In 2026, the Thessaloniki International Fair takes on a distinctive anniversary character, marking 100 years since its inaugural edition in 1926. A century of continuous presence, evolution and contribution to the country’s economic, business, social and cultural life provides the starting point for a special tribute that looks beyond a historical retrospective to turn its gaze towards the future.
In this context, TIF-HELEXPO, in collaboration with MOMus–Museum of Contemporary Art, presents a specially designed exhibition that adopts a contemporary museological and museographic approach, highlighting the Fair’s enduring relationship with innovation, technological progress and the major changes that have shaped each era. Running from 5 September to 1 November 2026, the exhibition, titled “TIF: 100 Years of the Future,” invites visitors to follow the timeline of an institution that has consistently served as a meeting point for ideas, people, businesses and technological developments.
From the pioneering innovations presented at the TIF pavilions—including the first radio broadcasts in 1926, the connection with the rest of the world via shortwave radio in 1935, long before the advent of the internet and satellites, and the first live television broadcast in 1960—to the contemporary challenges of the digital age and sustainable development, visitors will trace the journey of an organisation that has played an active role in shaping change.
Through a rich archive of material, rare photographs, historical documents, audiovisual projections and contemporary storytelling techniques, the exhibition also brings to light the most significant moments of a century-long journey, the milestones that marked the history of TIF, and the vision shaping its future. The historical narrative culminates in the presentation of New TIF, the major redevelopment project for the exhibition and conference centre, which marks the beginning of the institution’s second century. At the crossroads of this transformative journey, a historic site is being reshaped without severing its ties with memory, enabling it to continue welcoming all that has yet to happen.
The presentation of the exhibition at MOMus–Museum of Contemporary Art is almost self-evident, given the institution’s organic connection with TIF since 1991, when it moved into the former DEI pavilion and began developing its activities there, as well as within the framework of TIF’s major redevelopment plans.
From 5 to 13 September 2026, admission is free for all visitors holding a ticket to the 90th TIF, with the museum open from 10:00 to 21:00. The schedule for guided tours is as follows: weekdays (Monday–Friday, 7–11 September): 18:00; weekends (12–13 September): 12:00 and 18:00.
After the conclusion of TIF, guided tours will take place every Thursday at 18:00 and Saturday at 12:00.
