Crete’s New Chania Archaeological Museum Opens to the Public

The new Chania Archaeological Museum of Crete opened its doors over the weekend featuring more than 3,500 artifacts, 1,000 of which for the first time.

Exhibits on show at the 6,000m2 museum, which opened for the first time in 1962, include Minoan and Roman pottery, coins, jewelry, inscribed tablets, stelae, mosaics and other items found around Chania and in other areas nearby.

Located in the Halepa area, the new Archaeological Museum of Chania is wheelchair accessible and includes two touch tables for the visually impaired.

It also features the collection of antiquities belonging to late prime minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis and his wife Marika, parents of the current PM. The collection, with objects dating back to the 4th millennium BC- 3rd century AD, was donated to the Greek state in April 2000.

Among the museum’s 3,500 artifacts some 1,000 will be exhibited for the first time.

A number of the items have already been transferred to their new home according to a process that requires special skills and combines scientific and technical expertise.

Once complete the museum’s permanent exhibition will display Chania’s evolution through time, starting from its prehistoric period and will focus on the area’s society, administration, religion, commerce and everyday life.

Budgeted at 15 million euros, the museum has also been equipped with digital services, restoration areas, educational spaces, and a 120-seat amphitheater.

It also features the collection of antiquities belonging to late prime minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis and his wife Marika, parents of the current PM. The collection, with objects dating back to the 4th millennium BC- 3rd century AD, was donated to the Greek state in April 2000.