Antalya Museum (Antalya Müzesi) Enhancing the region’s tours

Your visit to Antalya should absolutely include a visit to one of the many ancient ruins near the city center, but if you are a history lover, the Antalya Museum should also be on your list. After years of ongoing excavation and restoration, most ruins have been stripped of the things that give you a real glimpse into what life was like in ancient times. A visit to the exquisite Antalya Museum will help fill in some of the gaps. Read on to find out what you can see at the city center museum and get some insider tips.

What can you see at the Antalya Museum?

Inside the Antalya Museum you will find prehistoric remains discovered in the nearby Karain Cave, an extensive collection of sculptures from the ancient city of Perge as well as artifacts from a more recent era from St. Nicholas Church. 

You begin by walking through time, first viewing the prehistoric remains and slowly working your way to the Emperor’s Hall, which features an extensive collection of ancient sculptures within arm’s reach. But, don’t touch.

The exhibit houses a broad collection of sarcophagi, reminding us of the incredible wealth and artistic ability that existed in the early centuries. Head up the stairs to view the impressive display of coins uncovered in nearby Elmalı, as well as the icons and other small artifacts found during the excavations.

There is even more to see as you head outside into the museum’s garden area lined with various pieces of antiquity. Outside you can access the gift shop and café before heading back out the entrance through the free parking lot. 

Insider Tips

• Parking is free, but if the parking lot is not very big. If several large tour buses are taking up a lot of space, parking could be limited.
• We suggest visiting on a weekday in the morning. Crowds should be smaller and you will be able to enjoy the museum more.
• Plan on 1-2 hours to peruse the different exhibits, or longer if you are the kind of person who likes to read all of the signs and information.
• The Antalya Museum might be worth seeing before you head out to Perge, Aspendos or Karain Cave, as the pieces will enrich those visits.
• The museum is well maintained and overall a very enjoyable experience, even for upper elementary and middle school-aged children. However, younger children who aren’t history lovers will most likely get bored and also desire to touch all of the sculptures and statues standing around begging for little hands to explore them. It might not be worth the stress of the visit. 
• The cafe and garden area are free to enter. If you have a mixed age group that includes younger kids who are not entertained by looking at ancient artifacts, don’t pay money to chase youngsters through the museum. Instead, after you pass through security, go straight out the back doors to the garden and let them run around (supervised) while others enjoy the inside.
• In warmer months, be sure to look for the peacocks lounging in the garden, as well as the myriad of cats who call the Antalya Museum home.
• If you are starving when you leave the museum, you don’t have to go far to find dozens of food options. Check out the Sahil Antalya Yaşam Parkı for coffee, snacks, or a meal.
• More detailed information about the Antalya Museum can be found here. 

How to get there

Conveniently located across the street from Varyant Terrace overlook of Konyaaltı Beach and just up from Atatürk Park, the museum is at the end of the Nostalgic Tram line. It is also easily reached by multiple buses stopping at Müze 1 or 2.

Address: Bahçelievler Mah.  Konyaaltı Cad. No 88 Muratpaşa/Antalya

Tel: 0 242 238 5688

Hours: Sunday- Saturday from 08:30 – 21:00 (Last entrance at 20:45)

Entrance fee: Free with a museum card. Otherwise, check the website for latest prices.