The main archaeological museum is situated in Iraklio on one side of
Freedom (Astoria) Square. This museum contains finds from Knossos
including the famous frescoes, and important finds from other sites
across the island. As well as various statues and ceramics there are also
displays of armoury and in particular, some fine Minoan jewellery.
The Museum of Crete is located on the coast road heading west from the centre of Iraklio,
this is a more general museum dealing with folklore and the ‘domestic’ history of Crete,
including the periods of Turkish and Venetian rule. There are rooms dedicated to Nikos Kazantzakis
and Eleftherios Venizoulos, and you will also find two fine El Greco paintings on display. In the folk
history section you will find examples of typical Cretan clothing and fabrics along with the following
un-attributed quotation.
‘’ The members of traditional (Cretan) society experience time collectively. They are not indifferent
to it, they simply do not feel the need to keep close track of it.
Time is determined through cycles based on the great turning points in human life. Birth, marriage,
the death of loved ones, as well as holidays and religious or social gatherings. These are times
when the community rallies together and confirms it’s identity “
I think the second sentence just about says it all!
The Natural History Museum is now located on the coast road further west from the Museum of
Crete, at present only a small section of it, designed for children, is open.
The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is located in the village of Myrtia. This contains a wealth of
information about the man and his work. Although much of the exhibition is in Greek you can
learn a surprising amount!
At Fodele just west of Iraklio near the main road, you will find the museum to El Greco,
this is only a small museum, but will be of interest to those interested in art.
Other museums are situated around the island, these contain information on local history,
and some lesser finds from local archaeological sites. Generally speaking you will find the
displays include everything from domestic items to donkey saddles, agricultural
equipment, model ship, and documents. One such museum is Lychnostatis located at
the end of Hersonissos near Star Beach. This is a typical example of a wealthy Cretan’s
home and contains features traditionally found in all Cretan houses. There is also an
interesting garden with some ideas of what will and will not grow!
