Railway Museum of Thessaloniki
The Railway Museum of Thessaloniki is located in Eleftherio-Kordelio, a suburb of Thessaloniki in Central Macedonia, Greece.
Founded in 2001, it is housed in the historic Military Railway Station A (Gare Militaire), part of the former Thessaloniki–Constantinople railway line (Jonction Salonique–Constantinople). The station was constructed between 1891 and 1894, designed by the Italian architect Pietro Arrigoni, and represents an important example of late 19th-century railway infrastructure in the region.
The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of rail transport in Greece, with a special focus on the development of the national railway network and its technological evolution. Its collections include a wide range of railway-related artefacts such as technical manuals, workers’ tools, uniforms, documents, and personal items belonging to railway employees. It also preserves historical maps displaying the full network of Greek railway lines, along with detailed information on steam and diesel locomotives used throughout the years.
A notable feature of the museum is its collection of furnishings from carriages of the former Greek royal train, offering insight into the luxury and design of historic rail travel. In the museum courtyard, visitors can also find a restaurant carriage from the legendary Orient Express, which is accessible to the public and serves as a unique attraction.
The museum continues to expand its outdoor exhibition, with plans to display additional restored locomotives from the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE). It also engages younger audiences through educational initiatives, including themed train journeys for children that connect the modern railway station of Thessaloniki with the museum.
Overall, the Railway Museum of Thessaloniki serves as an important cultural and historical space that preserves Greece’s railway heritage while offering an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
