Near the Old Port in Mykonos Town, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is a compact stop for finds from Mykonos, Delos and nearby Rheneia. Its collection spans prehistoric times to the late Hellenistic period, with pottery, jewellery, funerary objects and sculpture. Look for the large 7th-century BC pithos decorated with scenes from the Trojan War and the marble statue of Heracles. Greek and English display panels help you follow the collection. Pair the visit with a trip to Delos for more context on the ancient finds.
A museum beside the Old Port
The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos stands in Kamnaki, above the Old Port in Mykonos Town. Its neoclassical building was erected in 1902 to house finds from the Purification Pit on nearby Rheneia, uncovered in 1898. The original building later took on its island character, and an eastern hall was added in 1972.
The museum’s collection brings together objects found on Mykonos and surrounding islands, especially Rheneia and Delos. It covers a long span of ancient history, from prehistoric periods to the late Hellenistic era. The displays include pottery and vases, jewellery, clay figurines, grave stelae and funerary objects.
The pithos and other notable finds
Make time for the large 7th-century BC pithos, a storage jar decorated with relief scenes connected to the Trojan War. It is among the collection’s most distinctive objects. Other notable works include a marble statue of Heracles and funerary sculptures and grave markers from Rheneia.
The museum also displays ceramics from different periods, along with small objects and jewellery. Some finds were recovered from the ancient burial grounds of Rheneia, which served as the cemetery island associated with Delos. The collection gives a close look at objects connected with burial practices and life in the ancient Cyclades.
Pairing the museum with Delos
A visit to Delos can put the museum’s finds from the nearby island into context. Delos was an important ancient religious and political centre in the Cyclades, and the museum preserves objects recovered from the island and its surroundings. If you are planning a boat excursion, the museum makes a manageable cultural stop before or after the trip.
The museum is small, so the visit can be brief. Allow more time if you want to read the display panels and examine the objects closely. Panels are available in Greek and English, and staff can offer further information about the exhibits.
FAQ
Where is the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos?
It is in Kamnaki, beside the Old Port in Mykonos Town, above the harbour.
What are the museum’s main highlights?
Look for the 7th-century BC pithos decorated with Trojan War scenes, the marble statue of Heracles and funerary finds from Rheneia.
How long do you need at the museum?
Allow around 30 to 90 minutes. The museum is compact, but reading the display panels and examining the collection takes longer.
Can you visit the museum before a trip to Delos?
Yes. The museum displays finds from Delos and nearby Rheneia, so it can be paired with a boat excursion to Delos.
