Exploring MOMus: Thessaloniki Museum of Photography

 

MOMus, the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki, is a prominent cultural institution in Greece dedicated to the preservation, study, and promotion of modern and contemporary visual arts. It encompasses several museums and collections, each contributing to the rich tapestry of artistic heritage and contemporary expression.

https://www.momus.gr/en/museum/thessaloniki-museum-photography#museum

History and mission:

In November 2018, five museums, four based in Thessaloniki (the Museum of Modern Art - Costakis Collection, the Museum of Contemporary Art - Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and State Museum of Contemporary Art Collections, Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, the Experimental Center for the Arts) and one in Athens (Museum Alex Mylona) officially joined forces, creating a single, large, integrated public cultural institution, whose aspiration is to leave its mark on international modern and contemporary art, photography, sculpture and the experimental arts. MOMus is a Legal Entity of Private Law based in Thessaloniki and is under the oversight of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. The legal status, organizational goals, administration and structure of the institution, and all matters pertaining to its management and operation, are described in the law establishing MOMus (Law 4572/2018).

The founding of MOMus followed a years-long period of concentrated effort, driven by the steadfast, shared ambition of creating synergies and setting common goals for the promotion of contemporary Greek culture at the local, national and international level. Its mission revolves around fostering artistic creativity, facilitating research, and engaging the public through diverse exhibitions and educational programs. 

Online Presence and Search Functionality: 

MOMus offers a comprehensive online platform where visitors can explore its vast collections. The website provides a search interface that allows users to navigate through various collections, artists, and artworks. Users can filter results by museum, collection, creator, and more, facilitating a tailored exploration experience.

Engagement and interactivity: 

Beyond exhibitions, MOMus actively engages with the community through educational programs, workshops, and events. These initiatives aim to make art accessible to all and encourage public participation in the arts.​ In the website users can look through the "Events calendar" to find anything relared to upcoming exhibitions, events and educational programs. 

Exhibitions and collections: 

The MOMus–Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, established in 1998 and housed in Warehouse A at the Port of Thessaloniki since 2001, is Greece's sole museum dedicated exclusively to the art of photography. Its archives and collection comprise approximately 120.000 negatives and photographic objects from 1890-2024, including the archives of Yiannis Stylianou, Socrates Iordanidis and Dimitris Letsios. The institution also functions as a depository for the Greek part of the Fred Boissonnas archive. The enrichment of its collections, the creation of a systematized archive, the presentation of photographic art in other cities within and outside the country’s borders, as well as the organization of the Thessaloniki Photobiennale are also among its mains objectives. 

Digital collections and online offerings: 

The MOMus website provides access to digital collections, allowing users to view artworks, read descriptions and learn about artists. The search interface offers various filters to refine searches, including:​

• Museum: Filter by specific museum branches, such as the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography.

• Collection: Select from various collections, including the Fred Boissonnas Archive, Dimitris Letsios Archive, and more.

• Creator: Search for works by specific photographers or artists.

• Artwork Type: Filter by the type of item, such as photographs, negatives or prints.

• ​Year: Specify a date range to find works from particular periods.

These filters facilitate a tailored exploration experience, allowing users to navigate through the vast array of photographic works. As of the latest available data, the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki (MOMus) has approximately 7,064 digitized items accessible online. Those items are works from all of the museums under the MOMus umbrella. The Thessaloniki Museum of Photography has 870 digitalized items accessible online. The platform includes zoom functionalities and metadata for each item, offering insights into the artwork's background and significance.

Copyright and usage: 

MOMus ensures that all digital content is used responsibly, respecting copyright laws and the rights of artists. Users are encouraged to consult the website's terms of use for guidelines on accessing and sharing content. 

Newsletter and recent additions: 

Visitors can subscribe to the MOMus newsletter to stay informed about upcoming exhibitions, events, and new additions to the collections. The website regularly updates its content, reflecting the dynamic nature of the institution's offerings.

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Social media presence: 

MOMus maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, sharing news, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with the public. These channels serve as a bridge between the institution and its audience, fostering a vibrant online community (Facebook, Instagram). 

Visiting instructions: 

Ticket prices:           

                                                          

 

Access instructions: