Museums & galleries
Museum of Visual Arts
Overview
Housed in a former church building constructed in 1239 during Venetian rule, this venue on Heraklion's central square functions as an exhibition space. Travellers visit to view rotating visual art displays and observe the surviving 13th-century architecture.
Getting There
Situated directly on the central square, the building is accessible on foot within 1 to 5 minutes from anywhere in central Heraklion. Travellers arriving at Heraklion International Airport (HER) can reach the city centre by local bus or taxi.
Time to Spend
Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for a visit, which provides enough time to view the exhibits and take in the historic interior.
When to Visit
Mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter. As an indoor venue, it offers a sheltered stop during peak summer heat or rain. Crowd sizes fluctuate depending on the scheduled exhibition.
Nearby Attractions
Its central position makes it simple to combine with several nearby historical and cultural points of interest:
- Natural History Museum of Crete (0km): Located immediately adjacent.
- Historical Museum of Crete (0.4km): Focuses on Cretan history and culture.
- Saint Peter of the Dominicans, Heraklion (0.5km): A 13th-century church building from the Venetian era.
- Collection of Agia Aikaterini of Sinai (0.6km): Features Byzantine and post-Byzantine religious art.
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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