A new museum in Thessaloniki is now showcasing more than 300,000 artifacts discovered during the construction of the Thessaloniki Metro, tracing the city’s history from its founding in 316 BC to the early 20th century. The museum, titled “Metropolis of Thessalonica – Finds from the Excavations of the Thessaloniki Metro,” officially opened at the Pavlos Melas Metropolitan Park in western Thessaloniki, in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The vast collection includes coins, jewelry, mosaics, wall paintings, tools and household objects, and extensive architectural remains. Together, these artifacts form a unique archaeological record documenting centuries of life in Thessaloniki. One particularly significant find is a 3rd-century AD inscription discovered at Venizelos Metro Station, referring to the city as the “Metropolis of Thessalonica.”
The museum is housed inside the restored A3 barracks building of the former Pavlos Melas military camp, originally built during the late Ottoman period and later designated a monument of modern architectural heritage. The restoration and transformation project, costing €12 million, was funded through the Recovery Fund. Minister Lina Mendoni described the museum as part of a broader regeneration plan for the former military camp, which is being developed into a major metropolitan park and cultural hub for Thessaloniki.
The museum’s exhibition concept was developed by the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Thessaloniki, with officials emphasizing its interactive and educational character. Tania Protopsalti, head of the Ephorate, described the museum as “a living organism” intended to serve students, residents, and visitors alike through education and cultural engagement.
The museum is expected to become part of a wider network of cultural institutions in the area, alongside planned museums dedicated to refugee Hellenism and the National Resistance. The inauguration ceremony included a blessing by Metropolitan Varnavas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, followed by a musical performance featuring violin and harp by members of the Thessaloniki State Orchestra.
The museum opens to the public tomorrow and will operate daily except Tuesdays, from 08:30 to 15:30.
This is a game-changer for Thessaloniki! The new Metro Museum will not only preserve history but also attract thousands of visitors, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of the Balkans. Can you imagine walking through 2,300 years of history in one place?