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Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki: A Journey Through Ancient Macedonia

Discover Macedonia's ancient past at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, showcasing artifacts from prehistory to late antiquity.

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The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki showcases the rich history of Macedonia, from prehistoric times to late antiquity. Explore artifacts from Thessaloniki and the broader region, including the 'Gold of Macedon' collection, in a building that exemplifies modern Greek architecture.

A brief summary to Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collections.
  • Visit during the off-season (spring or autumn) to avoid crowds and enjoy milder weather.
  • Download the 'Museum On the Go' mobile app for a digital guided tour.
  • Check out the open-air exhibitions for a stroll among ancient monuments and residences.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Aristotelous Square, walk east along Mitropoleos Street, then turn right onto Manoli Andronikou. The museum will be on your left, approximately a 15-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus (OASTH) to the 'Archaeological Museum' stop. Many bus lines serve this area. A single urban bus ticket costs €0.60 and is valid for 70 minutes. The museum is directly accessible from the bus stop.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Thessaloniki. A short taxi ride from the city center (e.g., Aristotelous Square) to the Archaeological Museum will typically cost around €5-€7. Note that fares may be higher during nighttime hours (00:00 to 05:00).

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Discover more about Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki offers an immersive journey through the history of ancient Macedonia, revealing the lives, culture, and ideologies of its people from the Neolithic era to the Roman period. Housed in a building designed by Patroklos Karantinos, the museum itself is a prime example of modern Greek architectural trends. Built in 1962, it underwent extensive renovations in 2001 and 2004 to reorganize its permanent exhibits. The museum's collections feature artifacts discovered in Thessaloniki and the surrounding Macedonian region. The central rooms display sculptures from the Archaic to Late Roman periods, illustrating Thessaloniki's history from prehistoric times to late antiquity. A new wing hosts two main exhibitions: 'The Gold of Macedon,' showcasing artifacts from various cemeteries, and 'Thessaloniki Area in Prehistory,' displaying items from prehistoric settlements. Key exhibits include architectural fragments from a 6th-century BC Ionic temple, sculptures from across Macedonia, finds from Galerius' palace complex in Thessaloniki's city center, and a reconstruction of a Macedonian tomb's facade. Noteworthy artifacts include the Derveni Krater, the statue of Harpocrates, and the Head of Serapis. The museum also presents temporary and thematic exhibitions, such as 'The Coins of Macedonia from the 6th Century to 148 BC'. The museum's story mirrors Thessaloniki's modern history, with the Ephorate of Antiquities established shortly after the city's incorporation into the Greek State in 1912. Initially, antiquities were gathered at various locations before the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) became the city's first museum in 1925.

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