The Folklife and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace, founded in 1970, is situated in Thessaloniki. Housed in an old mansion built in 1906 by the architect Eli Modiano, the “Old Government House” or “Villa Modiano” as it is known reflects a strong Art Nouveau inspiration. Aiming to preserve the intangible cultural heritage of the region, the museum focuses on the study and research of the past, conserving memories for the generations to come.

The collection features over 20,000 artefacts, mainly from northern Greece, including silversmithing, woven textiles, embroideries, woodwork, ceramics, musical instruments. All aspects of the community's daily life are documented. Two exhibitions are on permanent display: one presents traditional costumes of Macedonia and Thrace from 1860-1960. The second one covers pre-industrial technology and the exploitation of water as a source of energy for the grinding of grain, the ripping of logs and the pounding of woollen clothes.