Byzantine Museum, Thessaloniki

Photo © Kemal Cenk Sarioglu. View all images in our Byzantine Museum Photo Gallery.

Photo © David S.

Photo © Joshua Treviño.

The Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki is one of the finest museums in the world devoted to Byzantine art and civilization, rivaled only by the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens. Thessaloniki's impressive collection includes many Byzantine and early Christian frescoes, icons and artifacts.

History

The Museum of Byzantine Culture is housed in a modern building designed by architect Kyriakos Krokos and constructed in 1989-93. It opened its doors in 1994. In addition to a public museum, the institution also serves as an important center for the preservation, research and promotion of Byzantine culture. The Museum of Byzantine Culture won the Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2005.

What to See

The museum contains an excellent permanent exhibition that is beautifully lit and presented in 11 rooms. About 2,900 objects are presented in chronological order from Late Antiquity (3rd-4th century) to the Fall of Constantinople (1453), with some later artifacts representing the continuation of Byzantine culture included as well.

Objects on display include marble fragments, frescoes, mosaics, icons, liturgical vessels, jewelry, and tools for daily life. Among the highlights are:

The rooms are arranged as follows:

In addition, the Museum of Byzantine Culture hosts regular temporary exhibitions on specific themes relating to Byzantine art and culture. See the museum's official website for the current schedule.

Quick Facts on Byzantine Museum

Site Information
Names:	Byzantine Museum; Byzantine Museum, Thessaloniki; Museum of Byzantine Culture
City:	Thessaloniki
Country:	Greece
cat:	Museums
faith:	Christianity; Eastern Orthodox
feat:	Byzantine Mosaics; Early Christian Artifacts
Dates:	1994
Visitor and Contact Information
Address:	2 Stratou Avenue, Thessaloniki, Greece
Coordinates:	40.624273° N, 22.955080° E (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:	Mon: 10:30am-5pm Tue-Sun: 8:30am-3pm Closed Dec 25-26, Jan 1, Mar 25, Orthodox Easter Sunday, May 1.
Cost:	Regular fee €4 Reduced fee €2 for EU seniors (+65), non-EU students Free for children (-19), EU students, journalists, guides, soldiers, and for everyone on special free days.
Phone:	+30 2310 868 570
Email:	protocol@mbp.culture.gr
Website:	www.mbp.gr
Lodging:	View hotels near this location

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of Byzantine Museum

Below is a location map and aerial view of Byzantine Museum. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

Museum of Byzantine Culture - official website
Museum of Byzantine Culture - Frommers.com

More Information

Byzantine Museum, Thessaloniki - Go Historic
Photos of Byzantine Museum - here on Sacred Destinations

Article Info

Title:	Byzantine Museum, Thessaloniki
Author:	Holly Hayes
Last updated:	10/22/2009
Permalink:	www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/thessaloniki-byzantine-museum
Link code:	<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/thessaloniki-byzantine-museum">Byzantine Museum, Thessaloniki</a>