Museum of El Greco facts for kids

View of the museum entrance.

Bust of El Greco outside the museum.

The Museum of El Greco is a special place in the village of Fodele on the island of Crete, Greece. It is west of the city of Heraklion. This museum celebrates the famous painter El Greco (whose real name was Domenikos Theotokopoulos). He lived from 1541 to 1614 and grew up in this village.

About the Museum

The El Greco Museum is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the center of Fodele. It is across from a small church. Inside, you can see copies of El Greco's artworks and old papers about his life.

How the Museum Started

The building where the museum is now used to be a ruin. It was fixed up starting in 1982. The Greek Ministry of Culture helped pay for the repairs. The museum first opened its doors to visitors in 1998.

El Greco's Birthplace

Many people believe that El Greco was born in Fodele. The museum itself says this is where he was born. However, some people disagree about his exact birthplace.

Original Artworks

If you want to see original paintings by El Greco, you can visit the Historical Museum of Crete. This museum is in Heraklion, not far from Fodele. It has two original works by El Greco. These are the only original paintings by the artist that are on the island of Crete.

Images for kids

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  Chapel across from the museum.

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  Christ Carrying the Cross, a painting by El Greco from 1602. A copy is in the El Greco Museum.

More to Explore

• El Greco Museum, Toledo: This museum is in Spain, where El Greco worked later in his life.

Find Out More Online

• Museum website