Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Explore millennia of human history in Anatolia, from Paleolithic tools to Hittite treasures, housed in a stunning 15th-century marketplace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore millennia of human history in Anatolia, from Paleolithic tools to Hittite treasures, housed in a stunning 15th-century marketplace.
"A gem of a museum! Has deservedly won the European Museum of the Year Award some years back."
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 2-3 hours to explore; it's packed with history! :clock1:
Combine with Castle Visit
It's right by Ankara Castle – perfect for a day of history! :castle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Paleolithic Venus Figurines
Paleolithic Era Section
Discover ancient 'Venus' figurines, offering a glimpse into early human art and beliefs.
Hittite Empire Treasures
Hittite Period Section
Marvel at intricate artifacts from the powerful Hittite civilization, including the famous Grave Sun Disk Ornament.
Restored Marketplace Architecture
Museum Building
Experience history within a beautifully restored Ottoman marketplace, a gem in Ankara's cityscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive
Combine with Ankara Castle Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 2-3 hours to explore; it's packed with history! :clock1:
Combine with Castle Visit
It's right by Ankara Castle – perfect for a day of history! :castle:
Student Discounts Available
Students can get discounted entry, check current prices. :moneywithwings:
Read Section Intros
Each section has a brief history; it enhances the viewing experience. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Give yourself 2-3 hours to explore; it's packed with history! :clock1:
Combine with Castle Visit
It's right by Ankara Castle – perfect for a day of history! :castle:
Student Discounts Available
Students can get discounted entry, check current prices. :moneywithwings:
Read Section Intros
Each section has a brief history; it enhances the viewing experience. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations as a 'gem' and a 'must-see' in Ankara, highlighting its exceptional collection spanning from the Paleolithic era to ancient empires. The well-organized exhibits and the historical significance of the restored Ottoman marketplace building are frequently commended. Some international visitors note the entrance fee for foreigners as being on the higher side.
"Beautigul musuem abd if you are in ankara i highly recommend you to visit it. You may also visit aldo neabery musuems in the same location almost. There is many to see regarding to the hitittes and a lot of historical things regarding of haunting cooking etc from what first humain were doing."
Hady TW
"This is one of the most important Museum about Anatolic antique culture and Art. It is a great journey into the ancient art from Paleolitic period with divine feminine little sculptures (paleolitic venus), mural paintings and graffiti, decorated & zoomorphic vases, the fascinating Grave Sun Disk Ornament and primitive utensils till 1.000 BC. But nonetheless, there’a central rooms with decorared walls from ancient temples and cities.
A must-see place, expecially if you are not going to travel through the region to visit ancient ruins spread all over former Anatolia. The location of the Museum is also a nice quiet place within a nice little park and close to a typical turkish market descending back to the big avenues. The Museum has designed also some space dedicated to rest and have some talks when finished the tour. Finally, as a restored old marketplace, the building in itself is a pleasant spot in the caotic architectural melting pot of the capitol."
Michela Ricciotti
"A gem of a museum! Has deservedly won the European Museum of the Year Award some years back.
Just after you enter the main building is a description of the 11 sections of the museum and the layout of the sections.
Then at the beginning of each section is a brief history of what is exhibited and the most important things to see.
It made the viewing very enjoyable and interesting. And the exhibits - wow!! Such a great collection. It was definitely one of the best museums I’ve visited!!"
Pradhyot Somaiya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB), you can take a taxi or the HAVAŞ airport shuttle bus to the city center. From there, it's a short taxi ride or a moderate walk to the museum, which is located near Ankara Castle.
Yes, the museum is accessible via public transport. You can take buses or metro lines that go towards Ankara Castle or the Ulus district, followed by a short walk.
If you're near Ankara Castle, the museum is within easy walking distance. It's located in the historic Kaleiçi area, making it a convenient addition to your castle exploration.
Limited street parking is available in the vicinity, but it can be challenging to find a spot, especially during peak hours. Using public transport or taxis is often more convenient.
Depending on your starting point in the city center, it can be a pleasant walk, especially if you're heading towards Ankara Castle. Be prepared for some uphill sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official website or recent visitor information for the most up-to-date times.
Admission fees can vary, with a higher price for foreigners compared to locals. Students may also receive discounted rates. As of September 2025, it was around 50 TL for students.
While not always explicitly advertised, checking the official museum website or Turkish museum portals for online ticketing options is recommended to save time.
Information on free admission days is not widely publicized. It's advisable to inquire directly with the museum or check local tourism resources for any potential offers.
The museum is housed in a historic building, which may present some accessibility challenges. However, efforts are often made to accommodate visitors. It's best to contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2.5 hours exploring the museum, depending on how much time they dedicate to reading the descriptions and admiring the exhibits.
Don't miss the Paleolithic Venus figurines, the Hittite artifacts like the Grave Sun Disk Ornament, and the ancient mural paintings and graffiti. The museum's layout guides you chronologically.
Yes, there are often cafes or resting areas within or near the museum, providing a place to relax and refresh. Some TikToks mention a museum cafe near Ankara Castle.
Generally, photography without flash is permitted in most areas to allow visitors to capture memories. However, it's always wise to look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century Ottoman marketplace (bedesten), adding to its historical charm and making the building itself an exhibit.
📸 📸 Photography
The courtyard with its artifacts, the detailed displays of ancient pottery and sculptures, and the architectural elements of the restored marketplace are excellent for photos.
Photography without flash is usually allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any specific restrictions on certain sensitive artifacts.
While the museum focuses on ancient civilizations, the surrounding area near Ankara Castle offers panoramic city views, which can be a great complement to your museum visit.
The museum has a mix of natural light in the courtyard and artificial lighting within the exhibition halls. The lighting is generally good for capturing details.
A standard smartphone camera or a DSLR with a good low-light performance will suffice. Avoid using flash to protect the artifacts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for interactive elements if available, or use the museum's layout as a storytelling tool. The surrounding area near Ankara Castle also offers open spaces for kids to run around after the museum visit.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archeology Enthusiasts
Take your time to read the detailed descriptions and contextual information provided for each exhibit. The museum's organization into distinct chronological sections allows for a thorough understanding of the evolution of art, culture, and technology in Anatolia.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Journey Through Anatolian Eras
The museum then progresses to the Neolithic period, highlighting settlements like Çatalhöyük and demonstrating the development of agriculture and early social structures. Visitors can see early pottery, tools, and architectural models that illustrate how these ancient communities lived.
Further exhibits delve into the Bronze Age and the rise of powerful civilizations like the Hittites. This is a major highlight, featuring impressive artifacts such as the iconic Grave Sun Disk Ornament, intricate metalwork, and cuneiform tablets that offer insights into their administration and beliefs.
The Building: A Historical Gem
Walking through the museum, you can still feel the echoes of its past as a bustling center of commerce. The high ceilings, arched walkways, and stone courtyards create a unique atmosphere that complements the ancient artifacts on display.
Many visitors find the building itself to be a pleasant spot, offering a respite from the city's more modern architecture. The combination of historical structure and invaluable artifacts makes the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations a truly special destination, recognized with awards like the European Museum of the Year.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit