When natural history is alive.

SPEAK to most people about visiting a Natural History Museum and their eyes will glaze over as they remember perhaps an earlier school trip. However the new breed of museums are far from dusty, fusty places and the Natural History Museum of Crete, on the coast road oiut of Heraklion delves into the past and bring the visitor right up to date.

  The Museum of Crete is a department of the Faculty of Science of the University of Crete (UoC). 

NHMC pursues interest in:

 a. Basic and applied research for the protection of the natural environment (geodiversity, biodiversity, endemic and rare forms of life) of Greece and Eastern Mediterranean area all contained in some excellent exhibits on three floors.

b. Management and conservation of the natural environment, geological heritage and ecosystems. NHMC is the scientific advisor of the European and Global UNESCO nominated Psiloritis geopark. NHMC has complete databases on the Cretan and Aegean natural environment and a rich digital and printed photo archive.

c. Development of botanical, zoological, geological and paleontological collections.

d. Public awareness and sensitiveness, school education and lifelong learning on environmental issues (interactive programs and workshops for schools, children, youth, and families and training seminars, conferences and lectures for general public). 

  Basically it's a real working museum that is certainly worth the effort to get to see. There is a large car park opposite rather than street parking and expect a visit to last more than an hour - especially if you have children. Every exhibit, with the exception of the Living area, is without glass and the displays really come to life because of this.

     Children will love the Earthquake simulator and will have to hold on tight as they feel the earth move, they will be well shaken before going off to see the Living area exhibits. A cafe will be coming soon and with friendly and informative staff it was a really pleasurable visit.