Istanbul Archaeology Museums

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are a dream come true for history lovers and museum enthusiasts. With great descriptions, accurate installations, and a stunning collection of tombs, this museum truly exceeded my expectations. I particularly enjoyed the video-room with animations of Turkish history, as it was inspiring for someone interested in video editing. I highly recommend visiting this museum with all your enthusiasm. Located in a good part of town, the museum is surrounded by many other attractions, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination. The price of 350TL per person may seem steep, but it is definitely worth it, considering the size of the museum and the plethora of things to see. However, during my visit, some parts were under renovation, which limited our experience. Nevertheless, I am confident that you will still be satisfied with what is currently on display. To make the most of your visit, I suggest going early in the morning to avoid long queues and overcrowding. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the exhibits without feeling rushed or crowded. If you have a museum pass, it's even better, as the line tends to move slowly. Unfortunately, during my visit in 2016, it seemed like there were fewer exhibits on display, possibly due to ongoing renovations. Nonetheless, the museum is definitely worth a visit. For fans of early Anatolian, Greek, and Roman history, this museum is a treat. Although renovations are underway in two buildings, specifically for the tiles and Kadesh contract, it is still worth spending several hours here. The outdoor cafe with Greek columns provides a unique setting for relaxation. The Istanbul Archaeology Museums offer a well-presented and exquisite collection. The gallery dedicated to Troy, with its focus on the different layers of the city's history and extensive exhibition of excavation history, is truly impressive. Overall, this museum is a must-visit and definitely worth revisiting. With a ticket price of 200 Lira or around $8 US, this museum offers exceptional value for money. It is, by far, the coolest museum I have ever seen, with its beautiful design. While some statues may be damaged due to earthquakes, the mausoleums remain in excellent condition. The museum also provides great displays and information about the seven cities of Troy, as well as a wealth of historical and mythological information. While the museum excels in many aspects, the bathroom facilities fall short. It's a shame that such a minor detail overshadows the overall experience of this establishment, which clearly puts effort into every other area. Although the exhibits are beautifully presented, I understand the criticism regarding the lack of descriptions for each piece. Interestingly, the structures outside the museum have more detailed explanations than the ones inside. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this museum and advise allocating plenty of time to fully appreciate the detailed excavations. During my visit, most of the exhibition halls were closed, and we only had access to the main hall. However, the audio guide provided was great and not too lengthy. I was particularly fascinated by the display of one of the three snake heads from the iron basilisk. The Troy Hall, with its layered excavation model, was incredibly informative and creative. Additionally, the museum shop offers unique jewelry designed with ancient motifs and styles. Unfortunately, the bathroom was in dire need of cleaning. Among the various museums I visited during my stay in Istanbul, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums quickly became one of my favorites. The astonishing collection held within its walls is truly remarkable. It is somewhat surprising that this museum is not on the top list of must-visit places in Istanbul, as it is a hidden gem. Furthermore, its lack of popularity ensures that it is not overcrowded, allowing visitors to calmly explore and appreciate the treasures it holds. Personally, I consider this museum to be the best I have ever visited thus far. It is mind-blowing to see the vast amount of artifacts and exhibits it offers. Each section left us amazed, and we could have easily spent a full morning or afternoon exploring. However, I recommend allocating at least 2 hours for a decent visit.