Museums in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is home to many museums with interesting exhibits. At the top of this list is the Archaeological Museum which highlights the history of Ancient Macedonia through a great collection of ancient findings dating from the 6th century. The Byzantine Museum hosts the richest collection of exhibits from the Byzantine period to the Turkish occupation.
At the town, you shall visit other museums as well, such as the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art that displays many artworks and organizes many exhibitions. Museums that emphasize in the history of Macedonia are the Museum of Macedonian Struggle, the Balkan Wars Museum and the Ataturk Museum.
The Cinema Museum is unique of its kind offering much insight into the history of film in Greece. It hosts various exhibits including tapes, posters and cinema machinery from the private collection of Nikos Bilis, a known cinematographer in Thessaloniki.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum aims to present the way of life and socialization of the tribes that lived in Thessaloniki and the wider region of Macedonia from prehistoric times onward.
Museum for Macedonian Struggle
The Museum of Macedonian Struggle is housed in a 19th-century Neoclassical building designed by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller. Through valuable exhibits, the museum presents the fight of the Macedonians and the people from northern Greece to be liberated from Ottoman rule and incorporated into the Greek State.
Balkan Wars Museum
The two Balkan Wars that took place in the early 20th century is very important for Thessaloniki and the region of Macedonia in general. In fact, during the 1st Balkan War in 1912, the town was set free by the Ottoman rule that had lasted for about five centuries. To celebrate such historical events, the Museum of the Balkan Wars was created in 1999. It is located in a restored mansion at Yefira, a village about 25 km from Thessaloniki.
Byzantine Museum
The Museum of Byzantine Culture opened to the public in 1993. It houses 11 rooms in total that host permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as educational programs.
Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art
The Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in the Helexpo Exhibition Centre on Egnatia Street. It aims to promote Greek and international contemporary art and contribute to Greek cultural life.
Waterworks Museum
The Waterworks Museum is housed in the old water supply building that worked continuously from 1894 till 1978. It displays the history of water supply in Thessaloniki.
Cinema Museum
The aim of the museum is to collect, preserve and display items related to the history of cinema in Greece. The museum is based on the collection of Nikos Bililis, a cinematographer from Thessaloniki.
Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki is housed in one of the few Jewish buildings that weren't destroyed in the great fire of 1917. Its exhibits present the vast history and culture of the Jews who lived in Thessaloniki since the 15th century.
Ataturk Museum
The Atatürk Museum is housed in the old home of modern Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It lies adjacent to the Turkish Consulate.
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions mesmerizes visitors with its unique exhibits of optical illusions, immersive rooms, and mind-blowing visual tricks.
Greek Pharmaceutical Museum
The Greek Pharmaceutical Museum of Thessaloniki is a fantastic space filled with pharmaceutical exhibits, such as recipes, pills, old ingredients, and an array of medicinal tools.
Selfie Museum
This is the first selfie museum in Greece. In it, you’ll find several props and backgrounds to take some of the most special photos through an entertaining experience.
Basketball Museum
The YMCA Basketball Museum aims to preserve and promote the history of basketball in Greece through a collection of collectible items, medals, jerseys, and trophies amongst others.