Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum, Ankara
Museum in Ankara
In the heart of Ankara, the Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum - also known as the National Museum of Natural History - offers a captivating journey through the universe, Earth's geological past, and the diversity of life. Established in 1968, it remains Türkiye's first and only museum dedicated to natural history. With four floors of thoughtfully curated exhibits, this museum is one of the top attractions in Ankara, especially for science enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about how our planet came to be.
History and Significance
The Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum opened its doors in 1968 and moved to its current modern building in 2003. Named in honor of Martyr Cuma Dağ, the museum continues to inspire curiosity and scientific awareness. It houses nearly 100,000 samples and operates as both a research institution and an educational hub, engaging schools and visitors across Türkiye through its “Traveling Museum Activities” and hands-on science projects.
Beyond its exhibitions, the museum’s laboratories for paleontology, mineralogy, petrography, and gemology make it a center for ongoing research, contributing to the preservation and study of Türkiye’s geological and biological heritage.
Things to See and Do
The museum unfolds across four fascinating floors, each offering something unique:
- Ground Floor: Begin your visit with a cosmic perspective in the Space and Solar System section, featuring meteorites and the famous “thunderstone.” Nearby, the diorama hall showcases Türkiye’s flora and fauna - from common birds to rare and endangered species like the Anatolian panther. Fossil lovers will enjoy seeing the remains of extinct giants such as the Maraş elephant and Gomphotherium angustidens.
- Visually Impaired Section: A thoughtful area with tactile exhibits and Braille labels ensures accessibility for all visitors.
- Second Floor: Explore the Earth’s crust through displays of minerals, rocks, and metallic ores. The Gemstones Section glitters with colorful crystals from Türkiye and around the world, while the Mining History of Türkiye exhibit traces humanity’s evolving relationship with natural resources - from Bronze Age tools to modern mining.
- Third Floor: The Science Tunnel, added in 2017, offers an immersive experience featuring geological heritage sites of Türkiye, South African safari parks, vibrant flower displays, and underwater reef ecosystems.
This museum is a highlight of any walking tour of Ankara, combining education, interactivity, and visual appeal in equal measure.
How to Get There
The museum is located within Ankara’s city center, easily accessible by bus, metro, or taxi. The nearest metro stop is Kurtuluş, about a 10-minute walk away. Those driving can find limited parking nearby.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Year-round, especially on weekdays for fewer crowds
- Entrance fee in Euros: Around €2-€3
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours
- Accessibility: Excellent; includes facilities for visually impaired visitors
- Facilities: Restrooms, museum shop, educational areas
- Photography tip: The gemstone displays and dioramas are especially photogenic under natural lighting
- Guided tours: Offered for school groups and available upon request
- Nearby food options: Cafes and restaurants around the Kurtuluş and Kızılay districts
Is the Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Whether you're fascinated by fossils, dazzled by gemstones, or intrigued by outer space, the museum offers a rare opportunity to explore the natural world in a hands-on, beautifully organized way. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ankara, especially for families and those who appreciate science and discovery.
What Other Travellers Say...
Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi on Dumlupınar Boulevard in Çukurambar is a family-friendly natural history museum showcasing minerals, rare fossils and model reconstructions including dinosaurs and mammoths; visitors note it’s especially engaging for children, offers displays of fossilized shellfish and mammals, and is valued for presenting the country’s underground finds—open Tuesday through Sunday 9:00–16:00 (closed Monday).
Nearby Attractions
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations - A world-class museum showcasing Türkiye's archaeological heritage
- Erimtan Archaeology & Art Museum - A stunning modern museum blending art and history
- Ankara Castle - Offering panoramic views and charming old-city streets
- Hacettepe University Museum - Another cultural stop nearby for academic and historical exhibits
The Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum isn't just a showcase of specimens - it's a celebration of curiosity, evolution, and the endless wonders of the natural world, right in the heart of Ankara.
The Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ankara!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Nearby Attractions
- Anıtkabir (4.1) km
Mausoleum - Atakule Tower (5.2) km
Tower - Gençlik Park (5.8) km
Park - Melike Hatun Mosque (6.2) km
Mosque - War of Independence Museum (6.4) km
Museum - Ulus Square (6.5) km
Monument and Square - Column of Julian (6.7) km
Roman Site - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (6.7) km
Museum - Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum (6.8) km
Museum - Erimtan Archaeology & Art Museum (6.8) km
Museum
