Archaeological Museum

Take a walk through the history of Thessaloniki and northern Greece at one of the city’s most important museums. 

The Archaeological Museum is home to many exhibits dedicated to ancient Macedonia. It presents an overview of life and culture in the ancient kingdom, illustrated through a range of artifacts, including everyday tools, burial pieces, pottery and paintings. The museum’s timeline stretches over centuries, from the region’s prehistory to the early years of Christianity.

Designed by Patroklos Karantinos in 1962, the museum building is a fine example of contemporary Greek architecture and is listed as a monument of modern heritage. Between 2001 and 2004, the museum underwent extensive renovations and the permanent exhibits were reorganized into the seven thematic units you can explore today.

Take your time wandering through the museum’s seven areas, admiring intricate mosaics, carefully crafted metal works, and well-preserved examples of Roman architecture. Use the touch screens and other interactive multimedia displays to learn more about the cultural and historical significance of these exhibits.

Don’t miss the Gold of Macedon exhibit, which is devoted to gold mining in ancient Macedonia and the mineral’s significance in cultural beliefs about life and death.

Save time for the open-air Field House Garden Grave exhibition, which is comprised of two parts. Explore the first part to learn about rituals related to death between the 2nd and 4th centuries, showcasing funeral monuments and sarcophagi. Then, move on to the second area of the exhibit to see a modern reconstruction of a typical Roman house, incorporating authentic mosaic flooring.

When you’re ready for a break, stop by the café at the south side of the museum. Find out if there are any temporary exhibitions, seminars or other programs taking place during your visit. The museum often hosts special collections in collaboration with other leading museums around the world.

The Archaeological Museum is open daily, but has reduced hours on Mondays and several holiday closures throughout the year. It’s located in the city center nearby the Byzantine Museum. A combined ticket that provides admission to both the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum is available.