Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

The Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki presents the history of Sephardic Jews and Jewish life in the city. The collection of the museum was based on the documents, ritual objects, and photographic collections as well as the library that used to be housed at Vasileos Herakleiou 26. The building was built in 1904 by the Italian architect, Vitaliano Poselli.

On the ground level are monumental stones and inscriptions that were once found in the great Jewish necropolis that lay to the east of the city walls. Accompanying these stones are a series of photographs showing the cemetery and visitors as it was in 1914.

Central to the first floor is a narrative history of the Jewish presence in Thessaloniki from the 3rd century BCE until the Second World War. A separate exhibit focuses on the Shoah, as it affected the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki. The majority of the community - some 49,000 persons - was systematically deported to Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen where most of them perished.

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Museums in Greece

User Reviews

Elena Kudrya (4 years ago)
I was very impressed about the history of Jewish people in Thessaloniki. Also, this city was the centre of the Cabbala organization - the mysterious branch of Jewish religion. Highly recommend to whom are interested in history.

Sophia Korb Cohon (4 years ago)
Lovely and touching museum about the Jews of the Thessaloniki, from ancient times until modern. Detailed history, including about the architecture and renovation of the museum itself. Signage in Hebrew and Greek, I couldn't get the Android app to work. My only regret was not having more time to spend; we were rushing to a Roman and Jewish tour of the city. Loved the permanent exhibit about brides without smiles.

Barkay Guttel (4 years ago)
The place is really interesting and worth a visit. It includes information and exhibitions of the Jewish community before, during and after the Holocaust. Free entrance for students so don't forget your card!

Olaf Kolbatz (4 years ago)
As a specialist in Jewish history I am very critical but first of all very very nice stuff!!! And the exhibition is very well done but I would have liked to get to know about the present situation of Jews living in Thessaloniki.

Dr Dorothy Lobel King (5 years ago)
By far the most comprehensive Jewish museum in Greece.

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Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki

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