The museum’s history
The Ethnological Museum of Thrace is a Non – Profit Organization that has been open since 2002, with the purpose of preserving the historical memory of Thrace as well as studying and showcasing Thrace’s culture to the rest of the world. Based in Alexandroupolis in a stone neo-classical building constructed in 1899, it is a self-funded establishment occasionally funded by various organizations.
An active force in the cultural activities of the wider area of Thrace, in 2005 it was nominated for the European Museum Award and received praise for its contribution to the local society.
In 2015, the Ethnological Museum of Thrace was honored by the Benaki Museum for its significant role in keeping the historical memory of Thrace alive, as well as for its research and promotion of the traditions and customs in Thrace on a national and international level.
A note from the founder and owner of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace, Mrs. Angeliki Giannakidou:
“my life-long relationship with the traditions of Thrace has led me to the creation of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace with the sole purpose to safeguard the authenticity of Thrace’s culture, as well as to promote the individual and diverse expression of the ethnic groups of the wider region, where for centuries, they have been leaving their mark on a daily basis. I feel that the ethnological and historical collection of the Museum, which took a lot of time and effort to collect, does more than just contribute to the preservation of the local history and tradition. It offers a unique view to the past and plays a key part in shaping the future.”
