MOMus Thessaloniki Museum of Photography: Complete Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, Exhibitions, and More
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
MOMus–Thessaloniki Museum of Photography is Greece’s leading institution devoted exclusively to the art and history of photography. Situated in the historic port area of Thessaloniki—within the architecturally significant Warehouse A—MOMus preserves and showcases an expansive collection spanning from the late 19th century to today. The museum’s dynamic programming, educational initiatives, and active role in international events such as the Thessaloniki Photobiennale make it a cultural hub for both locals and visitors. This comprehensive guide details all you need to know for planning your visit, including opening hours, ticketing, collection highlights, accessibility, and nearby attractions. (Thessaloniki Tourism, MOMus official, Discover Greece)
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Institutional Mission
- Architecture and Location
- Collections and Exhibitions
- Educational and Community Engagement
- Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access
- Digital Resources and Online Access
- Nearby Attractions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Visitor Tips
- References
History and Institutional Mission
Founded in 1998 and relocated to Warehouse A on Thessaloniki’s First Pier in 2001, the MOMus Thessaloniki Museum of Photography (MOMus-ThMP) was established to fill a critical gap in Greece’s cultural landscape. As part of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki (MOMus) since 2018, the museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret photographic works and archives, with a core focus on Greek photography from the late 19th century to the present day (MOMus official). The museum is also a key organizer of the Thessaloniki Photobiennale, one of Europe’s oldest international photography festivals (PhotoBiennale).
MOMus-ThMP is committed to fostering visual literacy, supporting scholarly research, and promoting the significance of photography in communication, journalism, documentary, and fine art. Educational outreach and public engagement are central to its institutional objectives.
Architecture and Location
Setting in the Historic Port
MOMus is located at 3 Navarchou Votsi St., Warehouse A, Pier A, Port of Thessaloniki (postal code 54624). Its prime location on the city’s waterfront places it within Thessaloniki’s cultural heart, adjacent to other museums and historical sites (Thessaloniki Tourism).
The Warehouse A Building
Warehouse A is a striking example of early 20th-century industrial architecture, with exposed brick, expansive windows, and high ceilings that provide a flexible, well-lit environment for exhibitions. The building’s adaptive reuse reflects Thessaloniki’s broader commitment to merging its maritime and industrial heritage with contemporary culture (Travel.gr).
Collections and Exhibitions
Permanent Collections
MOMus-ThMP holds one of Greece’s most significant photographic archives, with over 100,000 objects—including negatives, prints, slides, digital images, and photographic equipment (MOMus official site). Notable archives include:
- Fred Boissonnas Archive: Original prints and glass plate negatives from the famed Swiss photographer who documented early 20th-century Greece (source).
- Dimitris Letsios Archive: Iconic photographs of rural and urban Greek life from the 1940s to the 1980s.
- Works by Greek Masters: Including Yiannis Stylianou and Socrates Iordanidis, among others.
Temporary and Thematic Exhibitions
The museum maintains a dynamic schedule of rotating exhibitions, showcasing both historical and contemporary photography. Annual highlights include solo and group shows exploring themes such as identity, urbanization, landscape, migration, and new media. The “About Humans” exhibition, for instance, brought together over 100 works examining the relationship between people and society (MOMus official).
Thessaloniki Photobiennale
MOMus organizes the Thessaloniki Photobiennale, a major international photography festival drawing artists, curators, and audiences from around the world. The event features exhibitions, workshops, portfolio reviews, and public programs (PhotoBiennale).
Educational and Community Engagement
Workshops and Seminars
MOMus offers a comprehensive range of educational programs for children, teens, and adults. Workshops cover fundamental and advanced photography techniques, history, and theory. Special programs include youth summer sessions, visual storytelling for children, and seminars on architectural photography in collaboration with MONUMENTA (Summer workshops).
Free Guided Tours and Public Events
The museum regularly provides free guided tours during major exhibitions and events such as the Thessaloniki Photobiennale and International Museum Day (Guided tours). Public lectures, artist talks, and thematic programs further enrich the visitor experience.
Research and Scholarly Access
Researchers and students can access original archival materials by appointment. The museum supports academic projects and fosters collaborations with Greek and international institutions.
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access
Opening Hours
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays and public holidays (Holiday schedule)
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: €6
- Reduced Admission: €3 (students, seniors, groups)
- Free Entry: Children under 12, MOMus members, visitors with disabilities and their companions, students/professors of relevant disciplines, accredited journalists, ICOM/AICA/IKT/EEIT cardholders, and on designated free-admission days (e.g., first Sunday of each month, International Museum Day) (Admission policy)
Tickets can be purchased onsite or online via the official website.
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Multilingual materials are available, and assistance is provided upon request.
Getting There
- Location: Warehouse A, Pier A, Port of Thessaloniki
- Public Transport: Bus lines 5, 6, and 33 (stop: T.S. Plateia Eleftherias); metro stations Dimokratias and Venizelou nearby (Museum location)
- Parking: Limited at the port; public lots nearby. Bicycle and scooter parking also available.
Digital Resources and Online Access
MOMus maintains a robust digital archive with over 100,000 digitized objects accessible online, supporting both public engagement and scholarly research (Digital archive). Virtual exhibitions, multimedia content, and high-resolution images with descriptive alt tags ensure accessibility and enhance the visitor experience.
For digital collections, current exhibitions, and educational resources, visit the official website.
Nearby Attractions
While visiting MOMus, explore Thessaloniki’s rich array of cultural and historical sites:
- Cinema Museum of Thessaloniki (adjacent)
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
- Ano Poli (Upper Town)
- Waterfront Promenade—ideal for street and architectural photography
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: General admission is €6; reduced admission €3. Free entry is offered to several groups and on certain days—see the official website for details.
Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, full accessibility is provided.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, free guided tours are regularly scheduled for exhibitions and events.
Q: Can I view the museum’s collections online?
A: Yes, a substantial digital archive is available for research and public browsing.
Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: The Cinema Museum, White Tower, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Ano Poli, and the city’s waterfront promenade.
Conclusion and Visitor Tips
MOMus Thessaloniki Museum of Photography is an essential destination for anyone interested in the history and contemporary practice of photography. Its extensive collections, innovative exhibitions, and commitment to education offer a compelling experience for all ages. The museum’s accessible facilities and central location make it easy to incorporate into any Thessaloniki itinerary.
Visitor Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Check the latest exhibition calendar and ticket policies on the official website.
- Explore Digitally: Browse the digital archive before your visit for deeper context.
- Combine Visits: Explore nearby cultural sites to enrich your Thessaloniki experience.
- Stay Informed: Follow MOMus on social media and download the Audiala app for updates, exclusive content, and interactive guides.
Discover the evolving story of photography at MOMus Thessaloniki Museum of Photography—a vibrant institution at the intersection of Greek heritage and contemporary visual culture.
References and Further Reading
- Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, 2025, Thessaloniki Tourism
- MOMus Thessaloniki Museum of Photography Official Website, 2025
- Discover Greece: Best Museums Thessaloniki, 2025
- Thessaloniki PhotoBiennale, 2025
- Travel.gr: Top Museums in Thessaloniki, 2025
- Visit Central Macedonia, 2025
- MOMus Thessaloniki Exhibitions Calendar, 2025
- Wikipedia: MOMus–Thessaloniki Museum of Photography
- Kutatasinaplo Blog: Thessaloniki Museum of Photography
- InThessaloniki: Museum of Photography Thessaloniki