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Museum · Tessalônica, Macedônia Central
Museu Arqueológico de Tessalônica (Archaiologiko Mouseio Thessalonikis)
The Museu Arqueológico de Tessalônica brings together the gold of ancient Macedônia, the Derveni krater, the oldest papyrus in Europe and Roman sculptures, in a modernist building from 1962.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museu Arqueológico de Tessalônica (Archaiologiko Mouseio Thessalonikis)
The Museu Arqueológico de Tessalônica houses finds from Central Macedônia from prehistory to the end of Antiquity. The building, designed by Patroklos Karantinos and opened in 1962, is an example of Greek modernism and stands between the Torre Branca and the Museu da Cultura Bizantina.
The most visited exhibition is O Ouro da Macedônia: crowns of gold leaves, diadems, jewelry and weapons from cemeteries in the region, dating from the 6th century BC to 148 BC. Here is the Derveni krater, a large gilded bronze vase from the 4th century BC decorated with Dionysus and Ariadne, found in a tomb near the city, and the Derveni papyrus, from the late 5th century BC, the oldest papyrus text discovered in Europe.
The central rooms trace Tessalônica from its foundation in 315 BC to the Roman period, with sculptures, portraits of emperors, mosaics and inscriptions, many coming from the palace of Galério and the Ágora. There is also a section on prehistoric Macedônia, with pottery and tools from the region's Neolithic villages.
Labels are in Greek and English, and the museum has a garden with inscriptions and sarcophagi, a café and a shop.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the main rooms.
Best time
Right at opening, before the groups, or late in the afternoon. It's a good option for very hot days in July and August. It closes on some national holidays; check before you go.
How to get there
At praça HANTH, on the corner of avenida Stratou and Manoli Andronikou, about a 5-minute walk from the Torre Branca and 20 minutes from praça Aristotelous. City buses stop on Stratou and on Tsimiski.
Tip
Head straight to O Ouro da Macedônia and the Derveni krater if time is short. The Museu da Cultura Bizantina is 200 meters away: you can do both in the same day, with lunch in between.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu Arqueológico de Tessalônica (Archaiologiko Mouseio Thessalonikis)
What is the Derveni krater?
A gilded bronze vessel from the 4th century BC, used to mix wine and water, decorated with scenes of Dionysus and Ariadne. It was found in a tomb at Derveni, near Tessalônica.
Is the tomb of Filipe II in this museum?
No. The finds from Vergina are in the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai in Vergina, about 75 km away. In Tessalônica is the gold from other cemeteries of Macedonia.
How long does the visit take?
Two to three hours to see the main exhibits at a relaxed pace.
Are the texts in English?
Yes, Greek and English in all rooms.