Natural History Museum of Crete: Exploring the Mediterranean Environment

Discover the Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion, a leading research and educational institution featuring impressive exhibits

The Natural History Museum of Crete (NHMC) was established in December 1980 within the framework of the University of Crete’s School of Sciences. It comprises five departments: Zoological, Botanical, Anthropological, Paleontological–Geological, and Mineralogical.

Operating as part of the University of Crete, the NHMC fulfills all the functions of a modern museum:

• It maintains and develops extensive environmental collections.
• It conducts research on the natural world of Crete, Greece, and the Eastern Mediterranean to study and protect it.
• It promotes the unique environmental characteristics of the region.
• It contributes to environmental education through numerous programs for students and the general public.

Research Achievement and Scientific Collections 

The museum’s impressive growth reflects the expertise of its staff and the public's need for environmental awareness. Since 1985, significant efforts have been made to enrich and categorize its collections, which now include samples from throughout the Mediterranean. Today, the scientific collections number more than 2,000,000 specimens, some of which are among the most important globally. The NHMC maintains collaborations with scientists worldwide and boasts the most complete team of experts in biological and geological diversity in Greece. Beyond its work in Greece and Cyprus, it has organized nine major scientific expeditions to North Africa and the Middle East.

Exhibition Space and Interactive Learning 

A major milestone for the Museum was the creation of a 5,500 m² exhibition space where visitors can engage with the natural environment. Key exhibits include:

• Mega-dioramas: Realistic representations of nature.
• Enceladus: The earthquake simulator in the Hall of Earthquakes and Volcanoes.
• Stavros Niarchos Discovery Centre: A space designed for children to explore.
• The Living Museum: Featuring live local animals.
• Crete, a Continent in an Island: An exhibition highlighting the island's unique biodiversity.