The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a major museum in Greece located at 1 Xanthoudidou Street in the city centre of Heraklion, Crete. This guide covers opening hours for the full year, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips for planning a trip.
Updated in March 2026, this guide includes the current winter season schedule and the upcoming summer hours that commence in April.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Seasonal variations apply (see below) |
| Ticket prices | Full: €20; Reduced: €12 |
| Address | 1 Xanthoudidou Street, Heraklion 712 02, Crete |
| Nearest transport | Eleftherias Square Bus Stop (2-minute walk) |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
Heraklion Archaeological Museum opening hours
The museum follows a seasonal schedule. From 1 November to 31 March, the hours are 08:30 to 15:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; Wednesdays are 10:00 to 17:00. From 1 April to 31 October, the hours are 08:00 to 20:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; Wednesdays are 13:00 to 20:00.
The museum is closed on 25 December, 26 December, 1 January, and 25 March (State holidays). On other public holidays, such as Epiphany (6 January) and Ash Monday (2 March 2026), it operates from 08:30 to 15:30. Entry is permitted until 20 minutes before closing.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum ticket prices
The standard admission fee is €20, with a reduced rate of €12 for eligible seniors (non-EU over 65) and students from non-EU countries. Admission is free for all visitors on the first and third Sunday of the month during the winter season (1 November to 31 March). Free entry is also provided on 6 March (Melina Mercouri Day).
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The museum is located next to Eleftherias Square (Liberty Square) in central Heraklion. Most city buses stop at the square, including those from the airport and the port. Visitors arriving by intercity (KTEL) bus will find the museum approximately a 10-minute walk from the main Bus Station A near the harbour.
Parking at Heraklion Archaeological Museum
There is no dedicated on-site parking for visitors. Several private paid parking lots are located within a 5-minute walk, specifically around Eleftherias Square and Platia Daskalogianni. On-street parking in the immediate vicinity is highly restricted and generally reserved for residents or short-term loading.
How long to spend at Heraklion Archaeological Museum
A visit of 2 to 3 hours is generally sufficient to view the permanent collection. The museum is arranged chronologically, and this duration allows for a steady pace through the 27 galleries.
Accessibility at Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The museum is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. A ramp is located at the main entrance on Xanthoudidou Street, and an internal lift provides access to the second floor. Accessible toilets are available on-site. One manual wheelchair is available at the entrance for public use free of charge upon presentation of an ID card.
Inside the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Minoan artefacts. The exhibition is spread across two floors and follows a chronological path from the Neolithic period to Roman times.
The ground floor contains the majority of the Minoan collection. Key highlights include the Phaistos Disc, an enigmatic clay disc with stamped symbols, and the Snake Goddess figurines from the palace of Knossos. The galleries also display the Bull’s Head Rhyton and intricate gold jewellery, such as the Malia Honeybee pendant.
The upper floor features well-preserved Minoan frescoes removed from the palaces of Knossos and Agia Triada. Notable murals include the Bull-Leaping fresco and the Prince of the Lilies. The second floor also houses collections of classical and Roman sculpture found across Crete.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice for visitors |
| Timing | Visit on summer Wednesday afternoons (after 15:00) to take advantage of the later 20:00 closing time. |
| Crowds | Large tour groups often arrive between 10:00 and 12:00; arriving at 08:30 or 08:00 (summer) is recommended. |
| Cloakroom | All backpacks and large packages must be deposited in the ground-floor cloakroom before entry. |
| Mobile Phones | The use of mobile phones for calls is strictly forbidden inside the museum exhibition areas. |
| Photography | Amateur photography without flash is permitted, except in areas marked with “no photographs” signs. |
Frequently asked questions about Heraklion Archaeological Museum
| Question | Answer |
| Is Heraklion Archaeological Museum suitable for children? | Yes, the museum is accessible for strollers and features visually engaging artefacts like frescoes. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Heraklion Archaeological Museum? | No, tickets can be purchased at the box office with a credit or debit card upon arrival. |
| Is Heraklion Archaeological Museum open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open every Sunday, following seasonal hours. |
| Are bags allowed at Heraklion Archaeological Museum? | Small handbags are allowed, but backpacks must be left in the free cloakroom. |
Things to do near Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Several historical and cultural sites are located within walking distance in Heraklion:
- Historical Museum of Crete: A 10-minute walk towards the waterfront, covering Cretan history from early Christian times.
- Morosini Fountain (Lion Square): A 5-minute walk through the pedestrian shopping district.
- Koules Fortress: A 15-minute walk to the Venetian harbour and fortress.
- Saint Titus Church: A prominent Byzantine landmark located a 7-minute walk away.
- Palace of Knossos: The great Minoan monument is a 20 minute bus ride away from central Heraklion.
