Thessaloniki Roman Forum Museum

Location: Egnatia
Don't miss: Museums guide (free admission dates and other useful info)

In the heart of Thessaloniki, the underground Roman Forum Museum (Museum of the Ancient Roman Agora) is a modern space, yet hidden enough for those interested enough to seek it! More specifically, it expands below the ground as a continuation of the Hidden Gallery, located in the western part of the archaeological site of the Roman Forum, next to the shops.

The small building was established in 1999 and is divided into three main architectural sections: the entrance hall, the central hall with two corridors, and the multipurpose hall, and presents the archaeological site through the findings of the excavation research. Even though several items have been moved to other museums, like the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, this museum’s strength is the wealth of information shared with the guests via visual means.

The archaeological site of the Roman Forum of Thessaloniki is presented through the findings of excavations carried out from 1962 to 1999. Assisted by rich visual material, the museum wants to acquaint the visitor with the Forum’s history and the historical background of Thessaloniki from the 3rd century BC to the present day.

The exhibition centers on three main thematic axes:
"The Modern Era" in the antechamber presents the timeline of the excavations as well as the restoration and enhancement works on the site.
"The Area Before The Agora" in the east corridor shows the site’s story before the organization of the Agora (from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD).
"The Public Nature of the Site and the Agora" in the central hall features the bathhouse and the main points of the Agora complex (square, conservatory and east wing, hidden gallery and south wing).
Lastly, as visitors approach the exit, Roman buildings related to the Agora are displayed.