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Natural History Museum of Crete: A Journey Through the Island's Ecosystems

Discover Crete's natural wonders: Explore diverse ecosystems, prehistoric creatures, and interactive exhibits at Heraklion's Natural History Museum.

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Explore the Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion, a fascinating institution showcasing the diverse flora, fauna, and geological history of Crete and the Eastern Mediterranean. With interactive exhibits and realistic dioramas, it's an engaging experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Natural History Museum of Crete

Local tips

  • Allow at least two hours to fully explore the museum's diverse exhibits and interactive displays.
  • Check the museum's website for updated hours, special events, and temporary exhibitions.
  • Visit during the cooler parts of the day, especially in summer, to avoid the heat.
  • Take advantage of the accessible facilities, including elevators and accessible toilets.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Heraklion's coastal front, exploring nearby attractions like the Venetian harbor and Koules Fortress.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Morosini Fountain (Lions Square) in the heart of Heraklion, walk along the coastal front for approximately 10 minutes (750m). Head west on Leoforos Demokratias, then turn left onto Sofokli Venizelou. The museum will be on your right, a distinctive green and glass building.

  • Public Transport

    From Heraklion Airport, take the Heraklion City Bus to the Harbour terminal bus stop. From there, the Natural History Museum is approximately 1.7km away. Alternatively, several city bus routes pass near the museum. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route and updated fares. A single bus fare is around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Heraklion Airport or the city center. A taxi ride from the city center to the Natural History Museum typically costs between €4 and €6 and takes about 3 minutes. Ensure the driver is aware of the location: Leof. Sofokli Venizelou.

  • Driving

    From Heraklion city center, follow Leof. Sofokli Venizelou along the coast. Note that there is no designated parking area at the museum. However, there is an underground municipal parking lot across the street (DEPANAL) and a free parking area across Talos Plaza Mall, approximately 1km west of the museum. Parking fees at garages range from €5-€25 per day.

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Discover more about Natural History Museum of Crete

The Natural History Museum of Crete, established in 1980 and operating under the University of Crete, is dedicated to showcasing the natural environment of Crete and the Eastern Mediterranean. Housed in a renovated former electricity plant in Heraklion, the museum spans 3,500 square meters, making it the largest of its kind in the region. The museum features a wide array of exhibits, including realistic dioramas of Cretan ecosystems, a 'Living Museum' with live animals, and the impressive Deinotherium, a prehistoric relative of modern elephants. Visitors can also experience the 'Enceladus' earthquake simulator and explore the interactive 'Discovery Centre,' designed for younger visitors. Temporary exhibitions like 'Dinosaurs Extreme' and 'Light Mysteries' add to the museum's appeal. The museum's exhibits are spread across multiple floors, with displays ranging from Mediterranean biodiversity and geological formations to interactive explorations of Crete's Natura 2000 zones. Highlights include the Hall of Life, insect collections, and displays of fossils and minerals. The museum is committed to research, education, and conservation, offering various educational programs, workshops, and public lectures.

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