Top Museums in Rhodes: Where to Go for History, Art & Ancient Wonders
Rhodes, with its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, is home to many cultural spots — and some of the top museums in Rhodes offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past, art and traditions. From ancient artifacts and Byzantine icons to modern exhibits and unique local collections, the museums of Rhodes cater to every type of traveller. In this guide, we'll walk through some of the top museums in Rhodes, along with their locations, entrance fees and the highlights that make each one worth visiting.
⭐ Why visit Top museums in Rhodes?
Rhodes isn’t just about sunshine and sea — it’s layered with history, culture and art. The museums in Rhodes give you a chance to explore everything from ancient civilizations, to knightly orders, to modern Greek creativity. Many of these venues are conveniently located in or near Rhodes Town, which means you can weave them into your holiday without needing to dedicate a full extra day.
And if you plan ahead, you can combine a visit to a museum with a stroll in the Old Town, a coffee by the harbor or a quiet sunset viewpoint.
⭐Top museums in Rhodes You can visit during your holiday
Here’s a handy list of all the museums — each with location, entrance fee (latest confirmed) and what to look for. You can pick which ones fit your interests & schedule.
⭐Jewish Museum of Rhodes
Location: Jewish Quarter, Rhodes Town — walking distance from the center
Entrance Fee: €6 for adults (children under 12 free)
What to see: Photographs, documents and personal artifacts telling the story of the Jewish community in Rhodes — their thriving past and tragic decline during WWII.
✔️ Pros
Deeply meaningful and often less crowded
Great for history lovers wanting a different angle on Rhodes
Compact size means you don’t need a whole day
❌ Cons
Smaller than some large museums
May require a bit of navigating in the Old Town cobbles
Signage may be a bit limited in multiple languages
⭐Rhodes Toy Museum
Location: Just outside the village of Archipoli, about 30 km from Rhodes Town, in the countryside (best reached by car).
Entrance Fee: Adults around €4, with reduced or free entry for children (often free or reduced for under-12s, so it’s very budget-friendly).
What to see: An exhibition of toys made in Greece from about 1930 to 1990 — wind-up tin toys, battery-operated cars, board games, Greek Playmobil and more. There’s also a big play area with Lego and other toys, a basement with retro arcade machines and pinball you can actually play, plus an outdoor playground and terrace with lovely mountain views.
✔️ Pros
Fantastic stop for families and playful adults
Lots of interactive games, arcade machines and hands-on fun
Beautiful natural setting among olive groves and pine trees
❌ Cons
Not in Rhodes Town, so you need a car or transfer
More about nostalgia and play than deep academic history
If you only enjoy classic “quiet display” museums, it may feel too playful
⭐Rhodes Municipal Gallery
Location: Rhodes Town, near the Archaeological Museum — walking distance
Entrance Fee: Usually Free
What to see: Contemporary Greek art — paintings, sculptures and temporary exhibitions by local and international artists.
✔️ Pros
Free entry — easy add-on
Great for art lovers wanting a modern contrast
Centrally located
❌ Cons
Smaller scale than large art museums elsewhere
If you prefer historical artefacts over contemporary work, this may be less appealing
⭐Tsambika Byzantine Museum
Location: Near Archangelos village (east coast) — approx. 28 km from Rhodes Town
Entrance Fee: Around €4 for adults (estimate)
What to see: Byzantine icons, religious artefacts and frescoes collected from churches and monasteries across Rhodes.
✔️ Pros
Less touristy than town-museums
Beautiful religious art in peaceful setting
Great side-trip on the east coast
❌ Cons
Distance from Rhodes Town requires transport
Limited collection compared to major museums
Might require half-day if factoring travel
⭐Rodos Nature Aquarium
Location: Near Faliraki village (east coast) — approx. 12 km from Rhodes Town
Entrance Fee: €6.50 for adults
What to see: Marine life native to the Aegean Sea — colorful fish, corals and sea creatures. An immersive underwater experience.
✔️ Pros
Great for families and children
Interesting break from traditional museum format
Combines well with a beach stop in Faliraki
❌ Cons
Not a traditional history or art museum
If you’re focused purely on culture rather than nature, you might skip it
⭐Folklore Museum of Rhodes
Location: Village of Lardos (southeast Rhodes) — approx. 57 km from Rhodes Town
Entrance Fee: Around €5 for adults (estimate)
What to see: Traditional Rhodian life — costumes, household items, agricultural tools, local crafts. A rich cultural snapshot.
✔️ Pros
Authentic local-village feel
Great for those wanting off-the-beaten-track experiences
Shows everyday heritage rather than grand monuments
❌ Cons
Distance requires transport
Not centrally located — more suited to a dedicated half-day trip
Smaller-scale exhibits
⭐Archaeological Museum of Rhodes - One of the Top Museums in Rhodes
Location: Rhodes Town, near the Medieval City — walking distance
Entrance Fee: €10 for adults
What to see: Sculptures, pottery, jewellery and coins from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Housed in the old Knights’ Hospital building — magnificent in itself.
✔️ Pros
Major collection of Rhodes’ ancient heritage
Beautiful historic building enhances the experience
Central location makes it easy to slot into your day
❌ Cons
Can be busy during peak hours
Some signage and descriptions may lean toward Greek-language visitors
If pressed for time, might need to limit time spent
⭐Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes - One of the Top Museums in Rhodes
Location: Medieval City of Rhodes — walking distance
Entrance Fee: €20 for adults
What to see: A majestic medieval castle turned museum — grand halls, mosaics, artefacts of the Knights Hospitaller. A highlight of Rhodes’ medieval heritage.
✔️ Pros
Spectacular building and experience
Great photo-op spots and sweeping views
Deep historical significance
❌ Cons
Higher ticket price than many museums
Some areas may feel less “interactive”
Younger children might find longer visit less engaging
⭐Museum of Modern Greek Art (Rhodes)
Location: Rhodes Town — walking distance
Entrance Fee: €6 for adults
What to see: Art from 19th century to present — paintings, sculptures and installations by prominent Greek artists.
✔️ Pros
Fresh contrast to ancient & medieval museums
Great for art enthusiasts
Centrally located and accessible
❌ Cons
Smaller scale than big art museums elsewhere
If you’re purely interested in ancient history, this may be secondary
⭐Rhodes Ceramic Art Gallery
Location: Village of Afandou (east coast) — approx. 20 km from Rhodes Town
Entrance Fee: Around €4 for adults (estimate)
What to see: Hand-crafted ceramics, pottery and sculptures by local artists — traditional and contemporary craftsmanship.
✔️ Pros
Lovely stop for craft/art lovers
East-coast location opens up a different side of Rhodes
More relaxed and less crowded
❌ Cons
Requires some travel outside Rhodes Town
Smaller collection than major museums
⭐ FAQs
Q: How many museums should I aim to visit during my stay?
A: If you’re staying a few days, aim for two to three museums — one major (like the Archaeological Museum or Palace of the Grand Master) and one smaller/quirky (like the Toy Museum or Ceramic Art Gallery).
Q: Are the entrance fees always fixed?
A: No — fees may change, discounted tickets may apply (students, seniors, children) and free-admission days happen. Always check the museum’s official site or ask locally when you arrive.
Q: Can I visit multiple museums in one day?
A: Definitely. Many major museums are located in Rhodes Town and within walking distance. You could easily visit one in the morning, have lunch in the Old Town, then another in the afternoon.
Q: Should I book tickets in advance?
A: For the big ones (like the Palace of the Grand Master) during high season it’s wise to pre-book. For smaller local museums you’ll usually be fine just arriving during opening hours.
Q: Are any museums free to enter?
A: Some galleries, like the Rhodes Municipal Gallery, are often free. Also, state-museums may offer free entry on certain national or European heritage days.
⭐ Last Thoughts
Thanks for reading! I hope this guide helps you add a rich cultural dimension to your Rhodes stay — beyond the beaches and sunshine.
If you’d ever like a deeper look at the island — from exploring hidden bays to ready-made plans for each day — you can always check out the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary whenever it suits you.
Enjoy discovering Rhodes through its museums — happy museum-hopping and have a wonderful time!
