Rhodes  Museums & Art Galleries


Rhodes, a jewel of the Dodecanese islands, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Its diverse array of museums are beautifully preserved . From ancient archaeological treasures to poignant narratives of its Jewish community, Rhodes offers visitors a chance to delve deep into its multifaceted heritage.

 

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Standing as a testament to Gothic architecture in Greece, the Palace of the Grand Master is a medieval fortress located in the heart of Rhodes. Originally a Byzantine citadel, it was transformed in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller.  It became their administrative center and the residence of their Grand Master. Today, visitors can explore its grand halls, courtyards, and exhibits that chronicle the island’s medieval past.

 https://www.oldtownrhodes.com

Rhodes Archeological museum

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

Housed in the medieval Hospital of the Knights, the Archaeological Museum offers a journey through Rhodes’ ancient past. Its extensive collection includes artifacts from the island’s classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.  Intricate mosaics, statues, and everyday items that shed light on the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants.

archaelogical museum

The Synagogue in the old city while on a Rhodes tour.

Jewish Museum of Rhodes

Adjacent to the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Greece, stands the Jewish Museum of Rhodes. It was established in 1997 to preserve and showcase the rich history of the island’s Jewish community. The museum’s exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and documents that narrate the vibrant life of the Jewish populace in Rhodes before World War II.

Nestoridion Melathron

This museum is dedicated to modern Greek art, showcasing works from prominent 20th-century Greek artists. Visitors can appreciate a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks that reflect contemporary artistic expressions and cultural themes.

Bee Museum of Rhodes

Offering a unique glimpse into the world of beekeeping, the Bee Museum of Rhodes educates visitors about the island’s long-standing tradition of honey production. Interactive exhibits detail the biology of bees, the process of honey-making, and the importance of bees in the ecosystem. Guests can also sample local honey and purchase bee-related products.

The Aquarium of Rhodes

The Aquarium of Rhodes, also known as the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes, is a prominent research center, aquarium, and museum located on the northern tip of the island. Established in the 1930s during Italian rule, the Art Deco building was designed by architect Armando Bernabiti.
The aquarium features 13 large and 15 small tanks, collectively holding about 80,000 liters of filtered seawater. These tanks house a diverse range of Mediterranean marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, seals, mollusks, and various fish species. Notably, it displays a 2,000-year-old skeleton of a Mediterranean monk seal found in a grave at the port of Rhodes.
Visitors can explore the aquarium’s corridor, designed to resemble an underwater cave. Tanks on both sides showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of the region. The facility also serves as a rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles and seals, emphasizing its commitment to marine conservation.
Operating since 1937, the Aquarium of Rhodes continues to educate the public about marine life and the importance of ocean preservation. It’s a valuable destination for both tourists and locals interested in the island’s natural heritage.

Stamatiadis Mineralogy and Paleontology Museum

The Stamatiadis Mineralogy and Paleontology Museum, established in 2008, is located in Ialysos, Rhodes. It serves as the first museum of its kind in the Dodecanese region. Guests can extend their mineralogical and paleontological experience beyond traditional boundaries.
Housed on the ground floor of the Perla Marina hotel, the museum spans 300 square meters.  It displays a diverse collection of minerals and fossils from Greece and around the world. Exhibits include specimens such as Azurite, Malachite, Obsidian, and Quartz. Notably, the collection features minerals native to Rhodes, including Artinite and Hydromagnesite.
Fossil displays are equally impressive, showcasing marine organisms from the Neogene Pliocene Epoch, as well as ancient specimens like Trilobites from Morocco and a Miocene-era crocodile skull.
The museum aims to provide an educational experience for visitors of all ages, encouraging a deeper appreciation for geology and natural history. It is open daily from 10:00 to 15:00 and 18:00 to 20:00.
https://www.geomuseum.gr/

The Art Park in Archipolis 

The Art Park in Rhodes is a non-profit cultural organization located near Archipoli village, approximately 7 km from Seven Springs. Established in 2006, it serves as a creative hub for artists worldwide, offering free exhibition space and workshops.  Amidst a tranquil pine forest setting it showcases diverse artworks, including fine arts, photography, sculpture, and music. The park operates daily from 10:00 to 15:00, with free admission, and encourages photography throughout the premises.
To reach the Art Park, take the coastal road between Rhodes and Lindos, turn towards “Epta Piges” (Seven Springs) . Pass through Archipoli, and find the entrance on the left after the village.
The Art Park not only promotes artistic expression but also fosters cultural exchange, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts exploring Rhodes.