In 1953, the Society of Cretan Historical Studies was founded Historical Museum of Crete. The museum is located in a neoclassical building, which was built in 1903 and belonged to the family Kalokairinos. In 1952, Andreas Kalokairinos handed the building to the Society for Historical Studies of the museum.

The exhibition, presented in the museum covers a large period of time starting from the early Christian era in Crete, and to the present day. The main aim of the founders of the museum was to collect and preserve valuable archaeological, ethnographic and historical material. The museum's collection is gradually enriched, expanded the museum (to the main building was attached a new wing in a modern style). The museum is engaged in research and publishing activities, holds temporary exhibitions and various educational programs.

Visit the museum begins with A. Kalokairinos hall, which presents an overview exhibition of the history of Crete. The main exhibit hall is a model of the city of Heraklion, the mid-17th century (the peak of the popularity of the Venetian power) 4x4 meters. Further, the vast collections of the museum are presented in chronological order and by topics. The museum exhibition includes ceramics, sculptures, ornaments, wall painting, engraving, portable icons, manuscripts and ritual objects, weapons and more. We should also highlight the rich numismatic collection, which presents coins, medals, print and archive documents reflecting all phases of Cretan economic history from the early Christian period to the 20th century.

The gems of the museum's collection are two paintings of the famous painter El Greco's "View of Mount Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine" (1570) and "The Baptism of Christ (1567). It is the only work of the artist of the Crete.

Of particular interest is an exposition dedicated to the life and work of the famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, which includes personal belongings, manuscripts and first editions of his works in different languages. Well lit and modern history of Crete, with a special emphasis on the revolutionary events of the 19th century and World War II. Ethnographic collection of the museum will acquaint visitors with the life and traditions of the inhabitants of Crete. This section presents the reconstructed interior of the farmhouse.

In the library of the Historical Museum are kept rare editions, periodicals, local newspaper archives, a rich collection of historical archives and photographs. The library is aimed at both the general public and to researchers.