Museum of the Monastery of Arkadi

It was created as a dedicated space for preserving and presenting artworks connected to the monastery’s spiritual and historical identity.

The gallery is housed in the recently renovated rooms of the former monastery museum. It is located on the first floor of the building, while the ground floor hosts the main museum collection of the monastery. The new exhibition space brings together works of both older and contemporary artists who have been inspired either by the heroic sacrifice of Arkadi or by the monastery’s long-standing historical and spiritual journey.

Among the highlights are paintings by the artist Poppy Pavlaki, five of which were donated by the Municipality of Rethymno and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete. Additional works have been donated or acquired over time by individuals who wished to contribute to preserving the cultural legacy of the monastery.

The museum complex of Arkadi Monastery also includes a rich collection of historical relics preserved through centuries of hardship, invasions, and destruction. These objects reflect different periods of the monastery’s life and development.

Modern interactive digital systems are available on site, allowing visitors to explore the history of the monastery in greater depth and gain a more engaging educational experience.

Within the monastery grounds, particularly in the northern wing near the cellars, there is also a small, well-organized shop offering religious art, souvenirs, books, and handcrafted items. Many of these products are complemented by natural goods cultivated and produced by the monastery itself.