Greece is one of the most popular countries where you can combine summer holidays on the picturesque coasts of several seas with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of one of the oldest countries in the world. But could you imagine that during your vacation you can meet a place that will stimulate you to study the laws of nature, physics and even ancient technologies? No, you won’t have to puzzle at all over the meaning of the names of various devices that are familiar only to scientists. It is easy and interesting to explore the world from new angles with NOESIS, because it is the only place not only in Thessaloniki, but also in the whole of Greece, where several institutions, which are aimed at the study of science and technology, are skillfully combined. The acquiring of the most important knowledge takes place here in an extraordinary form and becomes equally interesting for both children and adults.
On the outskirts of the Northern capital of Greece, on a huge, well-organized territory there is a large modern building of the Scientific center and Museum of technology in Thessaloniki. NOESIS is one of the most interesting museums, the main purpose of which is popularization of science and technology. On an area of 15 thousand square metres, there is everything you need for a great leisure for the whole family: a digital planetarium, a cosmotheatre, a simulator, exhibitions, which demonstrate vehicles and ancient technologies.
In Greek the name of the complex means "thinking" — this is how the connection between the organization activities and human understanding becomes clear, since the main goal of NOESIS is to make scientific knowledge simple and available for all.
Since the very appearance, the center has been constantly expanding its scope of activities and now it brings together under the same roof the lovers of science and technology of all ages. In addition to the main exhibits and halls, students can study Physics and Chemistry in special educational programs, as well as during a variety of scientific shows, lectures, interactive children's parties and theme holidays. NOESIS is a very unusual museum in Thessaloniki that helps to understand and love science since childhood.
The Thessaloniki Technical Museum was first opened in 1978. The main purpose of this non-profit cultural and educational institution was to display the various historical stages of the development of science and technology. The expositions were placed on an area of 500 square metres, but 11 years later, this space became increasingly small. It was decided to move the Museum to another building, the size of which was 3 times larger than the previous one, which allowed to open a library, a workshop and a lecture hall, as well as to start holding new thematic exhibitions. But rapid development has led to the new need — to build new spacious building. The government of Greece and the European Investment Bank provided comprehensive support and funded the construction of the modern complex, which occupies 15000 square meters. In 2004, NOESIS was opened for the public.
On the territory of NOESIS, everything around seems to be some kind of parallel reality. The extraordinary design of the building allows to focus on the atmosphere of fantasy, and when you are inside you may appear in a time trap — hours, which you spend in the halls of the complex and at exhibitions, fly by with an incredible speed. On the territory of any of the halls you can easily understand the laws of Physics, the secrets of the Universe, see what models of cars forever entered the history of the automotive industry, retrace the development path of photography, radio and television, and find many other ways to have lively time .
The Science center and Technology museum is an area of special understanding of science, where the visitors do not just watch and listen, but also act and intervene into the process of education accordingly. For effective perception of new knowledge, it is recommended to visit each of the halls.
The only digital planetarium in Thessaloniki is located in NOESIS. The room is designed for 160 seats and has an 18-metre dome, which completely covers the range of vision of the visitors. After the recent upgrading, it has a modern projection system, a dome screen extender and a system of wireless headphones providing narration in Greek and English. All about the Solar system, meteorites, planets and black holes — unforgettable experience is waiting for you!
This special hall is designed for 300 spectators and is equipped with the largest flat screen not only in Greece, but also in the whole Southern Europe — its size is 17 × 23 metres! Here you can watch 2D and 3D educational movies about dinosaurs, space or underwater ocean life. Super bright images are complemented by surround sound, which is created by 11 amplifiers and 30 speakers. The wireless headphone system allows you to listen to the text in two languages.
18 seats, moving on 6 axes, help to appreciate the full feeling of the chosen situation — during a trip to space or a walk along the ocean bed. 3D stereoscopic show is a photorealistic three-dimensional computer animation, digital surround sound and moving base, simulating being under water, on a sandy beach, rock or lava after a volcanic eruption. Adventure-seekers will definitely love it here!
1. “The Automobile Technology exhibition” is the first automobile exhibition of this kind in Greece. Here you can see the models of cars that left a significant mark in the history of the automotive industry. During 250 years after the first steam car appeared, many significant changes have taken place not only in the outside appearance, but also in the structure of the vehicles. A number of cars that have historical and educational value are represented in this hall. The exhibition consists of five main theme areas based on five best car models of the XX century: Mass production, City and environment, Technological advances, Design and society and Speed. The collection of cars in the Museum is constantly updated.
2. "Ancient Greek technologies" is the most important element of the Museum, the only exhibition of this kind, relating to the period from Prehistoric to Hellenistic and Byzantine eras. The exhibition presents more than 70 exact copies of mechanisms that demonstrate the technological achievements of ancient Greeks. Here you will see the elements of shipbuilding, construction, design and other spheres of life.
3. "Image and Sound". Here you can get acquainted with the stages of development of photography, radio and television (currently being developed).
4. "Technopark" is the very favourite part of the Museum for all visitors. Interactive and practical exhibitions provide an opportunity to gain scientific knowledge and have fun. More than 40 exhibits on the area of 450 sq.m., connected with various scientific phenomena (electricity, magnetism, optics, mechanics) will help to ramp up the desire for knowledge, to join the logic and methods of scientific thinking and just to try to understand the basic laws of different sciences. You can touch, twist, rotate and pull all the exhibits, moreover you even should do this — it is an ideal place for a visit with young children. Here you can take a close look for a long time at the concept of optical illusion on the example of Einstein's mask, play with light spots on the floor that disappear when you move, see your image in a thermal camera, try to solve puzzles, play with the rays of a laser harp, find out your weight on different planets, become a part of the electricity generation system and even lift the car alone!
All the exhibitions are complemented by a personal audio guide system.
In the building of the centre, there is a cafe and a restaurant, which offers a beautiful view of the city. There is also a gift shop selling textbooks, specialized publications and souvenirs.
Noesis is located in the Eastern part of Thessaloniki in the Thermi district. It is situated close to the national highway leading from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki, a 5-minute drive from the bypass road. You can get to the Technology museum by car or by public transport and taxi.
In order to get to the territory, you need to follow the signs indicating the way back to Thessaloniki. Look for the signs of brown color with the inscription "NOESIS". The free car parking is available on territory.
If you decide to get to the complex by public transport, take the bus number 66 (stops at "Zoni Kenotomias"), as well as No.36, 36Β, 36Ε, 36Κ, 36Ρ, 36Υ, 36Ζ.
