From the photographic collection of the Museum of Photography “Christos Kalemkeris” of the Municipality of Kalamaria
At the Museum of Byzantine Culture, Temporary Exhibitions Hall
“Kyriakos Krokos”, 2 Stratou Avenue
Exhibition duration: October 15 to December 31, 2025
Opening hours: www.mbp.gr
Opening: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 8:00 p.m.
Organization: Museum of Photography “Christos Kalemkeris”
of the Municipality of Kalamaria
Host: Museum of Byzantine Culture
Free admission

How did photography manage the depiction of reality in its early years? What are the modern means of enhancing that reality? What is the role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the perception of reality? How is Artificial Intelligence related to Cultural Heritage? What is the role of archival photography?

All these concerns are reflected in the photographic exhibition, based on images of Thessaloniki in the 19th and 20th centuries, which are included in the rare photographic archive of the Kalemkeris Museum and compose a pictorial tour of the city. At the same time, Artificial Intelligence is utilized through various technological practices, in order to highlight its potential in enhancing reality.

The processing and reconstruction of archival photography generates new images, new emotions and a sense of experiential involvement in the reality of the past. The landscapes and neighborhoods of Thessaloniki acquire color, movement and vitality. The costumes may differ, but the gaze of the people of the time seems to meet the gaze of modern passers-by. The ships in the port follow the waves. People wander the streets, hurried, heading towards their daily obligations. The tram crosses the coastal avenue. The Arch of Galerius, the Kamara, appears not only as a monument but as a living hub of the city, on the bustling Egnatia Street. Artificial Intelligence enhances the depicted reality and invites the viewer to an experiential “immersion” in the urban environment of Thessaloniki at the beginning of the 20th century.

Contributors

• Conception and General Curation: Pavlos Kalemkeris
• Museological Archive Curation: Kalliopi Valtopoulou
• Exhibition Design and Implementation Curation: Thomas Tsoukalas
• Collaborators: G. Sagmatopoulou, A. Karamichail, N. Goudas. M. Baxevani
• Digital Applications: Thodoris Rantos

• Press Release