The special exhibition "Daedalus: Legends of Crete" takes the legendary figure of Daedalus — the master craftsman of Greek mythology — as its narrative thread. It combines mythological tales with archaeological findings to present the Minoan culture of the Bronze Age on Crete Island — an important source of ancient Greek civilization.

The Minoan culture, one of Europe's earliest Bronze Age civilizations, is celebrated for its grand palace architecture, exquisite murals, highly developed maritime trade networks, and unique writing systems. The exhibition's namesake theme, "Daedalus," draws on the mythical figure symbolizing craftsmanship and creativity, famous for building the Labyrinth and creating wax wings.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses one of the world's most important collections of Minoan artifacts. This exhibition is China's first special exhibition focusing on Minoan culture, featuring 172 pieces (sets) of precious artifacts from the museum's collection and one modern replica. The exhibition is divided into six sections: "Mythology," "Labyrinth," "Bronze," "Craftsmanship," "Statues," and "Voyages," presenting the achievements of Minoan culture from approximately 3000 BCE to 1100 BCE.

Date: from 15 April to 27 July 2025

Venue: The Palace Museum, Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men) Gallery

Photo by The Palace Museum