The Mastaba Mosque, with its distinctive nine domes, adjoining chambers, the “Hegoumenio” (former abbot’s residence), and its surrounding garden, stands as a monument in its own right in the city of Rethymno. The building has been granted to the Natural History Museum of Crete by decision of the Ministry of Culture. Following restoration and the implementation of a museological study, it now operates as the Palaeontological Museum of Rethymno – Goulandris Natural History Museum.

The museum's core collection is based on the palaeontological material of the Municipality of Rethymno, which has been officially granted to the Museum. Visitors are offered a unique opportunity to explore the evolutionary history of Crete and the geological and palaeontological transformations the island underwent over the last 300 million years. Original fossil specimens of endemic mammals are presented through life-size reconstructions in anatomically accurate arrangements. Among the highlights are the Cretan dwarf elephants, dwarf hippos, and the diverse Cretan deer species – especially the club-horned deer of Rethymno (Candiacervusropalophorus), which also serves as the Museum's emblem.

The specially landscaped 2.5-acre garden features native trees and plants of Crete, including plane trees, bitter orange, Judas trees, olives, carob trees, Cretan palms, oleanders, and laurels, as well as shrubs like wild roses, lavender, dittany, chaste trees, and rosemary.

The museum hosts a variety of events, guided tours, educational programs, and interactive activities for school groups and general visitors. Special tours are also offered to both Greek and international guests.

Get a first glimpse through the virtual tour provided by the Goulandris Natural History Museum.