MOMus - Museum of Modern Art - Kostakis Collection

About

MOMus – Museum of Modern Art, Kostakis Collection is one of Thessaloniki’s most distinctive cultural treasures, housing the world’s most important ensemble of Russian avant‑garde art. The collection was assembled by George Kostakis, a passionate collector who preserved works that were once suppressed or forgotten in the Soviet Union. Today, the museum offers a rare, vivid window into the explosive creativity of early 20th‑century artists who reshaped modern art. Inside, visitors encounter bold geometric compositions, experimental colour studies, and visionary designs by pioneers such as Malevich, Popova, and Rodchenko. The galleries highlight the evolution of Suprematism and Constructivism, movements that broke radically with tradition and embraced abstraction, technology, and new social ideals. Archival materials—letters, photographs, and sketches—reveal how these artists worked, collaborated, and challenged the limits of form. A particularly engaging section focuses on avant‑garde theatre and stage design, showcasing costumes and set concepts that demonstrate the era’s interdisciplinary spirit. The museum also presents rotating exhibitions that connect the Kostakis Collection with contemporary artistic dialogues, keeping the space dynamic and relevant.

Thessaloniki Greece

Location

The MOMus - Museum of Modern Art - Kostakis Collection in Thessaloniki is in a very interesting cultural spot, a bit outside the city center but totally worth the short trip. The address is 21 Kolokotroni Street, Moni Lazariston, Stavroupoli, Thessaloniki 564 30, Greece. It's located inside the Moni Lazariston complex, which is a restored old monastery turned into a cultural center in the western part of the city. It's easy to reach by bus or car from the center, and the whole complex has a calm, artistic vibe with courtyards and exhibition spaces. Even though it's not on the waterfront, you are still close to some nice places to explore. The complex itself hosts theaters, concerts and other exhibitions, so there is always something happening around the museum. Not far away you have the Pavlos Melas Park and the area of Stavroupoli with local cafes and shops. If you head back towards the center, you can easily continue to the main sights like the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, the White Tower of Thessaloniki on the seafront, and the historic area around Aristotelous Square. It's a great place to combine modern art with a broader tour of the city's museums and monuments.