Antalya Archaeology Museum

Museum in Antalya

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dat doris

The Antalya Archaeology Museum offers visitors a deep and fascinating journey through the history of the Mediterranean and Pamphylia regions. Located in Konyaaltı, just a short distance from the city centre, this award-winning museum is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Antalya for anyone interested in archaeology, history, or art. With 13 exhibition halls, an open-air gallery, and thousands of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era, it's a must-see for culture lovers exploring Turkey's southern coast.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do

The Hall of Gods
The Roman Imperial Hall
The Mosaic and Sarcophagus Halls
The Prehistoric and Byzantine Exhibits
Outdoor Gallery and Sculpture Garden

Practical Tips for Visitors
How to Get There
Is the Antalya Archaeology Museum Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The museum's origins are as inspiring as its collections. After World War I, when Antalya was under Italian occupation, foreign archaeologists began removing antiquities from the region. In response, a local historian named Süleyman Fikri Bey took it upon himself to protect the city's cultural heritage. He established the first version of the Antalya Museum in 1922 inside the Alâeddin Mosque. The museum later moved to the Yivli Minaret Mosque in 1937 and finally found its permanent home in 1972.

The museum underwent major renovations in the 1980s, reopening in 1985 with a modern layout and new exhibits. Its mission has always been to preserve and showcase the region's history — from prehistoric settlements to the classical cities of Perge, Side, and Aspendos. In recognition of its dedication to education and cultural preservation, the Antalya Archaeology Museum received the prestigious “European Council Special Prize” in 1988.

Things to See and Do

The Hall of Gods

One of the museum's most impressive galleries, the Hall of Gods, features magnificent marble statues discovered in the ancient city of Perge. These statues — representing Zeus, Artemis, Aphrodite, and Apollo — are masterpieces of Roman sculpture, and their craftsmanship is breathtaking.

The Roman Imperial Hall

This section showcases the grandeur of the Roman Empire, with portraits, busts, and decorative reliefs from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Visitors can admire statues of emperors and empresses that once adorned the public spaces of Pamphylian cities.

The Mosaic and Sarcophagus Halls

The museum's mosaic collection is particularly striking, with intricate patterns and mythological scenes preserved from villas in the region. The Sarcophagus Hall includes beautifully carved tombs, such as the famous Sarcophagus of Heracles, depicting the hero's legendary labours in marble.

The Prehistoric and Byzantine Exhibits

Earlier periods of Anatolian history are represented in the Prehistoric Hall, featuring tools, pottery, and sculptures from ancient settlements. The Byzantine collection offers religious artifacts, icons, and coins that trace the region's transformation through the medieval period.

Outdoor Gallery and Sculpture Garden

In addition to the indoor exhibits, the open-air gallery allows visitors to enjoy sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural fragments under Antalya's blue skies. The serene garden atmosphere makes it easy to imagine these works in their original ancient settings.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
How long to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum at a relaxed pace.
Photography tip: Natural light from the museum's high windows enhances marble details — a must for art photography.
Facilities: Restrooms, museum shop, and café available on site.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with ramps and elevators for visitors with mobility needs.
Guided tours: Available in multiple languages, offering historical context to key exhibits.
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants line Konyaaltı Street, serving Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.
Entrance fee:
Opening hours:
Official website:

How to Get There

The Antalya Archaeology Museum is located in the Konyaaltı district, about 2 kilometres west of the city centre and easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can take the AntRay tram to the Museum stop (Müze) or a short taxi ride from Kaleiçi or the Old City Marina. If driving, parking is available nearby. Its location near the coast makes it convenient to combine a museum visit with a stroll along Konyaaltı Beach.

Is the Antalya Archaeology Museum Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Antalya Archaeology Museum is one of the must-see places in Antalya and among the finest museums in Turkey. It provides an in-depth look at the region's past, from the ancient civilizations of Pamphylia to the splendour of the Roman Empire. The quality of its sculptures rivals those of the world's top museums, yet it retains an intimate, accessible feel. Even visitors without a deep interest in history will appreciate the beauty and storytelling behind each artifact. For anyone wanting to understand Antalya's rich cultural layers, this museum is an essential stop.

Nearby Attractions

The museum's location in Konyaaltı makes it easy to explore several top sights in Antalya nearby. The picturesque Konyaaltı Beach is just a short walk away, perfect for relaxing after your visit. The Old Town (Kaleiçi), with its cobbled streets and Ottoman-era houses, is a few minutes by tram. Also nearby are Karaalioglu Park and the Atatürk Monument, both offering scenic views of the Mediterranean. Visiting the Antalya Archaeology Museum is an ideal way to start or end a day discovering the city's timeless beauty and rich history.

The Antalya Archaeology Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Antalya!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!