Thessaloniki Museums and Art Galleries

(Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece)



Picture of the city's modern theatreThe city's rich culture soon become apparent if you take time out to explore just a few of the museums within Thessaloniki, particularly those based around Tsimiski Street. Home to a rich collection of prehistoric relics and treasures from the Macedonian and Hellenistic era, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is one not to be missed.

The Museum of Ancient Greek and Byzantine Instruments is one of Thessaloniki's most unusual attractions and boasts a large collection of musical instruments, from antiquity, right up to the 19th century, although many are actually faithful reproductions and not always the 'real thing'. The following are just a taster of what the city has to offer.


Archaeological Museum

Address: Manoli Andronikou 6, Thessaloniki, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 2310 830 538
It is worth coming here to see its prized exhibit named as 'Gold of Macedon' alone, where priceless artefacts are displays from various royal tombs and Macedonian excavations, dating back to the period between the 6th century BC and the 2nd century BC. Most visitors are completely overwhelmed by the extraordinary level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, which include filigree wreaths and some interesting grave masks from Sindos.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 15:00
Admission: charge

Museum of Byzantine Culture

Address: Leoforos Stratou 2, Thessaloniki, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 2310 868 570
The Museum of Byzantine Culture is a well-laid out, modern cultural attraction and houses some 3,000 Greek artefacts, which are flooded with natural light. This permanent collection features colourful frescoes (wall paintings), well-preserved mosaics, pottery pieces, embroideries and Macedonian enscriptions from around the early Christian Period.
Open hours: Monday - 13:00 to 19:30, Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 19:30
Admission: charge

Museum of Ancient Greek and Byzantine Instruments

Address: Katouni 12-14, Thessaloniki, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 2310 555 263
Spread over three floors, the musical instruments exhibited here are accompanied by a selection of vase paintings, photographs and also Byzantine manuscripts. As you tour the displays you may find the multi-language catalogue helpful, allowing you to properly appreciate what you are actually looking at. Various concerts take place here all through the year.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge

Museum of the Macedonian Struggle

Address: Proxenou Koromila 23, Thessaloniki, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 2310 229 778
Located in the Ottaman Empire's former Greek consulate building, the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is a very interesting museum, clearly documenting the time when Greek revolutionaries saved Macedonia from the attacking Bulgars and Turks. The main attractions here including many historical, giant wall maps, some old firearms, photographs, military uniforms and many life-size figures of the Makedonomahi (Macedonian fighters). An English-language fact sheet provides a useful narrative of the exhibits and related events.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 12:00
Admission: free

Museum of Photography

Address: Warehouse A, Thessaloniki Port, Thessaloniki, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 2310 566 716
Situated at Thessaloniki's port and within a former warehouse, the city's Museum of Photography enjoys a very cool and spacious setting. Inside you will find an extensive collection of Greek photography, both past and more contemporary. Various temporary visiting exhibitions provide ever-changing interest, while a small coffee shop overlooking the waterfront completes the main attractions.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 19:00, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge

Jewish Museum (Museo Djudio de Salonik)

Address: Agiou Mina 13, Thessaloniki, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 2310 250 406
The Jewish Museum documents the story of Jewish history in Thessaloniki, spanning the period from around 150 BC to the time of the Spanish arrivals at the very end of the 15th century. There is also a large section devoted to the Second World War, with some very nicely presented displays and poignant photographs. There are also a number of relics from the city's Jewish Cemetery.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday, Sunday - 11:00 to 14:00, Wednesday and Thursday - 17:00 to 20:00
Admission: free