The Archaeological Museum of Chania: From the Old Town to a Modern Cultural Landmark

The Archaeological Museum of Chania is one of the most important places to explore the rich history of western Crete. It first opened in 1962, inside a historic building — a former Franciscan monastery — located on Halidon Street in Chania’s Old Town. Over the years, the museum displayed many artifacts from the Neolithic to the Roman period and became a key cultural attraction in the heart of the city.

In 2020, the old museum closed, and a new one opened in April 2022 in the Halepa district of Chania, just a short drive from the port. The new Archaeological Museum was designed by architect Theofanis Bobotis. It is a large, modern space of 6,000 square meters, built with respect for the natural and cultural Cretan landscape.

The permanent exhibition is spread across four halls and presents the story of local people from the Paleolithic period to late antiquity. Visitors can see everyday objects, sacred items, coins, mosaics etc from early settlements and Minoan palaces to powerful city-states like Kydonia and Aptera, as well as items from the healing center (Asklepieion) of Lissos. Daily life, religion, trade, and burial customs are shown through well-organized displays. One of the museum’s highlights is the Mitsotakis Collection, a private archaeological collection, presented in full for the first time.

The new museum is more than just a new building — it is a modern cultural space that offers education, inspiration, and a deep connection to the past.

Discover the true history of Crete and make the Archaeological Museum of Chania part of your cultural journey — a place you don’t want to miss if visiting western Crete this year.

Want to visit from your cruise? Book a shore excursion with us:

https://www.achtypistours.gr/shorex/chania 

SOURCES:

1. Archaeological Museum of Chania 

https://amch.gr/ 

1. Directorate of Archaeological Museums, Exhibitions and Educational Programs

https://archaeologicalmuseums.gr/en/museum/5df34af3deca5e2d79e8c161/archaeological-museum-of-chania 

1. Odysseus Culture

http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/gh151.jsp?obj_id=16001

1. Visit Greece 

https://www.visitgreece.gr/el/experiences/culture/museums/archaeological-museum-of-chania/ 

Article by Mariniki Charmpila

archaeologist