Historical Museum of Crete, Heraklion (must see)

The Historical Museum of Crete is located in a neoclassical building with deep historical roots. The oldest section of the museum was originally the mansion of Andreas Lysimachos Kalokerinos, built in 1903 following the designs of architect Konstantinos Tsantirakis. The building itself is a notable example of early 20th-century neoclassical architecture, with interior murals depicting scenes from the Iliad and Odyssey, painted by Antonios Stefanopoulos, known for his work on the Quellenec House in Athens.

Before this structure, the site was home to an earlier Kalokerinos family residence, constructed in 1870 by architect Lysandros Kaftantzoglou. That building was destroyed during the tragic events of August 25, 1898, when Lysimachos A. Kalokerinos and other family members lost their lives. The loss of the original mansion added historical significance to the site, linking the museum closely to the city’s past.

In the 1970s, the museum was expanded with a new wing funded by the A. & M. Kalokerinos Foundation, blending modern and neoclassical architectural styles. Further development took place in the early 1990s with the addition of another floor. By May 2004, the museum introduced Temporary Exhibition Rooms and the Yannis Pertselakis Amphitheatre, creating spaces for rotating displays and educational programs.

The museum now offers 1,500 square meters of indoor exhibition space divided into 25 sections that span seventeen centuries of Cretan history. Its displays cover the island’s social, cultural, and political development, providing visitors with a clear sense of Crete’s historical evolution. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum features a shop and a café, allowing guests to relax and reflect after exploring its extensive collections.

Visiting the Historical Museum of Crete gives a comprehensive understanding of the island’s past, connecting architectural heritage with cultural history. It offers a combination of permanent and temporary exhibits that appeal to a wide range of interests, making it a valuable destination for anyone looking to learn about Crete’s rich history.