The planning for the New Archaeological Museum in Archanes, Crete is currently underway. This is part of a Cultural Development Programme Agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia, and the Technical University of Crete, with a total budget of €730,000.

The agreement involves the assessment, redesign, and reconstruction of an existing building—the old wine bottling facility, which will house the future museum. The property, covering 8,247 sq.m., has been granted to the Ministry of Culture by the Municipality of Archanes–Asterousia. It forms part of the facilities of the former Agricultural Cooperative of Archanes, within the designated traditional area of the village.

The site includes a significant number of buildings and facilities built between the 1960s and early 1980s, originally used for the production and processing of wine, table grapes, and raisins, including a winery, packing unit, storage areas, tanks, and offices.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni stated:

“The creation of the Archaeological Museum in Archanes is an innovative and important project, showcasing the remarkable archaeological wealth of the region.

Today, the archaeological treasures of Archanes are displayed in the building of the local primary school. This small Archaeological Collection, established in 1993, presents objects from the Minoan and Post-Minoan periods of Archanes.

The establishment of a proper Archaeological Museum was deemed essential due to the vast number of finds unearthed in the excavations across the area.

In line with our policy of repurposing existing buildings, and in collaboration with the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Archanes–Asterousia, and under the scientific guidance of the Technical University of Crete, we are transforming a historic industrial building of the former Cooperative into a modern museum, worthy of the historical and archaeological significance of Archanes.

Alongside the presentation of these unique archaeological discoveries, the museum will also promote research, education, and cultural tourism, helping to revitalise the local community.

The Ministry of Culture remains committed to investing in projects that connect the past with the present, creating new development opportunities for the future.

I would like to thank Stavros Arnaoutakis, the Regional Governor of Crete, Mayor Manolis Kokosalis, and the scientific team of the Technical University of Crete, led by Professor Panos Parthenios, for their excellent and productive collaboration.”

According to the approved building plan, the Archaeological Museum of Archanes will occupy 6,330 sq.m. and include:

• a 900 sq.m. permanent exhibition

• a hall for temporary exhibitions

• multimedia and educational rooms, and conference facilities

• laboratories, storage areas for the antiquities of the Heraklion region, and conservation spaces

• visitor amenities such as a gift shop, refreshment area, accessible toilets, and staff areas

The building will feature modern infrastructure for accessibility and energy efficiency.