Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki (must see)

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, situated in Thessaloniki, is a significant institution dedicated to safeguarding and interpreting a wide range of artifacts spanning from the Prehistoric era to the Roman times. Its collections mainly focus on Thessaloniki and the broader region of Macedonia, providing valuable insights into the area's rich historical background.

Designed by Patroklos Karantinos, the museum's architecture reflects modern Greek architectural styles. Since its opening in 1962, the museum has undergone notable expansions, including the addition of a new wing in 1980 to exhibit findings from Vergina until 1997. Substantial renovations and reorganization of permanent exhibits were carried out in preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympics, further solidifying its role in cultural preservation and education.

The museum's main displays showcase archaeological discoveries from Thessaloniki and Macedonia as a whole. Particularly noteworthy is the new wing, featuring exhibitions such as "The Gold of Macedon" and "The Thessaloniki Area in Prehistory," which delve into ancient cemeteries and prehistoric settlements, providing insights into the culture and customs of the time.

Of central importance are the collections of sculptures from the Archaic to Late Roman periods found in Macedonia, which narrate the history of Thessaloniki and its surroundings from ancient times to Late Antiquity. Highlights include remnants of an Ionic temple from the 6th century BC, various sculptures, and artifacts from the palace complex of Galerius. Notable exhibits also include a reconstructed façade of a Macedonian tomb and discoveries from the Sindos cemetery, particularly gold artifacts from the Archaic and Classical periods.

In addition to its permanent collections, the Archaeological Museum hosts temporary and thematic exhibitions of significance. For instance, the "Coins of Macedonia from the 6th Century to 148 BC" exhibition in the Manolis Andronikos Room showcases the region's numismatic history.

The "Gold of Macedon" exhibition not only presents numerous finds from central Macedonia but also explores the historical significance of gold in culture, technology, and burial practices. Similarly, "The Thessaloniki in Prehistory" exhibition seeks to reconstruct the landscape of the Thermaic Gulf area before the establishment of Thessaloniki, drawing on excavations dating back to World War I and covering essential prehistoric settlements.