Archaeological Museum of Chania, Chania

The Archaeological Museum stands as a prominent contemporary cultural venue, housing around 6,000 m² of displays spread across three ground-floor galleries and a fourth on the upper level. First opened in 1962 within a Venetian monastery, it moved to its modern premises in 2022 to present western Crete’s archaeological heritage in a more fitting setting.

Upon entering the first gallery, you'll step into the dawn of human presence in the region. Artifacts from the Neolithic, Minoan, and Mycenaean eras-including Linear A and B tablets, distinctive pottery, jewelry, and burial artifacts-highlight the early development and cultural foundations of Kydonia (ancient Chania).

As you progress through the second and third halls, the narrative unfolds further-spanning the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. Here, you'll find ornate sculptures, funerary monuments, coins, lab ware, terracotta, and even an earthquake-damaged home reconstruction from 365 BC, which enriches your immersion into domestic and sacred life.

Finally, the museum's upper gallery showcases rare treasures, including part of the Konstantinos, Marika, and Kyriakos Mitsotakis collection, which features towering Minoan and post‑Minoan artifacts. The collection further extends into pieces from the Roman era-like a splendid floor mosaic depicting Dionysus and Ariadne, busts of Roman figures, and an exquisitely preserved Late Minoan sarcophagus.

The museum, created by architect Theofanis Bobotis and his team, features bold, linear forms that seem to rise from the ground, evoking the hidden strata of past civilizations. Situated about 98 meters above sea level, it offers expansive views across the city and its waterfront.