Located in Antalya, the largest city on the Turkish Riviera and the country's fifth-most populous city, the Antalya Museum or Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of Turkey's most important and visited museums. With a rich assortment of artifacts that span the region's vast history, it serves as a significant attraction for both cultural and historical tourism.
The founding of the Antalya Museum dates back to the early 20th century, post World War I, when the region was under Italian military occupation. To prevent the smuggling of historical artifacts, a local teacher and a commander of the Italian garrison initiated the gathering of historical items, which laid the foundations for the museum.
In its formative years, the Antalya Museum was housed in the Alaeddin Mosque until it was moved to the Yivli Minaret Mosque and then to the Fluted Minaret Mosque, reflecting a nomadic beginning rooted in the conservation and celebration of the region's diverse history. It found its permanent home in 1972 when it was moved to its current location near the Konyaaltı Beach, and since then, the museum has continued to grow, both in its collections and its importance for tourism and education.
The museum boasts 13 exhibition halls and an open-air gallery. It contains over 5,000 works of art and an immense number of artifacts that date from the Stone Age to the Byzantine period. Highlights include Roman-era sarcophagi, coins, mosaics, statues, and intricately carved tombs, as well as a gallery dedicated to the remains of the ancient city of Perge, which is one of Turkey's richest archaeological sites.
The Antalya Museum has played a vital role in the city's tourism since its establishment. As an area rich in history and archaeological sites, Antalya draws countless visitors eager to explore the remnants of classical civilizations like the Lycians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The museum not only acts as a major attraction itself but also informs and enriches the experience of visiting other nearby sites.
In recent years, Antalya has experienced a surge in tourism, with an increasing number of tourists drawn to its cultural as well as its beach-focused offerings. Combination holidays, which blend relaxation with cultural excursions, are becoming highly popular. Tourists often visit the museum as part of a wider exploration of Antalya's historic sites, including the ancient cities of Aspendos, Side, and Termessos, among others.
Furthermore, there has been a growing interest in sustainable tourism practices, with visitors becoming more conscious of the environmental and cultural impact of their travels. Antalya, along with its museum, is responding to this trend by promoting measures that ensure the protection and conservation of its historical assets while delivering educational experiences to the global audience.
The Antalya Museum is open every day of the week except Monday. Visitors are encouraged to check the official museum website or local tourist information for up-to-date visitation hours, as these can vary seasonally.
Beaches (3)
Religious Places (4)
Historical Places (39)
Museums (16)
National Parks (1)
Villages (3)
Zoos (1)
