In the first gallery, the exhibition narrative opens with artefacts from the island of Gavdos, dated from as early as the Palaeolithic period. There follow finds from Neolithic sites in the Chania region, and a presentation of life in caves and prehistoric settlements. The Minoan past of West Crete and the importance of the palatial centre of Kydonia, present-day Chania, are revealed through ancient objects and reconstructions.
In the second gallery, the exhibition continues into historical times and the founding of the city- states of West Crete from the 8 th century BC onwards, the most prominent being Kydonia and Aptera. Special mention is made of the Koinon of the Oreoi, the league of highland cities that was established in the 3 rd century BC. Particular emphasis is placed on coinage, productive activities and trade, as well as the alliances and disputes of the Cretan cities.
In the third gallery, aspects of everyday life unfold through artefacts and the reconstruction of a house that was destroyed in the great earthquake of 365 AD. Sanctuaries, religious customs, the Asklepieion of Lissos, funerary practices and representative examples of sculptures and funerary monuments complete the narrative of life in West Crete up to the 4th century AD.
On the upper floor is exhibited a large part of the Konstantinos, Marika and Kyriakos Mitsotakis Collection, with objects ranging from the 4th millennium BC to the 3rd century AD. The exhibition is enriched by digital presentations, tactile exhibits (copies of ancient objects) accompanied by Braille captions, and an audio guide.
