - 20h ;
• 15 August: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ;
• 28 October: 8h - 15h.

Attention: the museum closes its doors on January 1, March 25, May 1, Sunday and Easter Monday, and December 25 and 26.

How to access the Archeological Museum of Heraklion?

On foot

The museum is located in the city centre, so it is very easy to walk. The port is only 1.3 km away and the airport 3.8km.

By bus

Bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 31 lead to the stop of Eleftherias Square, the closest to the museum.

Where to park near the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion?

Know that he is impossible to park in adjacent streets To the museum. The nearest parking lots are flried (and paid), such as the Dimotiko car park, Pediados Viglas, Iraklio or the Volitaki Eirini Pediados car park.

However, we advise you to take the car in the city center , which is much more pleasant to discover on foot. If you have a car, the easiest thing is to park at the free parking lot behind the Venetian port and then continue on foot.

Where to stay near the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion?

Ideal for staying in Heraklion Stay downtown. What falls well because it is also in the centre that the museum is located!

Indeed, it is a lively neighbourhood, where shopping streets bring entertainment. There are also many historical monuments.

Youth hostels, campsites, apartments or houses in Airbnb , small hotels or great luxury hotels.... The offer of accommodation in Heraklion is dense, but also rather expensive, especially in high season. ♪ hotel comparisons will help you find the best prices according to your criteria. Otherwise, do not hesitate to consult our article on the best Airbnb rentals in Heraklion .

Don’t wait anymore, bring your ticket to the Archeological Museum of Heraklion and prepare for a wonderful journey in time. Good visit!