Heraklion Municipal Gallery of Malevizi

Location: Tylissos
Don't miss: Museums guide (free admission dates and other useful info)

The Malevizi Municipal Gallery is housed in a state-of-the-art building in Tylissos, about 16 km southwest of Heraklion Town. Established in 2017, the gallery hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase the cultural heritage of the island. Visitors can see displays featuring works of art from Greek and international artists that span through the centuries and create a holistic picture of the artistic evolution that took place throughout the long history of Crete.

Among the many permanent collections, of note are the presentations of the work of painter Botis Thalassinos, who donated over 200 paintings to the Municipal Gallery. The painting “The Baptism of Christ” by Cretan artist Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) is another highlight of the museum, famed for its masterful artistry, vibrant colors, and Venetian influences. Of particular historical significance is the exhibition of the photographs taken by Konstantinos Koutoulakis, who famously captured the images of a downtrodden Crete after the German occupation of the island.

In addition to showcasing works of art, the gallery also serves as a cultural venue, holding various events, book presentations, music recitals, and educational programs. What is more, the Malevizi Municipal Gallery has made great efforts to preserve its extensive artistic collection digitally, aiming to cultivate international interest by allowing people from all over the globe to browse through its many exhibits.

The gallery is open on Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, and from Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00.