This museum is a thrilling destination that captivates visitors of all ages! Located on the waterfront avenue of Heraklion, the Natural History Museum of Crete invites you to step back in time, encounter life-sized dinosaur models, a prehistoric deinotherium, and even feel the force of a 7.6-magnitude earthquake!

Join us on this unforgettable journey…

According to ancient beliefs, earthquakes were thought to be born when Enceladus became furious and shook the Earth.

An earthquake, however, is a natural occurrence triggered when a fault is activated. At the seismic simulator within the Natural History Museum of Crete, visitors gain insight into this phenomenon, learn about its proper handling, and even experience real earthquakes. Within a classroom-like setting, they can feel tremors of up to 7.6 on the Richter scale. This educational programme is developed in collaboration with the Seismic Design and Protection Organisation and is available in both Greek and English.

The Dinosaurs Extreme exhibition features 15 dinosaur models, including 7 life-size robotic ones.

These colossal creatures offer visitors a glimpse into the Earth as it existed millions of years ago, allowing them to wander among the dinosaurs, inspecting the texture of their skin, witnessing their animated eyes, feeling their gentle breaths, and hearing their mighty roars!

Visitors have the opportunity to take photos next to not only the smallest dinosaur but also the enormous Argentinosaurus, the ancient Eoraptor, and the most renowned T-Rex!

A few years ago, a young girl from Sitia accompanied her father on a trip to collect greens.

However, she spotted peculiar stones, prompting them to contact the Natural History Museum of Crete.

This is how one of Crete's most significant paleontological discoveries came to light.

Deinotherium, an extinct close relative of elephants, is showcased in a life-size model that spans two floors, creating an impressive exhibit.

Within the Research Site at the Natural History Museum of Crete, visitors have the opportunity to explore miniature Cretan ecosystems and engage in interactive games.

Visitors also have the chance to uncover Deinotherium fossils, explore a cave with its captivating stalactites and stalagmites, listen to tales about nocturnal animals by the fireside, enjoy a swim in the lake inhabited by turtles, embark on the Museum's boat and stroll through the historic Koules port, where an ancient shipwreck awaits discovery.

Furthermore, at the Scientist's Bench, visitors can study animals and plants, take a break at the Platanos cinema, and engage in improvisational puppet theatre activities that follow the changing seasons.

In 2017, the Natural History Museum of Crete introduced the Sleep Over experience for the first time in Crete, embracing one of the most contemporary international museum practices.

Since then, the Museum has been inviting visitors to camp next to the exhibits of its permanent collection, which include the brown bear, the Monachus monachus seal, the desert antelope, and even by the feet of dinosaurs.

An evening filled with specially designed activities by the museum staff, including treasure hunts and floor games, followed by energising dino-sports and yoga in the morning.

The Natural History Museum of Crete welcomes visitors to a Night at the Museum, turning the typical visit into a unique museum experience.

The museum area and its exhibits serve as the backdrop for escape games, a dance floor, rope climbing, stargazing, storytelling, film screenings, musical, theatrical, and dance performances, speeches, and creative workshops.