Open its doors in 2010.
Over 45,000 Greek and foreign visitors have been to the new exhibition at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which opened to the public on 25 July. Meanwhile work is continuing rapidly on the modernisation and extension of the new museum complex, which is to house about 10,000 Minoan artefacts.
According to Museum Director Nota Dimopoulou, there are 800-1200 visitors a day. She told us: “These are mostly small groups and individual visitors who are particularly interested in archaeology and culture. There are no huge crowds and the tours take place smoothly, without problems. Unfortunately this new room is not suitable for mass tourist visits from cruise ships. There are compromises concerning visits to the museum, but don’t forget that Heraklion Archaeological Museum used to be the busiest museum in Greece.”
The new building of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Meanwhile work is continuing rapidly on the modernisation and extension of Heraklion Archaeological Museum, despite the delays caused by the discovery of the monastery of St Francis, changes to the plans, the withdrawal of the first consortium to undertake the work, etc.
The display area will cover an area of 3,000 square metres. About 10,000 of the 14,000 finds formerly on display will be exhibited in 25 rooms.
The building is expected to be ready in 2008, when the museological study should also have been completed. Circumstances permitting, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum will be ready to receive visitors in 2010. The budget is 21 million euros.
