Discover the rich history and culture of Corfu through its numerous museums. The town is a true treasure trove of knowledge, with the Archaeological Museum standing out for its vast collection of artifacts from the island’s ancient cities. The Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa showcases rare icons, frescoes, and church items, housed within a 15th-century monument. Immerse yourself in the Asian art collection at the Palace of Saint Michael and George, showcasing items from private collections of Indian countries.
Other highlights include the Solomos Museum, honoring the famous Greek poet, and the Music Museum and Arachavi Folklore Museum preserve and present the history of the Philharmonic society and traditional items, respectively, while the Numismatic Museum and Municipal Gallery round out the cultural offerings in Corfu
The Palace of Saint Michael and George
Located in the heart of Corfu Town, the 19th-century palace houses the Museum of Asian Art, the only one of its kind in Greece. The museum was created from the private collection of the diplomat Gregory Manos and enhanced with other private collections. It is a study in the aesthetics of Buddhism, Confucianism, and other Far Eastern philosophies and religions, and includes thousands of exhibits, such as statues, cult objects, figurines, manuscript codes, and everyday utensils from China, Japan, Tibet, Siam (Thailand), Cambodia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Inside the palace, visitors can also admire authentic furniture and objects, ornamental paintings, and relics, as well as the beautiful halls used for meetings of the Ionian Senate, the Ionian Chamber of Deputies, and the ballroom, formal dining room, and throne room.
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu
Modernised in 2018, it houses over 1600 exhibits, dating from prehistoric times to Late Antiquity, including artefacts from the ancient city of Corfu and other locations on the island. The museum is located at A. Vraila 1.
The Paleopolis Museum-Mon Repos
Located within the lush estate of Mon Repos in Paleopolis. The museum is housed in an impressive mansion built during the English occupation and includes various artefacts from this period on the ground floor. Finds from the excavations at the Paleopolis archaeological site can be found on the first floor.
The Municipal Art Gallery
Located in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, the gallery hosts works by leading Ionian painters, mainly from the 19th century. More information can be found on their website at https://artcorfu.gr.
The Antivounitissa Museum
Byzantine and post-Byzantine museum, housed in the Church of the Holy Virgin (also known as Kyra Antivouniotissa). The church was built in the 15th century and has preserved its original one-room basilica design. The museum’s collection includes portable icons from the 15th to the 19th century, representing five centuries of artistic expression of the Ionian school, as well as a collection of Byzantine icons from the nearby Museum of Asian Art. The exhibition also includes a selection of artworks from the Museum of Asian Art.
The Dionisios Solomos Museum
Located in the former home of national poet of Greece, Dionysios Solomos. The interior has been converted into a museum displaying furniture, portraits, photographs, and personal objects belonging to Dionysios Solomos. The Society of Corfu Studies is also based in the museum.
The Banknotes/Ionic Bank Museum
Opened in 1981, the museum is located in a beautiful neoclassical building. Home to collections of banknotes issued from 1839 to 1920, including the first banknote in Greece and a Chinese banknote from 1300 considered to be one of the oldest in the world.
Read also:
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George: A great monument on the island of Corfu
Corfu Museum of Asian Art: A cultural journey to the Far East
Casa Parlante: The aristocratic Corfu of the 19th century comes to life in a museum
