Archaeological Museum of Messara on Crete Opens to the Public

The archaeological museum of Messara. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

The Archaeological Museum of Messara, a project that has been in development for decades, was recently inaugurated by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

Located in the region of Gortyna on Crete, the museum spans across an area of 2,900 square meters and includes exhibition spaces, a screening and conference room, a periodical exhibition room, a courtyard suitable for events and open-air exhibitions, a cafeteria and a gift shop.

The archaeological museum of Messara. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

The museum’s permanent exhibition “Between the Mountains: The human presence in Messara from prehistoric to Christian times“, enriches the archaeological site of Messara in its narrative. The exhibition is equipped with interactive information apps, digital guided tours and educational digital material to enhance the visitors’ experience.

“It is a historic day for Messara, a very important day for all of us,” said Mendoni during the museum’s opening ceremony,

According to the minister, the archaeological museum of Messara will become the center of cultural routes throughout the wider region, which includes major archaeological sites such as Gortyna and Festos.

Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos to reopen

Mendoni visiting the archaeological museum of Aghios Nikolaos. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

During her visit to Crete, Mendoni visited the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, which showcases antiquities from Eastern Crete dating from the Neolithic to the Roman period. According to the Culture Ministry, the museum will reopen its doors after a 12-year closure. The archaeological museum will have twice the exhibition space and upgraded digital info apps to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

Moreover, the minister also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration for the establishment of the new archaeological museum of Archanes. The memorandum grants the old bottling plant of the Ano Archanes Agricultural Cooperative to the Culture Ministry to restore and operate it as a museum that will highlight the archaeological wealth of the wider region.

Mendoni (photo center) signing the MoC. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

The Archaeological Museum of Messara will be open to visitors with free admission until May 31. The archaeological museum of Agios Nikolaos will be open certain days of the week that will be determined by the local Ephorate of Antiquities, until its official launch expected in the fall.

According to the ministry, the opening of the museums marks a significant step forward in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Crete.