Natural History Museum of Crete, Heraklion
Discover the Island’s Wildlife, Geology and Natural Heritage
Natural History Museum of Crete, Heraklion – Discover the Island’s Wildlife, Geology and Natural Heritage
Located on the seafront of Heraklion, at Dermatas Bay, the Natural History Museum of Crete offers visitors an exciting journey through the natural world of Crete and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. It is one of the island’s most interesting museums for anyone who wants to understand its landscapes, wildlife, geology and biodiversity.
Housed in a renovated former electricity plant, the museum combines impressive natural-history displays with interactive exhibits, living animals, fossils and educational experiences. Its exhibitions are designed for adults and children alike, making it an excellent cultural attraction for families and visitors interested in nature and science.
The History of the Natural History Museum of Crete
The Natural History Museum of Crete operates under the University of Crete and was established in 1980. Its work focuses on the study, preservation and presentation of the natural environment of Crete and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The museum’s public exhibition space is housed in the former electricity plant of Heraklion, a historic industrial building whose construction was completed in 1920. The building was later recognised as a preserved industrial monument and was granted to the University of Crete in 2003 to accommodate the museum’s exhibitions.
Today, the renovated building at Dermatas Bay provides a large exhibition space where scientific research, environmental education and modern museum presentation come together.
Beyond its public exhibitions, the institution also carries out scientific research, maintains natural-history collections and participates in projects concerning biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental protection.
What Can You See at the Museum?
The museum presents the natural environment of Crete and the Eastern Mediterranean through a combination of realistic displays, original specimens, interactive installations and multimedia experiences.
Its exhibitions cover different aspects of the natural world, from Mediterranean ecosystems and living species to the geological forces that have shaped the island.
The Mediterranean Ecosystems and Mega-Dioramas
One of the central attractions is the presentation of Mediterranean ecosystems through large, realistic dioramas. These displays recreate natural environments and introduce visitors to the plants, animals and landscapes found across Crete and the wider region.
You can discover the wildlife of mountain areas, forests, wetlands and other habitats while learning about the relationships between different species and their environments.
The displays help visitors understand the remarkable biodiversity of Crete, an island whose geographical position and varied landscapes have contributed to the development of distinctive ecosystems.
The Living Museum
The Living Museum introduces visitors to real animals from the Eastern Mediterranean through specially designed aquariums and terrariums.
Depending on the exhibits available, visitors can observe small animals such as reptiles, amphibians and other species while learning about their habitats and behaviour.
It offers a closer look at creatures that are often difficult to encounter in the wild and helps explain their role in the natural environment.
Fossils and the Ancient Natural World of Crete
Crete has a fascinating prehistoric natural history, and the museum's fossil displays reveal how different the island once was.
During the Pleistocene, Crete was home to distinctive animals that evolved in relative isolation. Among the most remarkable were dwarf mammoths and other unusual island species.
The museum presents fossils and impressive life-size models, including a dwarf mammoth, a giant owl and a sirenian. These exhibits help visitors imagine the animals that inhabited the island thousands of years ago and understand how changes in climate and geography influenced their evolution.
The Geological History of Crete
The island's dramatic mountains, plateaus, gorges and caves are the result of a long geological history.
The museum explores the rocks and geological formations that make up Crete, explaining how tectonic movements, the formation of the Mediterranean region and other natural processes shaped the landscape.
Visitors can also explore a life-size cave setting and discover how geological processes continue to influence the island today.
The Earthquake Simulator – Enceladus
One of the museum's most distinctive interactive experiences is Enceladus, an educational earthquake simulator.
The installation recreates a classroom environment where visitors can learn about earthquakes and experience simulated seismic activity in a controlled setting. The programme also explains the seismic characteristics of the Eastern Mediterranean and provides information about appropriate safety measures.
The simulator is designed to make a complex natural phenomenon easier to understand, combining an interactive experience with practical educational information.
The Natura 2000 Hall and Environmental Education
The museum also presents information about Crete's protected natural areas, including sites belonging to the European Natura 2000 network.
Through educational material and interactive displays, visitors can learn about protected habitats, local species, environmental challenges and the importance of conserving the island's natural heritage.
The museum regularly organises educational activities, temporary exhibitions and programmes for schools, families and other groups.
A Museum for Children and Families
The Natural History Museum of Crete is particularly suitable for families travelling with children. Its interactive displays, living animals, fossils and educational installations make learning about nature an engaging experience.
The Stavros Niarchos Discovery Centre is an educational space designed especially for younger visitors, combining technology and creative learning activities.
The museum also organises educational programmes and workshops for different age groups. Some activities may require advance arrangements, so families and organised groups should check the current programme before visiting.
Where Is the Natural History Museum of Crete?
The museum is located at Sofokli Venizelou Avenue, Dermatas Bay, Heraklion, along the city's coastal front.
It is within walking distance of the historic centre. According to the museum, the walk from Morosini Fountain (the Lions) is approximately 750 metres, while the harbour is around 1.8 kilometres away.
Visitors arriving by car can use the underground municipal parking area opposite the museum. There is no dedicated museum parking facility.
The museum is also accessible from Heraklion's central bus stations and the city bus network.
Opening Hours and Tickets
The museum publishes different opening hours for the winter and summer seasons.
Winter season (1 November – 30 April)
Monday–Friday: 09:00–15:00
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00
Summer season (1 May – 31 October)
Monday–Friday: 09:00–17:00
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00
Admission according to the museum's visitor information:
General admission: €12
Reduced admission: €8 for visitors aged 4–18, adults over 65 and students
Children under 4: Free admission
The museum also lists free admission for certain eligible categories, including visitors with disabilities and their accompanying person.
Opening hours and ticket prices may change, so check the official website before your visit, particularly around public holidays. The museum also publishes occasional schedule changes.
Contact details:
Address: Sofokli Venizelou Avenue, Dermatas Bay, 71202 Heraklion, Crete
Telephone: +30 2810 282740 / +30 2810 393630
Email: info@nhmc.uoc.gr
Official website: https://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/en/
Places to Visit Near the Museum
The museum's central location makes it easy to combine your visit with other important attractions in Heraklion.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum: One of Greece's most important museums, featuring an exceptional collection of Minoan artefacts and discoveries from across Crete.
Historical Museum of Crete: Explore the island's history from the early Christian period to modern times, including art, historical documents and personal collections.
Koules Fortress: The impressive Venetian fortress overlooking Heraklion's old harbour, offering a glimpse into the city's maritime and military history.
Morosini Fountain (Lions Square): One of the most recognisable landmarks in Heraklion, surrounded by cafés, shops and historic streets.
Knossos Palace: The famous Minoan archaeological site located just outside Heraklion, closely connected with the ancient civilisation of Crete.
Why Visit the Natural History Museum of Crete?
The Natural History Museum of Crete offers a different way to discover the island. While Crete is widely known for its archaeological sites, historic towns and beaches, its natural environment is equally fascinating.
From ancient fossils and distinctive wildlife to mountains, caves and earthquakes, the museum explains the natural forces and ecosystems that have shaped the island.
Whether you are travelling with children, interested in science or simply curious about Crete's landscapes and wildlife, this museum is a worthwhile stop during your visit to Heraklion.