Thessaloniki Waterworks Museum

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

The Waterworks (Water Supply) Museum of Thessaloniki is found in the western part of the city. It is housed in the historical Old Pump House belonging to the Thessaloniki Water Supply and Sewage Company. Constructed in 1892, the building served as the city's pumping station from 1894 until 1978. The museum was established in 1984 but did not officially open its doors until February 2001.

The Waterworks Museum was created to promote the idea of saving water and to raise public awareness of various issues, such as reducing water wastage and protecting the environment. It informs people about the history of the water supply of Thessaloniki through various exhibits, old equipment, and antiquities. What is more, the museum has evolved as a data, research, and documentation center regarding the past, present, and future of water supply in Thessaloniki.

The main hall of the museum used to be the boiler room. It features two steam-powered units used to pump water from 1894 to 1978. It also showcases how steam was produced to drive the steam engines. Motor machinery, old electricity circuit switchboards, and a full reconstruction of the 19th-century boiler room can be seen here as well.

The second hall houses the pumps, the first and second-generation diesel engines, and the brush electricity generators. The machinery has all been well maintained and is in good working condition. One of the machines is open on one side, allowing visitors a one-of-a-kind look into its inner workings. Measuring instruments for the water supply network and the old components and tools used by repair teams are displayed in the rest of the hall.

The museum also has an administration building, where a specialized library on water and hydraulic works operates. There, you will find an impressive collection of books, maps, project designs, old photographs, and documents. Finally, there is the Water Park, which displays historical pump units and water pipes.

The Waterworks Museum is open on weekdays from 10:00 to 14:00.