Museum whose centrepiece is the Gorgon Pediment from the Temple of Artemis (c. 580 BC), the oldest surviving monumental stone pediment in Greek architecture. Other displays include the Lion of Menekrates and finds from ancient Corcyra.
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu stands at 1 Armeni Vraila Street in Corfu Town, in the Ionian Islands of Greece, in a purpose-built modern building opened in the 1960s near the ancient city of Corcyra. It presents the archaeology of the island from prehistoric times through the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods. Corcyra was founded by Corinthian settlers in the 8th century BCE and became a major naval power, and the museum's collection reflects this wealth through sculpture, pottery, inscriptions and architectural fragments from the city and its cemeteries.
The centrepiece is the Gorgon Pediment, dated to about 580 BCE, which came from the Temple of Artemis at Mon Repos. The large limestone relief shows the central figure of the Gorgon Medusa with her children Pegasus and Chrysaor, flanked by leopards, with smaller scenes at the corners. It is regarded as the oldest surviving monumental stone pediment in Greek architecture, and it is displayed in a dedicated hall that allows close viewing. Another well-known exhibit is the Lion of Menekrates, a funerary monument of the 7th century BCE found near the tomb of Menekrates, a Corcyrean official honoured by the city. The galleries also contain pottery, terracotta figurines, bronze objects, and sculptures recovered from the temple of Hera and other sites.
The display follows a broadly chronological and thematic order, with labels in Greek and English. The museum is relatively compact, so a visit remains manageable, and the collection focuses on high-quality pieces rather than volume. The building has been maintained by the Greek Ministry of Culture, which also runs the other state museums on the island. The calm atmosphere and good lighting make it a straightforward visit, and the museum is often combined with the site of Mon Repos and Palaiopolis, where many of the finds originated.
| Admission | €10 ($11.50); Reduced €5 ($5.75) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Apr 1-Oct 31 Mon and Wed-Sun 08:00-20:00, closed Tuesday; Nov 1-Mar 31 08:30-15:30; last entry 20 minutes before closing |
| Address | 1 Armeni Vraila Street, 491 31 Kerkyra, Greece |
Why it matters
The museum holds finds from ancient Corcyra, the Corinthian colony founded in the 8th century BCE, including the Gorgon Pediment from the Temple of Artemis, the earliest surviving stone pediment in Greek architecture.
Location
1 Armeni Vraila Street, 491 31 Kerkyra, Greece
39.6107, 19.9210 View on map
Highlights
- See the Gorgon Pediment of about 580 BCE from the Temple of Artemis
- Look at the Lion of Menekrates, a 7th-century BCE funerary monument
- Browse pottery and terracottas from ancient Corcyra
- Follow the display from prehistory through the Hellenistic period
Tips for visiting
- Start in the hall with the Gorgon Pediment, which is the highlight of the collection.
- Allow about an hour, which is enough to see the main galleries.
- Check the opening days, as the museum closes on Tuesdays in summer.
- Combine the visit with Mon Repos, where the temple finds were excavated.
- Read the English labels beside the main exhibits for context.
When to visit
Mornings are usually quieter, and the museum offers a cool break from midday summer heat.
Accessibility
The modern building is on a single main level, with generally good access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Visitors should confirm details with the museum.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Yes, the main exhibits carry labels in Greek and English.
How long does a full visit take?
A full visit takes about an hour for most visitors.
Can children visit?
Children can visit, and the Gorgon Pediment and the lion are often popular with younger visitors.