Following partial renovation, the Natural History Museum of Crete has reopened!
Overview
The Natural History Museum of Crete, which is part of the University of Crete, just wrapped up the first phase of its renovation. Updates were made to the reception area and the gift shop—they’re both open to visitors now.
Some exhibits, like the giant Deinothere and those dramatic “extreme” dinosaurs, have found new homes within the museum. You’ll notice things have shifted around a bit if you’ve been before.
There’s a pretty wide range of displays covering Crete’s natural environment and the broader eastern Mediterranean. The museum puts a spotlight on major ecosystems, especially the mountain habitats that define much of the region.
These mountain ecosystems stretch from Mount Olympus and Cyprus’s peaks all the way to the snowy Alps. It’s fascinating to see how life bends and adapts to these wildly different conditions.
The coniferous forests of Lebanon, southern Turkey, and Bulgaria get their own section too. Here, you’ll meet animals like the lynx—hard to spot in the wild—the Lebanese cedar, and even the little hyrax, which is oddly enough related to elephants.
Kids aren’t left out. There’s a Researcher’s Space just for them, where they can poke around micro-ecosystems from Crete and get a handle on what makes the island tick, nature-wise.
Key Features
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Location |
Heraklion, Crete; part of the University of Crete |
Operating Hours |
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00; Weekends: 10:00 – 18:00 |
Renovation |
Reception and gift shop updated; exhibits relocated |
Main Exhibits |
Giant Deinothere, ‘Extreme’ Dinosaurs |
Ecosystems Studied |
Mountain ecosystems, coniferous forests, micro-ecosystems |
Species Highlighted |
Lynx, Lebanese cedar, small hyrax |
Special Areas |
Children’s Researcher’s Space |
Additional Notes |
Seismic bank exhibit temporarily unavailable due to relocation |
Exhibits and Themes
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Mountain Biodiversity: Nearly half of the planet’s biodiversity hotspots are tucked away in mountain regions. The museum dives into Mediterranean high mountain ecosystems, showing off the wild strategies animals and plants use to survive up there.
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Coniferous Forests: These forests are a big deal in the eastern Mediterranean. You’ll get a look at the flora and fauna that call these places home, with a special nod to rare species and their quirky roles in the ecosystem.
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Endemic and Unique Wildlife: There are displays on species that are either native to or symbolic of the region—think lynx (the unofficial mascot of forest ecosystems) and the Lebanese cedar, which carries both cultural and ecological weight.
Visitor Experience
The museum’s set up to pull in visitors of all ages. Kids get their own interactive zones with hands-on activities, and the shop is stocked with natural history and biodiversity goodies.
Renovations are making the place more welcoming and easier to get around. Some exhibits, like the seismic bank, are temporarily off-limits, but they’re supposed to return in a new spot down the line.
More about the Natural History Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ticket prices for the Natural History Museum of Crete?
Ticket prices depend on the category:
- Adults: about €8
- Reduced (students, seniors): around €4
- Children under 6: free
Prices can change, so it’s smart to double-check the official website or call ahead before you go.
Are there any days with free admission to the Natural History Museum in Heraklion?
Yep, sometimes the museum offers free admission on special national holidays or during cultural events. The exact dates change each year, so you’ll want to check with the museum’s official channels for the latest info.
Which exhibitions are currently on display at the Goulandris Museum of Natural History in Athens?
The Goulandris Museum spotlights Greek natural history, biodiversity, and environmental themes. For up-to-date exhibition info, check their website or look for recent announcements.
Can you find information about dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum of Crete?
Absolutely. There’s a palaeontological section with dinosaur fossils and plenty of info about prehistoric life on Crete.
What are the opening hours for the Natural History Museum in Crete?
Generally, the museum is open:
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Which are the notable attractions in Heraklion, Crete, near the Natural History Museum?
Nearby attractions include:
- Morosini Fountain (Lion’s Square) – just 750 metres away.
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
- The Venetian Harbour and fortress.
All of these spots are within walking distance, and honestly, they’re pretty popular with visitors.
