The Museum of Nikos Kazantzakis is located in the lovely village of Myrtia, also known as Varvari, which was founded in 1983. Nikos Kazantzakis was born in Heraklion and is considered to be one of the most important Greek writers of the 20th century. He became globally known after the launch of the film “Zorba, the Greek”, which was based on one of his novels.
The Museum was founded with the purpose of preserving the work of Nikos Kazantzakis and of narrating the life of the Cretan writer through his manuscripts, personal items, and letters. The Museum is housed in three buildings. The first serves as the main exhibition area while the second hosts the administrative offices of the institution. Both buildings are located in the central square of Myrtia Village. The third building is the Museum’s Complex where visitors can purchase some souvenirs from the gift shop. Inside the Complex there is a cafeteria along with a children playground too.
The Museum was founded on the initiative of Giorgos Anemoyannis, a stage-designer who also originated from the village of Myrtia, in Heraklion and it is dedicated to Niko Kazantzakis. Anemoyannis’ deep desire to create a personal museum for the writer, led him in the decision to demolish his abandoned house and build a modern building. It is also worth mentioning that the exhibits of this museum were donated by the friends and family of Nikos Kazantzakis, including various manuscripts, personal letters, rare photographs, first editions of his books and a complete archive.
Through this valuable collection, the Museum aims to present the life and work of the famous Greek writer and also to focus on the impact of Kazantzakis in modern literature. In addition, because of its recent renovation and re-exhibition, today Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is considered one of the most modern museums in Crete and promotes innovation through the interaction with its visitors.
More on the website of the museum: www.kazantzaki.gr
