Experiential and Artistic Tour: “A Vessel of Progress, with its Bow Towards the Future!”: Moments and Episodes from the Biography of a Museum Building.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days (EHD) 2025 and its theme focusing on Architectural Heritage and Built Environment ("Architectural Heritage: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future"), the MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art building reintroduces itself to the audience. Through an experiential and artistic museum tour, along with a screening of archival photographic material, the museum building narrates countless stories derived from its rich biography!
Key milestones in this fascinating narrative thread include the building as the former Public Power Corporation (PPC) pavilion, designed by Iakovos Rizos during the legendary era of architectural experimentation by renowned architects of post-war Greek modernism within the premises of Thessaloniki International Fair (1959–1963); as the studio for the first experimental TV broadcast in Greece during the 25th International Fair of Thessaloniki in September 1960; as a filming location for iconic Greek cinema productions; and, definitely as a museum space with a remarkable history as well.
The above thread actually begins in antiquity, since the only archaeological findings from the ancient city’s eastern cemetery that remain visible in situ, are incorporated into the building’s structure. It’s end though, goes far into the future concerning the decisive – and much discussed these days - issue of managing the Thessaloniki International Fair grounds and especially its architectural heritage.
Both ends of this thread seem to be symbolically contained in the 88th Concealment by visual artist Dimitris Alithinos, which took place in the Museum’s courtyard just before the millennium (1999). This artistic act inscribed the site onto the global international map of the artist’s 232+ Concealments until now, which, among other issues, pose vital questions about the preservation of human culture.
Date & Time: Sunday, September 28, 2025, 12:00–14:00
Venue: MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art (within TIF-HELEXPO), Thessaloniki
Audience: Adults
Free admission
Information & Registration:
- Email: info.contemporary@momus.gr
- Phone: +30 2310 240002 (ext. 16)
Concept & Implementation: Christina Mavini, Curator of Education, MOMus – Museum of Contemporary Art
The full EHD 2025 program for Greece is available here. On September 27 & 28, entrance to all archaeological sites and museums across the country will be free of charge.
