Thessaloniki Municipal Art Gallery Casa Bianca

Casa Bianca, one of the most impressive villas in Thessaloniki, is home to the city's Municipal Art Gallery. The building, a notable example of eclectic architecture with influences from neo-Renaissance and French styles, was constructed in 1911 by the Italian architect Pietro Arigoni for the Jewish businessman Diogo Fernandez Dias, who intended it as his residence.

The villa was named "Casa Bianca" by Dias's wife, Bianca, with the name meaning "White House" in Italian. During the occupation, the Dias family abandoned the villa, and it was used by the Germans as accommodation for senior officers. After the war, the villa was acquired by the Greek state and eventually became property of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.

In 1983, Casa Bianca was designated a listed monument, and its renovation began in 2003, concluding in 2010. Today, the villa houses the Thessaloniki Municipal Art Gallery, which features both permanent and temporary art exhibitions. The gallery’s collection includes works by Greek and international artists, with a focus on contemporary and modern art.

In addition to its rich art collection, Casa Bianca offers visitors the opportunity to admire the building's architecture, which stands as one of the most iconic examples of urban architecture in Thessaloniki. The gallery also serves as a cultural venue, hosting a variety of events and activities that promote art and culture in the city.