Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
About This Museum
You don't expect one of the world's best collections of ancient history to be tucked inside a beautifully repurposed 15th-century Ottoman bazaar and caravanserai, but that's the magic of this place. Wandering through its stone-vaulted halls feels like stepping into a cool, quiet cave filled with treasures. I stood mesmerized by the intricate metalwork of the Urartians and the powerful, stylized Hittite statues that seem to watch you from across millennia. The central courtyard, where more artifacts are displayed under the open sky, offers a breathtaking moment to just pause and absorb it all.
Collection Highlights
The museum's crown jewel is its unparalleled collection from the Hittite empire, including stunning reliefs of their gods and a famous statue of a bristling war god. Don't miss the delicate gold jewelry from the Royal Tombs at Alacahöyük or the fascinating, chunky Çatalhöyük wall paintings, some of humanity's earliest known art.
Visitor Information
It's located right near Ankara Castle in the Ulus district, so you can easily combine a visit with exploring the old fortress walls. Grab your ticket at the entrance; it's an absolute steal for what you get to see inside.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a historical artifact—a converted Ottoman-era bedesten (covered market) and han (inn) with a distinctive domed roof and sturdy stone masonry that gives it a fortress-like feel.
Contact & Location
Address: Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi, 2, Gözcü Sokak, Kale Mahallesi, Altındağ, Ankara, İç Anadolu Bölgesi, 06230, Türkiye
Phone: +90 312 324 31 60
Website: Visit Website
