10 Best Museums in Corfu

The Corfu Museum of Asian Art has continued to grow since it was founded in 1928. Through contributions from private collections and individual item donations the museum now holds approximately 15,000 works of Asian art and is the only museum in Greece solely dedicated to the art and antiques of Asia.

Located in the historical centre of Corfu, the museum is easily accessible by bus and housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, one of the first neoclassical buildings in Greece. After touring the museum, peruse its shop and its wonderful collection of postcards, posters, notebooks and guidebooks.

The Byzantine Museum is found inside the Church of Virgin Mary Antivouniotissa, which was constructed in the 15th century. Inaugurated in 1984, the museum’s exhibits feature Byzantine and post-Byzantine works dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

Step inside of the museum and fall in love with its high pews and intricate painted wallpaper. Two of the featured artists are Michael Damaskinos and Emmanuel Tzanes, who were post-Byzantine Cretan painters, so be sure to check them out. Note that the church hosts religious services twice a year on days related to the Mother of God: 23 August and 26 December.

The Archaeological Museum of Corfu has 1,600 exhibits that tell the vibrant history of the island of Corfu, dating back to prehistoric times. Perhaps the museum’s most famous exhibit is the Gorgon pediment from the Artemis Temple of Corfu. It’s the oldest stone pediment in Greece, dating to 590–580 BC.

The museum is spread out over 2 levels, and as you peruse the exhibits, you’ll find works of art in addition to objects of everyday use from centuries ago. Another exhibit to seek out in the small museum is the Lion of Menecrates, a statue of a crouching lion that dates to the end of the 7th century BC.

You’ll find the Museum of Palaiopolis in Mon Repos, a magnificent mansion that was built by Lord High Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam, who fought in the Battle of Waterloo. The museum’s permanent exhibition on the ground floor is comprised of memorabilia from the period of British rule in the 1800s.

On the first floor, you can marvel at archaeological artefacts found during excavations in the Palaiopolis area. For temporary exhibits and educational activities for the little ones, head up to the second floor. After visiting the museum, take a scenic walk along the estate’s lush walking path.

The gate in front of the bright and cheerful Paleokastritsa Monastery indicates that it dates to 1228. The current complex, which dates from the 18th century, has a small museum with rare Byzantine icons, holy books and other relics. It also has a traditional olive oil press.

Entry is free but be aware that the monastery may ask you to cover any bare shoulders and legs with provided skirts and shawls. The walk up the hill to the monastery is somewhat steep, but it is manageable for most people and ultimately rewarding. Once you arrive, be sure to admire the views and to take some stunning photos.

The Banknote Museum of Alpha Bank, formerly known as Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank, celebrates the history of Greek currencies. Its exhibits display sketches and printing plates of Greek banknotes, as well as various currencies dating from 1822 to the present, including the Greek drachma, which was replaced by the euro in 2002.

Established in 1981, the museum, which is located on Agiou Spyridon Square in Corfu, showcases more than 180 years of currency history spread out over 2 floors. A wheelchair lift is available, and admission is free. Watch out for the special workshops, which give you the chance to use metal printing plates yourself.

The Olive Oil Museum is approximately a 20-minute drive from the city of Corfu, and is in a lovely, traditional stone house owned by the Mavroudis family. There is an incredibly interesting olive mill next door that serves as an example of a pre-industrial, horse-powered mill.

The Mavroudis family are always on hand to explain the stages of production and the different qualities of olive oil, so you’ll have expert insights when it comes to tasting the varieties of oil. Multiple tours are available daily, and they include locally baked fresh bread, in addition to olive oil, of course.