Ethnological Museum of Thrace

It is housed in a beautiful stone-built neoclassical building dating back to 1899, located in the city of Alexandroupoli. The museum is mainly self-funded and occasionally supported by cultural institutions and organizations.

The museum plays an important role in the cultural life of the region and has received significant recognition for its contribution to society and culture. In 2005, it was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award and received an honorary distinction for its impact on the local community. In 2015, it was honored by the Benaki Museum for its contribution to preserving and promoting the history and culture of Thrace in Greece and abroad. In 2021, it received an award from UNESCO Greece, while in 2024 the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, awarded its founder and president, Angeliki Giannakidou, the Golden Cross of the Order of Beneficence.

The mission of the museum is to become a place where visitors can discover the history, traditions, and multicultural identity of Thrace. Through ethnological collections, historical artifacts, photographs, oral testimonies, traditional costumes, and handmade objects, the museum presents the everyday life and cultural diversity of the region. The exhibits highlight the unique multicultural character of Thrace and tell the stories of the people who shaped its identity over the centuries.

The Ethnological Museum of Thrace is not only a museum space but also an active cultural center that organizes exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, lectures, and research activities. It offers visitors a deeper understanding of the traditions, customs, and social history of Thrace while promoting dialogue between the past and the present.