The museum is housed in a classical building dating back to 1903, owned by Andreas Kalokairinos, who gave it to the Cretan Historical Studies Society to be converted into a museum in 1953. The museum's permanent collections highlight the art and history of Crete from the fourth century AD until the end of the war. Second World, the collections are arranged by theme and chronological order, and are combined with visual and multimedia materials. They include ceramics, sculptures, coins, jewelry, frescoes, icons, manuscripts, and much more. There is also the Museum's library, which houses rare prints, extensive archives and photographic materials that cater to both researchers and the general public.