Housed in the impressive Palace of St. Michael and St. George in Corfu Town, the Museum of Asiatic Art contains an extraordinary collection of more than 10,000 Asian art objects from China, Japan, India, and Persia, making it one of the most significant collections of its kind in Europe.
The Museum of Asiatic Art in Corfu Town is housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, a neoclassical building constructed between 1819 and 1824 during the period of British administration over the Ionian Islands, standing on the northern edge of the Spianada at the entrance to the Old Town. The palace originally served as the residence of the British Lord High Commissioner and later as a Greek royal summer palace. Its conversion to a museum created one of the most architecturally distinguished settings for a major collection in Greece.
The collection is genuinely remarkable in European terms: it contains more than 10,000 objects accumulated primarily through the donations of Greek diplomat Gregorios Manos (1850–1929), who spent decades acquiring Asian art across Europe and Asia. The collection spans Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Southeast Asian, and Persian art from approximately the third millennium BCE to the 20th century. Key highlights include Chinese porcelain from the Tang through Qing dynasties, Japanese samurai armor and lacquerwork, Indian bronze sculpture, Tibetan religious objects, Japanese netsuke (miniature carved toggles), and a substantial collection of woodblock prints.
Separate galleries are organized by geographic origin, allowing focused study of individual traditions. Labels are in Greek and English throughout, and audio guide options are available. The museum is manageable in 90 minutes to two hours; visitors with specific interests in Japanese or Chinese art may want longer. The surrounding palace rooms retain original period furnishings and architectural detail that complement the collection's diplomatic history.
The museum is positioned within easy walking distance of the main Corfu Town attractions and is a natural stop when exploring the Spianada and Liston area.
Good to know
- Hours
- 8AM-8PM (summer); 8:30AM-3PM (winter); closed Mondays
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- art lovers, history enthusiasts, culture lovers
Location
Palace of St. Michael and St. George, Corfu Town, 49100
39.6258, 19.9229 View on map
Highlights
- Over 10,000 Asian art objects spanning Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Korean, and Persian traditions in a single collection
- Housed in the neoclassical Palace of St. Michael and St. George, built 1819–1824 during British administration of the Ionian
- Collection formed primarily by Greek diplomat Gregorios Manos, one of the most significant private Asian art collectors in 19th-century Europe
- Japanese netsuke collection and woodblock prints among the highlights of the Japanese holdings
- Chinese porcelain from Tang to Qing dynasties and samurai armor among the most visited exhibits
Tips for visiting
- Don't miss the Japanese netsuke collection
- The palace building itself is impressive
- Combine with a stroll through Old Town
When to visit
Morning visits between 8:30 AM and 11 AM offer the quietest conditions before tour groups arrive from cruise ships docking in Corfu. The museum is closed on Mondays; plan accordingly.
Accessibility
The palace entrance and main ground-floor galleries are accessible at street level. Some upper-floor gallery areas involve staircase access without lifts. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the museum in advance to confirm current accessible gallery availability.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Museum of Asiatic Art take?
A thorough visit covering all galleries takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours. Visitors with a focused interest in one tradition — particularly Japanese or Chinese art — may prefer to spend longer in individual galleries.
Why is an Asian art museum located on Corfu?
The collection was assembled by the Greek diplomat Gregorios Manos during a career spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He donated his collection to the Greek state, and the palace building on Corfu provided a suitable institutional home. The museum has operated in the palace since 1927.
Is the museum suitable for children?
The museum is suitable for children with an interest in art or cultural objects. The samurai armor, netsuke, and Chinese bronze animals tend to engage younger visitors. The variety of objects makes the collection accessible across age groups.
Is photography permitted inside the museum?
Photography policies should be confirmed with staff on the day of the visit. Many Greek state museums permit non-flash photography for personal use; flash use is typically restricted near sensitive works.