What I can see

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki houses findings from Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas, dating back from the Neolithic Era (7000 BC) to the late Roman era (4^th century AD). It consists of nine rooms. Some of the most striking exhibits are: architectural parts of the archaic temple of Thermi, the headstone of Agenor, the marble column of a kore holding a dove, a kouros and a kore, brought to Thessaloniki by refugees from Redestos, a Frejus-type copy of Aphrodite, the copy of Athena by Phedias, the head of Poseidon, the statues of Augustus and Hadrian and the so-called “gold of the Macedonians”, which highlights the richness and aesthetics of the era. Recently, five more thematic sections have been added, through which the visitor can become familiar with ancient Macedonia. The design of the museum’s building itself was inspired by the ancient residence, as evidenced in the two courtyards, as well as by the ample natural light that floods into the rooms. It is an architectural example that combines the modern with the classic, and the architectural trends of the time with local references.

What I can't see

The museum’s antiquities have finally found a home here following several moves through the years. Since the annexation of Thessaloniki by the Greek state, several buildings hosted the findings. They were first stored in the Government House (currently, the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace) and the Idadie Ottoman School (formerly Faculty of Philosophy of AUTH). In subsequent years, they were housed in Karabournaki and then in the Rotunda and the White Tower. Their last stop before they found a permanent home in the museum was the Yeni Mosque, the city’s first ever museum. They are now sheltered in a contemporary space with a strong anthropocentric character, which focuses on the daily lives of people from all historical periods. It is worth noting that until recently, the famed treasures of Vergina were housed here, before being transferred to the Museum of Vergina.

Info

• Address: 6 Manoli Andronikou St.
• Postal Code : 54621
• Phone: +30 2310 830538
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.amth.gr

Bibliography