A Journey Through Life and Reflection
In the picturesque village of Myrtia, Heraklion, just 11km from Knossos, the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum stands as a tribute to the author of ‘Zorba’. Founded in 1983 by set designer Giorgos Anemoyiannis in the ancestral village of the family, it underwent a complete renovation in 2009, now offering a modern museum experience of global importance.
The Permanent Exhibition
The 650 exhibits are highlighted through the interplay of light and shadow, revealing Kazantzakis' timeless thinking across five thematic units:
Guests can immerse themselves in a documentary about his life, available in 11 languages, and use the wireless audio tour, with a dedicated production available for children.
Archives and Activities
The Museum safeguards an exceptionally rich archive of 50,000 documents, enhanced by donations from Eleni Kazantzaki. Furthermore, it houses the invaluable theatrical archive of Giorgos Anemoyiannis, which includes models and sketches. Beyond the exhibition, the Museum functions as a research hub with a library, it implements educational programmes, and organises conferences, festivals and performances that keep the spirit of the author alive and relevant.
Gift Shop
In the gift shop, you will discover Greek and international editions of his works, studies, replicas of exhibits, and exquisite items inspired by the oeuvre of the nine-time Nobel Prize nominee. A visit to Myrtia is more than just a tour. It is an initiation into authentic Cretan hospitality and the reflections of a man who left an indelible mark on world literature.
The Permanent Exhibition
The 650 exhibits are highlighted through the interplay of light and shadow, revealing Kazantzakis' timeless thinking across five thematic units:
- Life and People: Personal belongings, diaries, and letters.
- Literary Works: Manuscripts of The Odyssey, Askitiki, and his celebrated novels.
- Travel and Influences: Mementos from his global travels and rare photographic material.
- Theatre and Art: Scale models of stage sets and works inspired by his world.
Guests can immerse themselves in a documentary about his life, available in 11 languages, and use the wireless audio tour, with a dedicated production available for children.
Archives and Activities
The Museum safeguards an exceptionally rich archive of 50,000 documents, enhanced by donations from Eleni Kazantzaki. Furthermore, it houses the invaluable theatrical archive of Giorgos Anemoyiannis, which includes models and sketches. Beyond the exhibition, the Museum functions as a research hub with a library, it implements educational programmes, and organises conferences, festivals and performances that keep the spirit of the author alive and relevant.
Gift Shop
In the gift shop, you will discover Greek and international editions of his works, studies, replicas of exhibits, and exquisite items inspired by the oeuvre of the nine-time Nobel Prize nominee. A visit to Myrtia is more than just a tour. It is an initiation into authentic Cretan hospitality and the reflections of a man who left an indelible mark on world literature.
