Crete Getting Ready to Welcome New Archaeological Museum in Chania

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni (right) with Eleni Papadopoulou from the Chania Ephorate of Antiquities. Photo source: Ministry of Culture

Crete is gearing up for the opening of the new Archaeological Museum of Chania, where over 3,500 artifacts will be displayed.

Located in the area of Halepa, Chania’s new museum covers an area of 6,000sqm and will replace the previous archaeological museum that operated in the area of Agios Fragiskos until September 2020.

According to Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, works for the construction of the new building for the museum are complete and the careful process of transporting the exhibits and artifacts is in progress.

“The new Archaeological Museum of Chania will soon open its doors to receive Greek and foreign visitors… Works for the transfer of the exhibits are on schedule and expected to be complete by the end of the year,” Mendoni said during an inspection visit at the museum’s premises earlier this week.

Photo source: Ministry of Culture

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.

Photo source: Ministry of Culture

Digital applications will also be available to facilitate visitors to comprehend the exhibitions.

In addition, the new museum will feature large spaces suitable to host periodical exhibitions, educational programs and events.

The project for the construction of the Chania’s new museum received funds from the Regional Operational Program Crete – NSRF 2014-2020, the public investment program of the Culture Ministry and the Crete Region.