Historical Tales

Chania’s new landmark museum encapsulates moments and imagery of the region’s long history.

The new Αrchaeological Μuseum of Chania, is located in Chalepa, and is undoubtedly the jewel of the city both for its exhibits and for its architectural value. The modern bioclimatic structure of the museum designed by architect Theofanis Bobotis, is characterised by a minimalist and dynamic design, featuring two large, linear volumes emerging gracefully from the ground. This architectural composition symbolically represents the 3,500 exhibits housed within the Μuseum, spanning an area of 6,000square meters. Of these, around 1,000 are open to the public for the first time.

The expansive permanent exhibition spreads over three rooms on the ground floor and another above. Together, they seamlessly weave the narrative of Chania and western Crete’s cultural odyssey from prehistory onward. The 3.5 thousand-year-old Minoan Master Impression –a sealing in clay–, the Asclepius statue, a rare ‘Linear B’ tablet, swords, crucibles, amphorae, household utensils, luxurious-small objects as well as toys – all come harmoniously together to narrate a captivating tale of achievement and greatness.