The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes houses a rich permanent collection of artifacts from the Italian occupation era, primarily sourced from Rhodes and the Dodecanese. This museum offers a captivating journey through various historical periods, showcasing Mycenaean jewelry, vases, and small objects from burial assemblages of Ialyssos and Kamiros, dating from the Geometric to the Classical period (9th-4th century BC). Additionally, the museum boasts sculptures from the Classical and Hellenistic periods and Rhodian coins from the Hellenistic era.
Courtyard Highlights
In the museum’s courtyard, visitors are greeted by the imposing Hellenistic statue of a lion and heaps of stone catapult projectiles, remnants of the numerous sieges the city has endured. Along the porticoes, you will find numerous inscriptions, funerary steles, and circular altars, adding depth to the historical narrative.
Museum Galleries
The museum galleries are located on the first floor, where small rooms overlooking the inner courtyard display grave finds from ancient Ialyssos and Kamiros. These artifacts, ranging from the Geometric, Archaic, and Classical periods, include vases, figurines, jewelry, and metal objects.
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those eager to delve into the island’s rich past. With its extensive collection spanning multiple periods, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the artistic and cultural evolution of Rhodes.
Notable Exhibits
- Funerary Plaques and Heraldic Crests: The large single "patients ward" on the facade side of the building houses funerary plaques from the period of the Knights' administration (14th-16th centuries) alongside heraldic crests.
- Sculpture Collection: The galleries feature sculptures from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. Highlights include:
- Two headless archaic kouroi from Kamiros (550-530 BC)
- The funerary Stele of Krito and Timarista (420-410 BC)
- The funerary stele of Kalliarista (350 BC)
- The marble head of Helios (250-160 BC), an exquisite example of Hellenistic baroque
- The statue of the nude, squatting Aphrodite from 100 BC, exemplifying Hellenistic art
- From the statue gallery, visitors can proceed to a second, smaller, and especially picturesque courtyard, where additional works of statuary and funerary monuments are displayed, providing a serene conclusion to the visit.
Key Highlights
- Artifacts from the Geometric to Classical Periods: Including Mycenaean jewelry and vases.
- Hellenistic Sculpture: Featuring significant pieces like the headless archaic kouroi and the marble head of Helios.
- Medieval Artifacts: Funerary plaques and heraldic crests from the Knights' period.
- Picturesque Courtyards: Beautifully adorned with statues and monuments.
- The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, providing visitors with a profound appreciation for the island’s storied past.
Photos of the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
