Museum of History and Folk Art, and Historical and Ethnographic Museum, located in the heart of the old city street Vernardou, 28. The museum is a privately held company and was founded in 1973 by Mr. and Mrs. Voyatzakis Stavrulakisom.

A beautifully restored 17th century Venetian mansion, which houses the museum, including the Ministry of Culture in the list of architectural monuments. The building was officially donated to the State President and co-founder of the museum Madame Voyatzakis and represents a typical house of the Venetian aristocracy. The official opening of the Museum of History and Folk Art held in 1998.

The museum exhibition gives an extensive view of the lifestyle and traditions of the inhabitants of the island. The museum's collection contains more than 5,000 items, including beautiful handmade textiles, weaving machinery, embroidery, lace, elegant collection of folk costumes and ornaments, fine examples of pottery and of stone, wood and metal. The museum displays documents, photographs, maps, weapons, flags, coins and much more. There is also an exhibition devoted to the agricultural traditions of the island. In a separate hall exhibits characterizing the traditional Cretan profession: farmer, saddler, Cutler, etc.

The main objectives of the museum is the collection and study of historical and ethnographic material from all over the Crete and particularly the prefecture of Rethymno, as well as to stimulate interest among the population to study the Cretan traditions. The museum has a multi-purpose hall, equipped with the latest audio and video systems, which hosts a variety of lectures and cultural events.