Corfu for Art & Museum Lovers: A Journey Through Time, Beauty & Expression

The Archaeological Museum of Corfu: A Window into Ancient Greece

Your cultural journey begins at the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, located just outside the Old Town. This modern, thoughtfully designed museum houses an impressive collection of finds from the ancient city of Corcyra.

The museum is bright, quiet, and welcoming. The new design makes excellent use of natural light and open space, allowing visitors to move through the collection comfortably. The exhibition is arranged chronologically and thematically, giving a smooth sense of progression through Corfu’s ancient history.

Its crown jewel? The monumental Gorgon Pediment from the Temple of Artemis, dating back to the 6th century BC. It's the oldest stone pediment in Greece and a breathtaking example of early Doric sculpture. You’ll also discover pottery, inscriptions, and tools from the archaic to the Roman periods, each piece telling a story of Corfu’s strategic and cultural significance in antiquity.

The museum’s clean layout and vivid storytelling make it a must-visit for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Achilleion Palace: Myth, Majesty, and Melancholy

Next, head south to Achilleion Palace, perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. Built in 1890 by Empress Elisabeth of Austria—better known as Sisi—this neoclassical mansion is more than just a royal retreat. It’s a living work of art.

The palace is filled with mythological symbolism, especially centered around the hero Achilles, whom the empress admired deeply. Statues of the warrior adorn the lush gardens, and the grand “Dying Achilles” sculpture by Ernst Herter captures both heroism and vulnerability.

Inside, you’ll find ornate frescoes, antique furniture, and a poignant sense of solitude that echoes Sisi’s personal struggles. Later, the palace was used by Kaiser Wilhelm II and even served as a military hospital. Every room is steeped in layered history and quiet grandeur.

Achilleion Palace is not just for lovers of art or architecture—it’s for anyone intrigued by storytelling, mythology, and emotion. It offers a unique lens through which to view Corfu: one shaped by empires, obsessions, and artistic beauty.

Spianada & Liston: Living History in Corfu’s Heart

Back in Corfu Town, the Spianada Square—the largest in the Balkans—is more than just a beautiful place to rest your feet. It’s a cultural landmark in its own right. With its wide, green expanse and French-inspired Liston arcade, this area exudes elegance and rhythm.

The name comes from the Venetian word “spianata”, meaning “open flat area,” and it was originally used as a buffer zone between the Old Fortress and the town, for defensive purposes.

Today, it’s a beautifully maintained public green, with symmetrical tree-lined paths, gardens, fountains, and benches. The square is flanked by neoclassical buildings, and it hosts cricket matches (a rare British legacy), public celebrations, parades, and festivals.

The Liston, built during French rule in the early 1800s, was modeled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. Today, it’s lined with chic cafés where you can sip a freddo and watch life unfold—local musicians, cricket matches, and spontaneous celebrations.

This is where Corfu’s past and present collide. The architecture tells a story of empires, while the street performers and everyday rituals speak of enduring Greek joy.

The Museum of Asian Art: A Global Gem in a Greek Palace

Yes, you read that right—Corfu is home to the only Museum of Asian Art in Greece, and it’s spectacular. Housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, the museum features more than 15,000 works of art from China, Japan, India, and beyond.

Established in 1927 as the Museum of Sino-Japanese Art, the museum's inception was marked by the generous donation of approximately 10,500 artifacts by Greek diplomat Gregorios Manos. Over the years, the collection expanded through contributions from various donors, prompting its evolution into the Museum of Asian Art.

From delicate porcelain and samurai armor to Buddhist sculptures and intricate silk screens, the collection spans centuries and continents. The museum itself is worth the visit—its regal halls, high ceilings, and marble staircases offer the perfect frame for this unique fusion of East and West.

It’s a peaceful, contemplative space—perfect for museum-goers looking to discover something truly unexpected on a Greek island.

Corfu Craftsmanship: Tradition in Every Touch

Corfu’s artistic spirit isn’t confined to museums—it lives in the hands of its artisans. Walk through the narrow alleys of Old Town, and you’ll find local workshops and family-run boutiques keeping traditional craftsmanship alive.

From handmade ceramics and olive wood carvings to embroidered linens and traditional costumes, these pieces aren’t just souvenirs—they’re cultural artifacts in their own right. Many crafts draw on centuries-old techniques passed down through generations, often with Venetian or Byzantine influence.

Visiting these workshops offers a chance to connect with local makers, hear their stories, and take home a piece of Corfu’s soul.

Corfu Museum of Contemporary Art: The Island’s Modern Pulse

For a taste of today’s creative spirit, stop by the Corfu Museum of Contemporary Art in the town of Potamos. Housed in a neoclassical building, this relatively new space showcases works by modern Greek and international artists, with a focus on painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

The museum reflects the evolving identity of Corfu—an island rooted in tradition but open to new ideas. Rotating exhibitions and curated events keep things fresh, and you’ll often find young locals and visiting artists mingling at openings and talks.

It’s a great place to see how the island’s artistic heritage continues to inspire and transform.

Corfu Festivals: Art That Comes to Life

Corfu’s museum experience wouldn’t be complete without its festivals, where music, dance, and tradition leap off the page and into the streets. Corfu is a deeply festive island where culture is celebrated year-round through music, dance, food, and art. Festivals here are not just events—they’re part of the island’s identity, blending ancient customs with local pride and artistic expression.

Corfu Culture Tours: Walk Into History, Art & Island Life

For travelers who want more than just beach time, culture tours in Corfu offer a deeper way to connect with the island’s rich identity. These guided experiences blend storytelling, architecture, art, and local traditions—giving you a living, breathing sense of Corfu’s past and present.