Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Mykonos
If you think Mykonos is all beaches and boutique shops, think again. Tucked just behind the sun and sea is a slice of serious history: the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. One of the oldest museums in Greece, it was built not to showcase ruins from some faraway city, but to house the eerie and fascinating finds from the Putrefaction Pit鈥攜es, that鈥檚 really what it鈥檚 called鈥攐n the nearby islet of Rheneia, dating all the way back to 426 BCE.
The museum opened its doors in 1905, thanks to famed architect Alexandros Lykakis, who gave it a solid Neoclassical look鈥攖hink clean lines, grand proportions, and just enough solemnity to make you lower your voice when you walk in. As the collection grew, so did the building, with its most recent expansion completed in 1972. Today, it's a time capsule of the Aegean world, stretching from the 9th century BCE onward.
Inside, expect more than just dusty pottery. Yes, there鈥檚 plenty of ancient vases, grave markers, and statues, but some of them are real scene-stealers. The museum鈥檚 star attraction? A massive pithos鈥攖hat鈥檚 an oversized storage jar for those new to ancient Greek lingo鈥攄ecorated with dramatic scenes from the fall of Troy. Unearthed in 1961, it鈥檚 basically an action film, frozen in ceramic.
Another standout is the Archaic Hydria, a red-floral vase pulled from that same mysterious Putrefaction Pit. Delicate, decorative, and still prominent after 2,500 years, it鈥檚 proof that Mykonian (that is, belonging to the island of Mykonos) design was thriving long before beach clubs and poolside playlists.
And don鈥檛 miss the clay figurine of a woman in a Grecian tunic, dating to the 2nd century. It may be small, but it holds a quiet elegance that reminds you just how long people have been shaping stories out of earth and fire.
So, if you鈥檙e wandering near the Old Port and feel the need to swap your sun hat for something a little more historical, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is your go-to. It鈥檚 a cool, quiet detour into the island鈥檚 ancient soul.
The museum opened its doors in 1905, thanks to famed architect Alexandros Lykakis, who gave it a solid Neoclassical look鈥攖hink clean lines, grand proportions, and just enough solemnity to make you lower your voice when you walk in. As the collection grew, so did the building, with its most recent expansion completed in 1972. Today, it's a time capsule of the Aegean world, stretching from the 9th century BCE onward.
Inside, expect more than just dusty pottery. Yes, there鈥檚 plenty of ancient vases, grave markers, and statues, but some of them are real scene-stealers. The museum鈥檚 star attraction? A massive pithos鈥攖hat鈥檚 an oversized storage jar for those new to ancient Greek lingo鈥攄ecorated with dramatic scenes from the fall of Troy. Unearthed in 1961, it鈥檚 basically an action film, frozen in ceramic.
Another standout is the Archaic Hydria, a red-floral vase pulled from that same mysterious Putrefaction Pit. Delicate, decorative, and still prominent after 2,500 years, it鈥檚 proof that Mykonian (that is, belonging to the island of Mykonos) design was thriving long before beach clubs and poolside playlists.
And don鈥檛 miss the clay figurine of a woman in a Grecian tunic, dating to the 2nd century. It may be small, but it holds a quiet elegance that reminds you just how long people have been shaping stories out of earth and fire.
So, if you鈥檙e wandering near the Old Port and feel the need to swap your sun hat for something a little more historical, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is your go-to. It鈥檚 a cool, quiet detour into the island鈥檚 ancient soul.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mykonos. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Archaeological Museum of Mykonos on Map
Sight Name: Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
Sight Location: Mykonos, Greece (See walking tours in Mykonos)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mykonos, Greece (See walking tours in Mykonos)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mykonos, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Mykonos
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mykonos is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Mykonos Introduction Walking Tour
Welcome to Mykonos鈥攁 Cycladic island where mythology, marble, and mojitos live in perfect harmony. Sure, it鈥檚 known today for its beaches and nightlife, but scratch the surface and you鈥檒l find a past that鈥檚 been busy for over 3,000 years. According to ancient tales, Mykonos was named after Mykons, a grandson of Apollo. Legend says Hercules once battled giants here鈥攁nd tossed a few across... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles