Μουσείο Ελεφάντων

Located in Megalo Chorio on the charming Greek island of Tilos (often associated with Rhodes Island for travel purposes), the Μουσείο Ελεφάντων offers a unique and engaging insight into a remarkable piece of natural history. While some visitors accurately describe it as a small exhibition rather than a sprawling museum, it delivers a powerful narrative about the dwarf elephants that once roamed this very island.

What to Expect from the Exhibition

This compact yet informative establishment is dedicated entirely to the Elephas tiliensis, a species of dwarf elephant that inhabited Tilos up until approximately 3,500 to 4,000 years ago. The displays are well-presented, utilizing modern 3D printing technology to bring these extinct creatures to life and showcase what was unearthed in the nearby cave.

The staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and willingness to share information. Many visitors highlight that the sole member of staff often provides a helpful and engaging talk in both English and Greek, which significantly enriches the experience and complements the exhibits.

Practical Information and Amenities

The entry fee is a very reasonable 2 euros, making it an accessible attraction for all. Inside, you'll find much-appreciated air conditioning, providing a comfortable environment, especially during warmer months. There's also a small selection of merchandise available for those wishing to take a souvenir home.

Location and Surrounding Area 🗺️

The museum is conveniently accessible via Tilos's electric bus service, which connects the main towns and Eristos beach. However, some visitors note a slight lack of clear signage upon arrival. For clarity, the museum is the larger building situated behind an often-unlocked pedestrian gate.

A significant highlight of visiting the Elephant Museum is its proximity to the Harkadio Cave, the very site where the bones of these dwarf elephants were discovered. While the cave itself is fenced off to protect the site for future archaeological work, you can still visit its exterior. The path to the cave leads past a small modern amphitheater. Be aware that the area around the cave and amphitheater can sometimes have irritating flies, and there is no shelter or shade outside the museum for those waiting for the bus.

It's worth noting that plans to combine a visit with the castle above the cave might be hampered, as the path to it appears to be fenced off according to recent reviews.

Overall Recommendation ✨

Μουσείο Ελεφάντων is considered a "must-see sight" on Tilos for anyone interested in paleontology, natural history, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience. It offers a fascinating and astonishing story of the last elephants on European soil. Despite its small size, the quality of information, friendly staff, and the historical significance of the exhibits make it a truly worthwhile stop on your Rhodes Island (Tilos) adventure.

It is a small exhibition rather than a museum as somebody else has mentioned in the reviews already, with heavy involvement of 3D printing technology. The staff is friendly and they are happy to provide information about the items on display. Entry fee is 2 euros and there is an air con and a small array of merchandise on sale. Bear in mind that there is no shelter/shade outside to wait for the bus. The part with the cave and the amphitheater next door is full of irritating flies somehow.

Dwarf elephants of Tilos.Good little museum displaying what was found in a near by cave and telling the history of dwarf elephants. You can also visit the nearby cave where the bones were found although it’s fenced off to protect the site for future excavations.

Tilos is famous for the dwarf elephants that used to live on the Island until 3,500 years ago. And you can learn all about them at the small museum here.2 euro entry fee.The sole member of staff happily gave us a talk in English (Greek also available) that nicely complemented the displays.You can get to the museum on the amazing electric bus service that connects the two towns, Eristos beach and this museum.Bit confusing when you get off the bus, as there are absolutely no signs.So - the Museum is the big building behind the (hopefully) unlocked pedestrian gate.And you can visit the outside of the cave where they found all the bones through the other gate, along the path to the small modern amphitheatre and up the path to the right.Sadly, if you were also planning to combine this with a visit to the castle above the cave, it looks like that path has been fenced off.Enjoy!

It's not a museum. It's an exhibition. 2€ entrance fee. It's small and nice exhibition about the dwarf elephants who lived on the island. The cave which they were found is also nearby.

A must see sight on the island of Tilos. It is astonishing to hear about the history of the dwarf elephants (Elephas tiliensis) that had lived on the island for 41000 years before they got extinct some 4000 years BC, probably due to the volcanic eruption on the neighbouring island.So a visitor learns the story of the last elephants on the European soil.