Heraklion Archaeological Museum Tickets

Why Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum?

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in all of Greece, as it offers a deep dive into the history of Crete, spanning over 5000 years.

The construction of the current museum began in 1935, following the plans of architect Patroklos Karantinos, on a site previously occupied by the Venetian Monastery of Saint-Francis. The ruins of this abbey are still visible in the museum's garden.

During the Second World War, the museum's pieces were in danger but were saved thanks to the efforts of the director Nikolaos Platon, who looked after them. Because of him, the museum could open its doors in 1952.

With your ticket, you can explore the 27 rooms that make up this museum, considered one of the most important in Europe, especially due to its unique collection of Minoan art. It houses sculptures and figures representing gods, along with exquisite golden jewels and tools that show the advanced craftsmanship of this civilization.

The museum also covers Crete's vast history, with artifacts from the Neolithic, the Bronze Age, and Roman periods. Plus, during your visit, you'll find a room with audiovisual media, where you can stop to listen to the most exact details of this rich cultural heritage.

Opening Times

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is open at the following times:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. The final admission is at 3 pm.
• Wednesday: open from 10 am to 5 pm. The final admission is at 4:30 pm.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Guided Tour

If you prefer to explore the museum with an English-speaking guide, we recommend you book our guided tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. You won't miss a single detail!

Important Info

• The travel date and/or entry time slot cannot be changed for any reason.
• This offer only includes normal admission at adult price and can be used by people of all ages to enter at full price.
• From 1 April 2025, EU citizens under 25 and non-EU citizens under 18 will be able to enter free of charge on presentation of their ID at the ticket office.
• For those over 65, a 50% discount will be granted. This discount will only be applied at the ticket office or on the website.
• As the monument operates in time slots, there is no guarantee that free tickets will be available at the ticket office for the time slot of your choice.
• Entry is only permitted during the selected time slot or 15 minutes before or after.
• People with disabilities can enter free of charge on presentation of their disability certificate at the ticket office.