Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

About the museum

The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum was inaugurated on 27 June 1983 in Myrtia, formerly Varvaroi, on the site of the former house of the Anemogiannis family, who were related to the author’s father. It was created by the stage designer Giorgos Anemogiannis (1916–2005), who collected manuscripts, editions and personal objects, with considerable help from Eleni Kazantzaki, the author’s second wife. The museum operates as a non-profit private institution.

The buildings are arranged around the village’s central square. The administration building, completed in 2002, houses a library, a digitisation centre and the “Giorgos Anemogiannis” hall with 170 seats for events and conferences.

The permanent exhibition was renovated in 2009, co-financed by the EU and the Greek state, and reopened on 3 July 2010 with a new thematic structure. Its five halls combine manuscripts, letters, photographs and personal objects with digital reproductions and interactive audiovisual material.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition in five thematic halls
• Manuscripts, letters and personal objects of Kazantzakis
• Interactive audiovisual exhibits and wireless audio guides
• 20-minute documentary with subtitles in nine languages
• Animated film for children aged 8–15

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμη έκθεση του Μουσείου Νίκου Καζαντζάκη – Five thematic halls on his biography, the “Odyssey”, friends and influences, the early works and novels of Kazantzakis, with manuscripts, letters and audiovisual material.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Ίδρυμα Μουσείο Νίκου Καζαντζάκη

Admission & discounts

Free admission is also available to guides, journalists with a valid ID card, teachers accompanying school groups on educational programmes, ICOM members and permanent residents of Myrtia.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• 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 permanent exhibition is fully accessible to people with mobility and visual impairments; the 2009 renovation improved accessibility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

There is a children’s audio guide, an animated film for children aged 8–15 and a children’s corner in the museum complex.

Getting there & parking

Myrtia is about 15 km from Heraklion. By car, follow Leoforos Kazantzaki to the Skalani junction and then about 5 km following the signs to Myrtia. By taxi from Heraklion the journey takes about 30 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The complex has a shop on the museum square (books, gifts, posters and souvenirs, open during museum hours) and a café.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 170 guests.

The “Giorgos Anemogiannis” hall, with 170 seats, hosts events and conferences and is also available to external organisations.

Plan your visit