The Temporary Exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

The Museum is housed in the church of Agios Frangiskos (St. Francis) and is in a transitional phase until the construction of the new Archaeological Museum, which will present the continuous history of the place from the antiquity to the recent times. The museum contains the following collections: 

• Late Neolithic and Early Minoan finds from the caves Gerani, Melidoni, Margeles and Helenes
• finds from the buildings at Apodoulou, Monastiraki and the peak sanctuary at Vrysinas, dated to the Middle Minoan period 
• Late Minoan finds from the cemeteries, the most representative being that of Armenoi
• finds of the Geometric and Archaic periods from Eleutherna and Axos
• finds from Stavromenos and Argyroupolis (ancient Lappa) dated to the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods.

 Paleontological Museum

The temple of Mastabas, with the characteristic 9-dome architecture, is an authentic monument of Rethymno and has been conceded to GNHM following a decision of the Ministry of Culture. Upen completion of restoration and of the relevant museological study, it will operate as a Museum of Palaeontology, being annex of the Goulandris National History museum in Crete. The paleontological collection of the Municipality of Rethymno, which is the basis of the exhibited material, has already been conceded to GNHM. Original findings of endemic mammals in real-size representations and in anatomic arrangement shall accompany the exhibition. Visitors shall get to know the dwarf Cretan elephants, dwarf hippopotamuses, and polymorphous Cretan deers, and they will find information on these animals, the first inhabitants of Crete, and on Greek mythology.

 The Venetian Loggia

Loggia has been built during the 16th century and was designed by the famous architect Michel Snamicheli. Loggia was an eminent building of the city centre and has been a meeting point for the nobles to discuss political and economical issues. The building is very well preserved; it is square and has arches on it's three sides (besides it's west side). The consoles of it's eaves are spectacular. During the Turkish occupation the loggia became a mosque and a minaret was constructed which was later demolished in 1930. The past 40 decades the building of Loggia hosted the archeological museum of the city, which has now moved to a building next to Fortezza. Today loggia hosts a market of archeological art copies.

The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno

The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is housed in a 17th century Venetian mansion. The museum is hosted in an ideal environment for the exhibition of collections and the historical building of the mansion is constantly restored and preserved. The exhibition spaces (Permanent collection) cover (5) five halls and present items of traditional handicraft work and folklore art. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno aims to become a contemporary research and educational center for the preservation of the Cretan Folklore culture in cooperation with international organizations and institutions.

Retymno Military Museum of Chromonastiri

This place is located at the central square of the picturesque traditional village of the same name, 10 kilometers outside of Rethymno town and operates since 2010. The museum is hosted in the renowned Villa Claudio, an impressive mansion of Venetian architecture that dates from the 17th century and belonged to the homonymous noble family, while it was restored in recent years. The building was granted by the locals to the Greek Army in 1997 and is home to military and war-related exhibits that cover a wide chronological range. The items include weapons, uniforms, medals, and military equipment from the Venetian era, the Hellenic Revolution of 1821, the Macedonian Liberation Wars, the World War II etc. while there is also rich photographic material related to the evolution and presence of the Greek military forces to this day. On the outer space, visitors can also admire warplanes and military vehicles while there are frequent periodic exhibitions.