The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is the island’s most important museum and the best indoor sight in the quiet season. It stands by the Old Port at the northern edge of Chora and tells a story closely tied to Delos. When the Athenians purified the sacred island in 426 BC, the graves were opened and their contents moved to a great pit on neighbouring Rhenia. Excavations there in 1898 uncovered thousands of objects from the eighth to the fifth centuries BC, and many are displayed here: painted pottery, figurines, jewellery and grave goods from across the Aegean. The star of the collection is the Mykonos Pithos, a huge storage jar about 1.4 metres tall, made around 670 BC and used as a burial urn, its neck and body decorated with relief scenes from the capture of Troy. It is one of the earliest known depictions of the story. The museum also holds sculpture, including a marble statue of Heracles.
How it works
The museum is run by the Ministry of Culture. From 1 April to 31 October it opens from 09:00 to 16:00, and from 1 November to 31 March from 08:30 to 15:30, every day except Tuesday, with last entry twenty minutes before closing. It is closed on major holidays such as Christmas and New Year. Tickets are inexpensive, and entry is free on the first and third Sunday of each month in winter.
What to expect
This is a compact museum that takes about an hour. The galleries are arranged around the finds from the Rhenia purification pit, so the museum makes most sense as a companion to Delos, either before you go or on a day when the wind keeps the boats in port. Take time with the pithos, whose panels show warriors and the suffering of the women and children of Troy in surprising detail.
Making the most of it
Combine it with a walk along the harbour to Manto Square and into Chora. It is a good plan for a grey or windy morning, and because it closes mid-afternoon in both seasons, go early rather than after lunch. Remember the Tuesday closure when you plan your week.
What to expect
The experience
A compact state museum of ancient finds from Mykonos, Delos and Rhenia, centred on the great relief pithos with scenes from the fall of Troy.
Best time
A weekday morning in winter, ideally on a day when strong wind has cancelled the Delos boats.
How long
About an hour, a little longer if you study the pithos panels closely.
Tips
Remember it is closed on Tuesdays, go early because it closes mid-afternoon in both seasons, and visit on the first or third Sunday of the month in winter for free entry.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers, Delos visitors and anyone looking for a worthwhile indoor hour on a windy day.
- Families
- Small enough for children’s attention spans, and the Trojan War scenes on the pithos make a good story to tell.
- Couples
- A quiet morning visit followed by coffee on the harbour front is an easy, low-key plan.
- Pair with
- A walk along the Old Port to Manto Square, and a trip to Delos on the next calm day.
- Time needed
- One hour.
Good questions
What are the opening hours of the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos?+
From 1 April to 31 October it opens from 09:00 to 16:00, and from 1 November to 31 March from 08:30 to 15:30, every day except Tuesday.
What is the Mykonos Pithos?+
It is a large clay storage jar made around 670 BC and later used as a burial urn. Its relief decoration shows scenes from the capture of Troy and is among the earliest known images of the story.
Are there free entry days?+
Yes. From November to March entry is free on the first and third Sunday of each month, and on a few special dates through the year.
How is the museum connected to Delos?+
Many of its finds come from the purification pit on Rhenia, where the Athenians moved the graves of Delos in 426 BC. Seeing the museum helps make sense of a visit to Delos.
Where is the museum?+
It is by the Old Port at the northern end of Mykonos Town, a short walk from Manto Square. The walk from the centre of Chora takes only a few minutes.
