Thessaloniki may not be the city that instantly wins you over, but don’t be fooled by first impressions. The Northern Greece city is rich in culture and history. Proof of that is the various monuments reflecting the Byzantine and Ottoman past of the city and, of course, its many museums.
Home to over 30 museums, Thessaloniki offers a wide range of cultural experiences through its collections. Archaeology, history, folklore, photography, and contemporary art are just some of the matters this vibrant city has to offer.
Don’t know where to start? Discover Thessaloniki’s museums you can’t miss with this guide.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
One of Greece’s most important museums, it gathers antiquities from Macedonia, within which prehistoric and ancient Greek Masterpieces can be found. Its eight permanent exhibitions paint a portrait of life in the past, and they even offer an open-air stroll to ancient times.
When to visit: everyday 8:00 – 20:00
Price: 8€ (reduced fee 4€)
White Tower Museum
The city’s symbol hosts seven exhibitions in its interior that summarize aspects of its history. One of the museums’ exhibitions is entirely dedicated to gastronomy, where ancient recipes are displayed. So, maybe you can try to replicate Thessaloniki’s traditional flavours. Don’t leave the museum without visiting the tower’s balcony; you will have a fantastic city view!
When to visit: everyday 8:00 – 20:00
Price: 1st April – 31st October 6€ (reduced fee 3€) | 1st November – 31st March 3 €
MOMus – Thessaloniki Museum of Photography
Located at the Port of Thessaloniki, this museum is the perfect place for photo lovers. Its collection of approximately 900000 pictures documents the art of photography from the late 19th century to these days.
When to visit: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:00 – 19:00 | Thursday 11:00-20:00 | Monday closed
Price: 3 €
Museum of Byzantine Culture
Founded in 1994, this museum and scientific institution is dedicated to the collecting, conserving and protecting Byzantine antiquities. Some of its best pieces include wooden icons, coins, fabrics, mosaics, and seals from the early Christian, Byzantine, and medieval eras.
When to visit: everyday 8:00 – 20:00
Price: 8€ (reduced fee 4€)
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is a specialized museum depicting the region’s recent history. Its exhibitions contain various pieces, including paintings, a variety of objects, and textiles that represent the social, economic, political and military developments of the contemporary Greek Macedonia and the permanent links between tradition and modernization.
When to visit: Tuesday to Friday 9:00 – 14:00 | Wednesday 18:00 – 20:00 | Saturday and Sunday 11:00 – 14:30 | Monday closed
Price: 4€ (reduced fee 2€)
Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki honours the city’s rich and creative Sephardic heritage. This museum describes the lives of the Jews of Thessaloniki from the 15th century up to WWII through photos and exhibits displaying tombstones, religious artefacts, and memorabilia. A part of the museum is dedicated to the Holocaust in Thessaloniki.
When to visit: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 9:00 – 14:00 | Wednesday 9:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 20:00 | Saturday closed
Price: 5€
