Museum of Visual Arts, Art museum in Heraklion, Greece

The Museum of Visual Arts in Heraklion presents contemporary and classical Greek artworks across multiple galleries with rotating exhibitions. The collections showcase various techniques and styles ranging from painting to sculpture to installations.

Built in 1239 as the Gothic Basilica of Saint Mark, the church served the Duke of Candia and his officials; its first stone was laid by the Latin bishop of Ierapetra. Damaged by earthquakes in 1303, 1508, 1564 and 1595, it was repaired in 1557 and 1599. After Candia fell in 1669, Defterdar Ahmet Pasha turned it into a mosque, which closed in 1915; after 1956 restoration it became a public art gallery.

The museum displays works by Greek and international artists whose practices connect contemporary perspectives with local traditions. Visitors can follow the different artistic currents that remain alive in Greece's art scene today.

The museum is centrally located in Heraklion and accessible on several days throughout the week, with guided tours offered in different languages. It is useful to check current opening hours beforehand and allow enough time for your visit.

The building's Ottoman minaret stood on the south corner of the basilica; its remains are still visible today, though the minaret itself was torn down in 1924. Two of the four struts erected in 1552 to shore up the collapsing northern wall also survive.