Summary of IMMA Activities
for International Museum Day 2026

The activities organized by the Foundation of the Museum for the Macedonian Struggle and the Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA) in Thessaloniki, as part of the celebration of International Museum Day 2026, concluded with remarkable success and strong participation from audiences of all age groups.

Following this year’s theme of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” IMMA highlighted the role of museums as spaces for dialogue, social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, education, and cultural diplomacy through a multi-day program of events open to the public free of charge.

The events began on Saturday, May 16, with a thematic guided tour of the Museum’s permanent collection, accompanied by simultaneous interpretation in Greek Sign Language, enhancing accessibility and inclusion at IMMA.

On Sunday, May 17, IMMA participated for the second consecutive year in the co-organization of the interactive educational family event “MUSEUMS in ACTION – Culture 4 Family,” involving five museums in Thessaloniki (the Olympic Museum of Thessaloniki, the Museum for the Macedonian Struggle, the Maritime Museum, the Aristotle Museum of Natural History of Thessaloniki (AMNHT), and the NOESIS Science Center & Technology Museum). IMMA presented the intercultural educational activity/game “Museums that Unite the World!” at the outdoor area of the Maritime Museum at Pier A of the Port of Thessaloniki. The activity attracted families, children, and young people, promoting cooperation and cultural engagement through play.

On Monday, May 18, the day of the official celebration, two guided tours with free admission were conducted at IMMA’s permanent collection, attracting increased visitor participation. At the same time, the educational program “Transformations of a City” was implemented with the participation of students from the 41st Primary School of Thessaloniki, giving children the opportunity to explore aspects of the city’s history and evolution through contemporary museum education approaches.

On the same day, IMMA Director Ms. Athena Pavlidou participated in the conference “Museum Tourism: Social & Economic Development,” co-organized by the Olympic Museum of Thessaloniki and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce & Industry, with the support of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization. The aim of the conference was to highlight the role of museums as dynamic institutions of cultural experience and outward engagement. In her presentation, Ms. Pavlidou emphasized the importance of connecting the museum with the city, tourism, and Thessaloniki’s contemporary cultural identity, while also presenting IMMA’s international and digital initiatives.

The series of events concluded on Tuesday, May 19, with the opening of the Museum’s new temporary exhibition entitled: “Thessaloniki in the Late 19th – Early 20th Century: Social and Cultural Life.” The inauguration brought together representatives from diplomacy, politics, academia, cultural institutions, local government, and a large number of visitors. The exhibition sheds light on important aspects of everyday life, social dynamics, and the cultural identity of Thessaloniki during a particularly critical historical period.

IMMA warmly thanks all visitors, partner organizations, educators, collaborators, and participants who contributed meaningfully to the success of this year’s International Museum Day celebration.

IMMA remains committed to developing initiatives with a social impact that bring together diverse communities and establish the museum as a vibrant, open, accessible, and participatory cultural space for everyone.