The museum has reopened after a number of years of renovation and expansion. The collection of artifacts is extensive. Everything is displayed in a superb way, room by room. The descriptions are both in English and Greek. Photography is allowed (a major plus).
You must have this on your list of places to see as they offer so much more than all the other museums. The third and top floor didn't interest us as much, but the rest was fantastic!
Herakleion archeological museum is worth visiting for sure. There you can find treasures of the ancient Crete civilization that you can only stop to admire. There is a large wealth of different types of exhibits from the famous faistos disc to the well known minotaur!
Herakleidon Museum presents an exhibition of works by M.C.Escher and V.Vasarely,from its permanent collections.The works on display are periodically renewed.This Museum is must be considered as one of the most importants while touring in Athens.
The old archaeological museum was one of the most fascinating museums in the world, and I'm pleased to say that the wait for the new museum has been worth it. Fabulous material, well displayed with excellent labelling (nice change). A brilliant, brilliant museum. Allow yourself enough time.I hope they produce a guidebook soon, and a comprehensive range of postcards etc. A missed opportunity to make some extra money for the museum.
I personally love ancient history and visiting museum hosting evidences of ancient civilizations. This museum is mostly dedicated to the Minoans, offering the visitors a wide array of things to see from statues, ancient jewels, sarcophagi and so on. A mandatory stop!
We thought we were museum-ed out after a week in Athens, but found this spot worth 90 minutes. Well laid out, very clean, nice bathrooms and a small cafe on site. The exhibits focused on Minoan culture and objects found on Crete. There were some fantastic objects to see, made this a worthwhile visit.
As an archaeologist fascinated by the Minoan culture and Knossos, this was a dream to be able to walk the halls of the museum. It is largely completed now, though there is a whole gallery on the second floor that is still under preparation. The main galleries on the ground floor, covering the Neolithic to the Mycenean periods are completed, however, as well as a gallery displaying the Knossos frescoes and later Greek and Roman remains.The museum is fantastic from an archaeologist's perspective. There are brief descriptions of each period, the galleries are organized by chronology. There is an almost overwhelming amount of material on display, providing a wide variety of pottery, figurines, and jewelry to view. There is not a lot of connecting texts on a larger level, though there are many brief thematic displays with information for the various periods on burial traditions, religion, etc..., so you are informed about what you are viewing.Overall, a great collection with signature artifacts (the Snake Goddess!!!) that is a must see! Beware trying to read everything, though, or you'll be there all day. Definitely worth repeat visits!
For Minoan culture, this is your stop. Well displayed and wide ranging. Easy to get to. Nothing like it in Athens. Visit was in September 2013.
First time I went at the Archealogical Musuem I think I was 8.Ofcourse I couldnt remember anything.Untill last summer when my brother came to visit from Thessaloniki.We went at the Museum in the morning snd lucky for us it was a little bit crowded but not too much.I was amazed with Minoan history.So much art so many years ago.I ll go visit again first chance i get.