The ”Nikos Kazantzakis” Memorial Museum in Pictures

A Captivating Journey into the Life and Works of a Giant of Universal Culture

 Located amidst vineyards in the tranquil village of Myrtia, just twenty kilometers south of Heraklion, the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum pays homage to the extraordinary life and prolific genius of Nikos Kazantzakis, a towering figure of the 20th century in literature and philosophy. With nine nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature, Kazantzakis captivated the world with his iconic works such as "Zorba the Greek" which became a renowned cinematic masterpiece of the 1960s, and "The Last Temptation of Christ," a thought-provoking exploration of philosophy and spirituality in his time.

 The museum offers you a modern and visually pleasing experience that captures the timeless and universal nature of Kazantzakis' philosophy and ideas. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an enchanting interplay of light and shadow that sets the stage for your journey. With 650 exhibits, the museum showcases personal letters, diaries, cherished mementos from Kazantzakis' travels, rare photographs, intricate models of sets and costumes, audiovisual presentations of his works, and artistic masterpieces inspired by his writings.

 Immerse yourself in the essence of Kazantzakis' character as you explore the museum's five thematic sections. Unravel the epic tales that shaped his writing and worldview, discover the profound connections and influences on his literary endeavors, witness the evolution of his talent through his early and theatrical works, and embark on a literary adventure through his celebrated novels and travel narratives.

 To ensure you can engage with Kazantzakis' life and works, the museum offers an enlightening short documentary about the author's life and contributions in eleven languages. If you're visiting with children, there's also a special children's production of the documentary. Enhance your museum journey by utilizing the wireless audio tour available in English and German, or schedule a guided tour with our knowledgeable staff.

 The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is not just a repository of artifacts and memories; it's a vibrant cultural hub. It offers a research library that supports scholarly research on Kazantzakis' works and educational programs for students of all levels. The museum also hosts various events, conferences, workshops, festivals, concerts, and performances, contributing to fostering creativity and intellectual discourse

 Established in 1976, the Kazantzakis Archives are a treasure trove of valuable collections. Generous donations have significantly augmented the archives, which now house an impressive collection of approximately 50,000 objects and documents. Meticulously classified into ten collections, the archives host one of Greece's and the world's most comprehensive and organized theatrical archives.

 Before bidding farewell to this haven of culture, you are invited to explore the Museum Shop. Discover a delightful array of treasures inspired by Nikos Kazantzakis's life and works, including editions of his books in Greek and foreign languages, studies on his work, DVDs, clothing, unique home and office items, artistic masterpieces, replicas of exhibits, children's gifts, and an abundance of high-quality items that reflect the aesthetics and unique style of Nikos Kazantzakis.

 The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is more than just a museum; it is an immersive experience that takes you on a captivating journey through the life, words, and thoughts of this great spirit, whose legacy still inspires and enlightens humanity. Until you can visit this extraordinary museum, we invite you to enjoy our photo album, capturing the essence of the remarkable exhibits!