Arkeologiska museet i Heraklion

Following extensive renovations, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, a veritable ark of Minoan art, reopens to the public.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum offers visitors a fascinating journey from the Neolithic era to Roman times. The Lily Prince, La Parisienne and the Bull-leapers frescoes, the Phaistos Disc the King Mino’s Ring, the snake Goddess figurine and the Golden Bees pendant from Malia are just a few of the thousands of items on display, and now, following extensive renovations, the museum is again ready to welcome the public to admire its fine collection of masterpieces dating to the Minoan civilization. Through its myriad exhibits, visitors learn fascinating stories from the beginnings of prehistoric Crete and the genesis of the marvelous Minoan world, to Graeco – Roman times, covering a period of approximately 5,500 years.

The renovation results are impressive and include brand-new showcases, a state -of-the-art security system and additions aimed at maximizing visitors comfort. In accordance with contemporary museological beliefs, emphasis is placed on the ideological orientations of societies: from the mechanisms by which they promoted their superiority, to the strengthening of ties between their members through mass events and celebrations (symposiums, shows and sports competitions), to their religious beliefs. Thus, the fresco of the elegant Ladies in Blue (1600-1450 BC), with their elaborate jewellery, gives us an image of prosperity from the palace of Knossos. Similarly, the statue of Roman Emperor Hadrian (2nd century AD) conveys the spirit of philhellenism during that period. On his protective breastplate, the goddess Athena can be seen standing on the she-wolf which Romulus and Remus are suckling - an eminently Roman symbol.

The building was designed in the 1930s by Patroklos Karantinos, who intelligently combined the architectural trends of the time, a fact that earned him a Bauhaus commendation.