Archaeological Museum of Chania | Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Χανίων — Attraction in Municipality of Chania

New, open modern museum layout that we spent 1.5 hours wandering through. Downstairs has 3 large rooms/sections for the permanent exhibitions, which is where we spent most of our time. The downstairs temporary exhibit was closed when we were there, and the upstairs Mitsotakis collection is a small room able to be viewed in 10 minutes. Signs available in English and Greek throughout, with an audio guide also available (though we passed as the signs were great).

What makes this museum unique is their recreations using authentic objects, such as a kitchen, illustrious warriors grave, and the 365 AD earthquake. Most museums provide the objects, sign, and diagrams, but they displayed it as it would’ve been which gave extra context. They also had great small touches like presenting coins so that you can see both sides, and used a non-reflective glass so it’s a LOT easier to see and take photos of the objects. (Whoever curated and displayed these rooms did an excellent job with the details!) Similar to other museums, will also see a lot of pottery, figurines, jewelry, and more.

Air conditioning: Is inside. We felt comfortable throughout when around 28-30C outside. Access: Both a lift and stairs are available between the floors.

Cafe: More of a fancy restaurants vs. quick museum eats. It’s table service only, upscale/pricy, and a little slow (compared to other museums, not restaurants). The views are absolutely superb, and the small pancake with mizithra cheese snack we had was excellent - but not quite what we expected when heard there was a cafe.

Lockers: Available for free (it seemed) near the ground floor toilets.

Toilets: Nice, clean on ground floor. Shop: Small shop. A little pricy for some items, but interesting books...

Although the museum is relatively small, both the space and the exhibits are remarkable and very nicely arranged. If you don't qualify for a discount (which you'll have to find out for yourself as the museum staff are completely clueless), in order not to spoil your mood, buy tickets online in advance. In general, try to keep interaction with the cashier to a minimum, as the staff are not known neither for their kindness nor discretion, especially when it comes to 'vulnerable' groups. Also, according to staff, young students (i.e. those who cannot yet read with great ease) are "unable" to operate electronic devices and listen to the "advanced and complex information" provided via audio guide. So, in a way, they are unwanted visitors, and they are "punished" and cannot have the full experience of the visit. In advance, the museum staff regard children as foolish visitors who pose a risk of damaging equipment (e.g. audio guide)...

Housed in a new, purpose-built venue, the Archaeological Museum of Chania is absolutely next level!

The bilingual displays are beautifully curated, with lots of context and easy to read.

The collections on display cover a variety of periods on Crete's history, and the civilisations and cultures Cretans have interacted with, including Roman and Mesopotamian, along with a surprising focus on ancient Egypt too, with objects found on Crete dating to the reign of Amenhotep III (The Pharaoh two generations prior to Tutankhamun).

The Roman mosaics are worth the ridiculously cheap €6 entry alone, and I've never seen ancient coins displayed as well as in here.

Many modern museums could take lessons from the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and it really is a must see for anyone interested in the rich history of the city, and of...