Private tour
Every visit is led by a guide who is a musician and tells you the story of each instrument and how it makes its sound.
Opening hours
Monday–Saturday
Winter (16 Sep–30 Apr) 9:00–15:30
Summer (1 May–15 Sep) 9:00–17:00
Sunday
Only for events and activities. See our events.
Tickets
10€ · reduced 6€
Private guided tour included
Find us
Rigas Feraios Square 9
Heraklion 712 01
+30 2810 711196
A visit for everyone!
Musical instruments from all over Crete and the Mediterranean!
Enjoy the tour whether you come alone, with your family or with friends!
And of course, photos are allowed!
Try playing!
The museum’s instruments come to life in your hands.
Concerts in the courtyard
In this neoclassical building in the city centre, the courtyard fills with music, Karagiozis shadow theatre and events for young and old.
November 2026
Programme and events
Sunday 8 November · 11:00 · Admission 8€
The Night Duellists
Shadow theatre with Athos Danellis. Karagiozis and Barba-Giorgos face a mysterious villain of the night. For young and old.
Book a seat
7–22 November · Children aged 6–12 · Free
Musical Paths of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Five hands-on sessions: rhythms, wind instruments, strings, and making instruments with the instrument maker. Saturdays 11:00–12:30 and Wednesdays 17:30–19:00. A big celebration on Sunday 22 November at 11:00.
Sign up
Friday 27 & Saturday 28 November · 20:00 · Free admission
The Art of the Lyra in Crete
Premiere of the new documentary by the Thirathen Museum, at the Heraklion Municipal Polycentre. Ten leading figures of the Cretan lyra in front of the camera. Screening, awards and a discussion with the audience. Organised by the Region of Crete and the Thirathen Museum.
Read moreBefore or after your visit
Digital tour
Explore the ground floor and the first floor on your phone. At the museum, scan the QR code on each display case. Available in Greek, English, German, Italian and French.
Thirathen is also…
01SchoolsEducational visits with a guided tour, music and movement games and film screenings.02LessonsInstrument and painting lessons, the “Lakkos” choir, activities for children.03Instrument makingHandmade instruments from the museum’s workshop, made to order.04Research and documentariesDocumenting traditional music: documentaries, a podcast and seminars.
Heraklion guide
Ideas for Heraklion
Things to Do in Heraklion on a Rainy Day
Seven indoor ideas in and near the city centre, from Minoan treasures to a museum where you play the instruments.
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Cretan Music: A Short Guide for Visitors
The lyra and the laouto, mantinades and dances, and where to hear Cretan music in Heraklion.
Read →
Τι να κάνετε στο Ηράκλειο: 10 ιδέες για το κέντρο της πόλης · ΕΛ
Μουσεία, ενετικά μνημεία, η Αγορά και ζωντανή κρητική μουσική, όλα με τα πόδια, και ένα πρόγραμμα για μία μέρα.
Read →
From Krousonas to Heraklion
A museum for a living tradition
Thirathen Museum was founded in 2012 in Krousonas. Since December 2023 it has welcomed visitors in a restored neoclassical building in the centre of Heraklion, opposite Agios Minas.
We collect, study and play the instruments of Crete and the Mediterranean, so that their music continues to be heard.
The story of the museum