Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: The priceless heritage of the Minoan civilization

Although the museum was founded in 1900, the building accommodating it was erected during 1937-1940, to the designs of the great architect Patroklos Karantinos, and is a remarkable example of Greek modernism.

In 2014, the refurbished Museum opened its doors to the public, the members of which can enjoy, among others, the most important collection of Minoan antiquities in the world, in an exhibition spread over 27 halls. Displayed with a modern museological concept, the exhibits illuminated every aspect of Cretan life over the centuries: from the undisputed Minoan dominance over the Aegean and fascinating ancient myths, to religious rituals, public events, daily life and burial customs.

Here, every iconic object associated in the collective unconscious with the famous dynasty of the legendary Minos awaits to be discovered by the visitor, as if it was the first time. Like the impressive ritual vase in the shape of a bull’s head, carved in black steatite, a symbol of the robust animal’s leading role in Minoan religion; or the intricate gold ornament from Chrysolakkos in Malia, representing two bees depositing a drop of honey in the honeycomb – just one of the tiny masterpieces of Minoan goldwork.

And, of course, the renowned chthonic Snake Goddesses made of faience and the enigmatic ceramic Disc of Phaistos. The Minoan murals rightfully have their own gallery, dominated by the famous paintings from the palace of Knossos: the Prince of the Lilies, the dazzling La Parisienne, named by the archaeologist Arthur Evans because of her refined look that was comparable to female beauty trends of his time, and the Bull Leaping mural, which has offered us the most complete depiction of these dangerous games.