Bringing History to Life

The Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior, Sector of Macedonia–Thrace, and the National Historical Museum, co-organized a dual temporary exhibition at the Thessaloniki Administration Building (Dioikitirio), titled “Bringing History to Life.”

The exhibition was inaugurated on Monday, October 27, 2025, by His Excellency the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Konstantinos Tasoulas, and is dedicated to the Macedonian Struggle, the Greek–Italian War of 1940–41, and the Occupation of 1941–1944.

The first thematic section, devoted to the Macedonian Struggle and titled “Tribute to the Macedonian Struggle,” includes items from IMMA’s permanent collection, such as:

• the revolver and leather cartridge pouch of Pavlos Melas, leading figure of the Macedonian Struggle,

• the bloodstained flag of the fighter Papadrakos, upon which he swore in his fellow combatants,

• the Commemorative Medal of the Macedonian Struggle (1903–1909) belonging to Georgios Rombapas,

• dulamades (Macedonian overcoats),

• personal items of Vasileios Stavropoulos (Captain Korakas),

• the Cretan silver-handled dagger of chieftain Georgios Govatzidakis,

• as well as weapons of Macedonian fighters.

This section also highlights the emblematic personality of Pavlos Melas as a historical figure and national symbol, depicted through various artistic techniques—both from the period of his activity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and in works by contemporary artists. It features the preliminary sketch of Melas’s portrait, attributed to the renowned Greek painter Georgios Iakovidis, the portrait of Pavlos Melas by artist Lazaros Pandos, and his bust by sculptor Stelios Mertzanidis—all part of IMMA’s collection.

The President of the Republic toured IMMA’s collection accompanied by the Deputy Minister of the Interior for Macedonia–Thrace, Mr. Konstantinos P. Gioulekas, and IMMA’s Director, Ms. Athina Pavlidou.

The exhibition extends across two areas of the Administration Building—the foyer and the first floor—and features two thematic sections with rare exhibits and documents, many of which are being displayed in Thessaloniki for the first time.

It will remain open at the Ministry of the Interior (Macedonia–Thrace) for the next four months.
Opening hours:

• Monday to Friday: 09:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Weekends: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  Admission is free.