A Journey Through the History of the North
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki unravels the tapestry of time, from the prehistoric era to late antiquity, and is housed within an iconic modernist building in the heart of the city.
Prehistory and the Genesis of Cities
The journey starts 200,000 years ago with exhibits such as the renowned Petralona skull and the Ouranopithecus macedoniensis prehistoric species of great ape. Visitors will discover the daily life of prehistoric humans through pottery, jewellery, and a rare prehistoric feeding bottle. The section dedicated to the Iron Age showcases the evolution of the first settlements from Athos to Olympus and the path towards the birth of the ancient cities.
The Kingdom of Macedonia and the Metropolis
The exhibition on the Macedonian Kingdom illuminates its politics, religion, and art. A highlight is the poignant funerary stele of the young girl from Nea Kallikrateia, and visitors can listen to an ancient melody from a 3rd-century BC inscription. In the section dedicated to Roman Thessaloniki, the statue of Octavian Augustus and the mosaic of Ariadne take centre stage. In the outdoor area, amidst sarcophagi and altars, there is a recreation of a Roman dwelling with authentic floors.
The Gold of the Macedonians
The most impressive exhibit is the collection of golden wreaths, the largest in the world, crafted from 24-karat gold. Although the exhibition celebrates gold, its most famous artefact is the bronze Derveni Krater, depicting the Sacred Wedding of Dionysus and Ariadne. The experience is modernised by the ‘From Mosaics to Pixels’ digital exhibition, offering an interactive journey through time.
Useful Information
The museum is located at No 6 Manoli Andronikou Street, just ten minutes from Aristotelous Square. After a tour, a coffee in the shade of the plane trees by the sculpture garden is the perfect ending to your visit. For younger guests, educational games such as Snakes and Ladders are available, transforming the visit into a fun experience for the whole family.
Prehistory and the Genesis of Cities
The journey starts 200,000 years ago with exhibits such as the renowned Petralona skull and the Ouranopithecus macedoniensis prehistoric species of great ape. Visitors will discover the daily life of prehistoric humans through pottery, jewellery, and a rare prehistoric feeding bottle. The section dedicated to the Iron Age showcases the evolution of the first settlements from Athos to Olympus and the path towards the birth of the ancient cities.
The Kingdom of Macedonia and the Metropolis
The exhibition on the Macedonian Kingdom illuminates its politics, religion, and art. A highlight is the poignant funerary stele of the young girl from Nea Kallikrateia, and visitors can listen to an ancient melody from a 3rd-century BC inscription. In the section dedicated to Roman Thessaloniki, the statue of Octavian Augustus and the mosaic of Ariadne take centre stage. In the outdoor area, amidst sarcophagi and altars, there is a recreation of a Roman dwelling with authentic floors.
The Gold of the Macedonians
The most impressive exhibit is the collection of golden wreaths, the largest in the world, crafted from 24-karat gold. Although the exhibition celebrates gold, its most famous artefact is the bronze Derveni Krater, depicting the Sacred Wedding of Dionysus and Ariadne. The experience is modernised by the ‘From Mosaics to Pixels’ digital exhibition, offering an interactive journey through time.
Useful Information
The museum is located at No 6 Manoli Andronikou Street, just ten minutes from Aristotelous Square. After a tour, a coffee in the shade of the plane trees by the sculpture garden is the perfect ending to your visit. For younger guests, educational games such as Snakes and Ladders are available, transforming the visit into a fun experience for the whole family.
