Archaeological Museum of Kos
The Archaeological Museum of Kos on Plateia Eleftherias presents sculptures and mosaics from the Hellenistic to the late Roman period.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Archaeological Museum of Kos was founded in 1936, during the Italian occupation, to house the finds from the Italian and German excavations on the island. The devastating earthquake of 1933 had levelled the town and made possible extensive archaeological research and a new town plan with large archaeological sites and public buildings. The first plans for the museum were drawn up in 1934 and the building was erected in 1936, most probably to designs by Rodolfo Petracco. Its architecture is characterised as monumental, with details in the international style, and in 1986 it was declared a protected monument. It was built on part of the Hellenistic city wall of the ancient town, which is visible in the basement.
The exhibition is dominated by sculpture. The twenty-nine sculptures follow the development of sculpture on Kos from the end of the 5th to the 1st century BC, and most were found in excellent condition, mainly in the Agora and the Odeion. In the vestibule the visitor is greeted by the larger-than-life head of Hera and a funerary relief with a lion.
Mosaics hold a special place: the sea-floor mosaic from the Roman House (Casa Romana) and the mosaic that covers almost the entire floor of the courtyard, showing the arrival of Asclepius on the island.
Highlights
- Head of Hera and funerary relief with a lion in the vestibule
- Statue of the so-called Hippocrates
- Mosaic showing the arrival of Asclepius on Kos
- Sea-floor mosaic from the Roman House
- Building from the Italian period, protected monument
Permanent exhibition
- Η γλυπτική και τα ψηφιδωτά της Κω – Sculptures from the Hellenistic to the late Roman period and mosaic floors, displayed in the vestibule, the galleries and the courtyard on the ground floor.
- Founded
- 1936
- Operated by
- Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Δωδεκανήσου
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Citizens of the EU over 65 years of age and students from countries outside the EU, upon presentation of an identity card |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · People with a disability of 67% and above and one companion, with a disability certificate. |
| Students & apprentices | freeStudents of EU universities, with a student ID. |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site is described as accessible and has a lift. A pedestrian street leads from the port.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is about 5 minutes on foot from the port of Kos.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
