Antalya Archeology Museum — Attraction in Muratpaşa

DO NOT BUY THE AUDIO GUIDE. IT'S A SCAM

I have nothing negative to say about the museum itself. It is beautiful and packed with interesting items from different time periods. My warning, however, is about how the reception dealt with us. We purchased two tickets at the entrance + audio. Then when we crossed the gate into the museum, we were told that actually they have no audio devices and that we need to download the museum app. We asked for the wifi password, they said because we are not Turkish nationals, they won't give it to us. Mind you that without the audio, not all display windows have English or any signs at all. We asked how we could get around it, and we reached a dead end with the staff telling us AFTER WE PAID FOR AUDIO that we cannot access the app. My husband is a historian and learning about the items is very important to us. It is not a casual visit for us and we came from the UK to see the exhibits. Therefore, just a stroll in the museum won't cut it for us. When the lady was trying to tinker with my phone with the wifi, she turned the roaming on and downloaded the app for the museum to prove that the provided the audio service. I only noticed at the end that my roaming was on.

Anyway, she downloaded the app and when she opened it and scanned out tickets (a one-time thing only), it still did not work. So even if you download the app before hand, you still need internet to scan your ticket and download the audio tracks, and without wifi you won't be able to do it, so the whole thing is designed to fleece you.

We just won't go away and we bothered them for about 50 minutes. Eventually it turned out that they DID have the audio devices and magically gave us one with no issues whatsoever (my husband's driving license was taken as a deposit). That first bit kinda ruined the experience for us because to fleece you for a service that does not work is in the design of your visitor experience.

Try to download the app before hand. You won't be able to access the audio tracks without a ticket to scan. Maybe if the tickets are available online and not from a kiosk do that at your hotel or before you travel. Today I received my mobile bill which is usually £11 and for that 3 minutes app download it was £65, 6 times my bill and the price of the museum entrance fee. Therefore, that visit in fact cost me a...

"A Fascinating Visit to the Antalya Museum"

• Overall Experience I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Antalya Museum and would rate my experience a solid 4.5/5. The museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

• Exhibits and Collections The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, ranging from prehistoric times to the Byzantine era. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated, showcasing items such as ancient sculptures, pottery, and coins that tell the story of Antalya’s past. The attention to detail in the displays enhances the educational experience.

• Educational Value One of the standout features of the museum is its focus on providing context for the exhibits. Informative plaques accompany each display, offering insights into the significance and history of the artifacts. This aspect makes the visit not only enjoyable but also highly informative.

• Atmosphere The museum itself is well-maintained and thoughtfully designed. The spacious layout allows for easy navigation, and the ambiance is peaceful, making it an ideal environment for exploring. I particularly enjoyed the outdoor sculpture garden, which beautifully complements the indoor exhibits.

• Accessibility and Location Conveniently located, the museum is easily accessible for visitors. The surrounding area is pleasant for a stroll, making it a perfect addition to a day of exploring Antalya.

• Areas for Improvement While my experience was largely positive, I noted that some of the exhibits could benefit from more interactive elements to engage younger visitors. Additionally, a café or refreshment area would be a welcome addition for those looking to relax after touring the museum.

• Recommendation In summary, the Antalya Museum offers an enriching experience filled with fascinating historical insights. With its impressive collections, informative displays, and inviting atmosphere, it is a fantastic destination for anyone visiting Antalya. I highly recommend setting aside a few hours to explore this gem...

I was a bit concerned about paying 15 Euros for what I supposed was a provincial museum. But, it's not a provincial museum full of stuff that didn't make the capital: it has room after room of awesome quality, life size and larger, statuary and reliefs. The trials of Hercules on several of the sarcophagi are awesome - fighting the lion, subduing Cerberus the three headed dog, chopping the hydra's head off, all that fun stuff. The cool thing here is you can get right up close without being shouted at, or alarms going off. You can feel the marble breathing. The prize possession, a resting Hercules, is tremendous. And, okay, so I haven't been to Rome and may be overexcited, but the head of Antinous is indeed beautiful enough to arrest an emperor (and the description with it refreshingly does not shy away from their love or Hadrian's publication of his grief after Antinous drowns in the Nile.) The collection is equally replete with both sensual and civic representations of women. In the patrician classes, women were in equal positions of power and the named sculptures here ooze intelligence and respect. (Quite a lot of the guys have, unfortunately, lost their special treasures during various iconoclastic periods, but there are still plenty to go round.) Beyond the statues, there are some early christian icons, including a reliquary of St Nicholas containing a supposed piece of his jawbone and skull (awesome - bits of Father Christmas - show that to the kids and see if they believe again!) And the galleries then flow into the garden for some desultory leftovers. A...