Istanbul Archaeological Museums History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, located in Istanbul, Turkey, comprise a complex of three main units: the Archaeology Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum.

As Turkey’s first museum, the Archaeology Museum boasts an impressive collection of over one million artifacts from various cultures, primarily gathered from the territories of the former Ottoman Empire.

History and Key Exhibits

• The need for a museum building arose following the discovery of significant artifacts from the Sidon King Necropolis Excavations (Sayda, Lebanon) in 1887-1888, including the Alexander Sarcophagus and the Sarcophagus of Tabnit.
• Founded under the leadership of archaeologist, painter, and museologist Osman Hamdi Bey, the museum was initially named Müze-i Hümayun (Imperial Museum) and opened to the public on June 13, 1891.
• Designed by renowned architect Alexandre Vallaury, the main museum building was expanded in 1903 and 1908 with the addition of the left and right wings.
• The exhibits in the main building are arranged chronologically, emphasizing ancient centers. Notable pieces include the Mourning Women Sarcophagus, the Sarcophagus of Tabnit, the Alexander Sarcophagus, Brankhid statues from the Sacred Way of Didyma-Miletus, Kore and Kouros statues, the Lion Statue from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, a head of Aphrodite from the famous Pergamon Altar, a portrait of Alexander the Great, and sculptural works from the three great marble cities of the Roman era: Aphrodisias, Ephesus, and Miletus.

Current Exhibitions and Access

• Due to renovation and rearrangement works, certain sections, including “Ancient Tomb Culture,” “Anatolia’s Columned Sarcophagi,” and “Ancient Period Anatolian Architectural Examples,” are temporarily closed to visitors.
• The north wing of the museum, the Tiled Kiosk, and the Museum of the Ancient Orient are also closed due to exhibition and arrangement works.

Visitor Information

• Address: Alemdar Street, Osman Hamdi Bey Slope, Gülhane, Istanbul
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0212 520 77 40
• Opening Hours: 09:00 to 18:30, with the ticket office closing at 17:30. The museum is open daily.
• Entrance Fee: 340 TL. The museum is currently open.
• Audio guide service is available.

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are a treasure trove of artifacts spanning various cultures and epochs, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and archaeology.