Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki (Museo Djidio De Salonik) tells the story of the city’s Jewish community since the 3rd century BC.

Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki history

Established to explore the history and heritage of Sephardic Jews since their arrival following expulsion from Spain in the 15th century, the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki now has four main themes, expressed in a series of galleries. Each exhibit and collection is made up of a range of artefacts, information, documents and photographs.

It’s worth noting that the building of the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki is part of history itself, being one of the only buildings in the Jewish quarter to have survived a devastating fire in 1917. This imposing building has at times housed the Bank of Athens and the offices of the Jewish newspaper “L’ Independent” and is a silent witness to the great Jewish presence.

Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki today

One of the main exhibits takes the visitor through Jewish history in Thessaloniki from the 3rd century BC right up to World War Two including an exploration of pre-War life – both religious and otherwise – in the city. There is also a gallery dedicated to the old Jewish necropolis, with items and artefacts such as tombstones from the site.

In addition, the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki has a gallery focused on the Holocaust and its effects on the community within the city.

Getting to the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

The museum is at the junction of Venizelou street and Agiou Mina street. It is a 30 minute drive from Thessaloniki airport.