Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Ephesus (must see)
The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is a captivating cultural institution that showcases a rich collection of artifacts unearthed from one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The museum was established in 1964, following the foundation of the Turkish Republic, which prohibited the export of antiquities and demanded the return of artifacts taken abroad. Many items from earlier excavations had been sent to the British Museum and Vienna between 1867 and 1923, but with the creation of the Ephesus Museum, a new era of preservation and display began, dedicated to housing treasures from Ephesus and its surrounding sites.
Unlike traditional museums arranged in chronological order, the Ephesus Museum presents its collection thematically. Visitors can explore diverse galleries, including sculptures from ancient fountains, artifacts from the opulent Terrace Houses, and a notable coin collection tracing the early use of currency. Other galleries are devoted to specific themes such as "Ephesus through the Ages," "The Hall of Imperial Cult," and "The Hall of the Mother Goddess Cult," each offering a unique perspective on the city's cultural and religious life. The museum also features a tranquil courtyard displaying tombs and intricately carved column capitals.
Before entering the galleries, visitors are encouraged to watch a 10-minute 3D simulation video available in Turkish, English, and German. This immersive experience brings ancient Ephesus to life, allowing viewers to visualize how the city and its grand structures once looked in their prime.
Among the museum鈥檚 most treasured items are the grand statue of the Ephesus Artemis, the Priapos statue, a sculpted head of Socrates, a figure of an Egyptian priest, and the charming Eros with a rabbit. One of the most extraordinary pieces is a stamp discovered at the 脟ukuri莽i Mound, dating back to 6200 BC, making it the oldest artifact in the museum.
Unlike traditional museums arranged in chronological order, the Ephesus Museum presents its collection thematically. Visitors can explore diverse galleries, including sculptures from ancient fountains, artifacts from the opulent Terrace Houses, and a notable coin collection tracing the early use of currency. Other galleries are devoted to specific themes such as "Ephesus through the Ages," "The Hall of Imperial Cult," and "The Hall of the Mother Goddess Cult," each offering a unique perspective on the city's cultural and religious life. The museum also features a tranquil courtyard displaying tombs and intricately carved column capitals.
Before entering the galleries, visitors are encouraged to watch a 10-minute 3D simulation video available in Turkish, English, and German. This immersive experience brings ancient Ephesus to life, allowing viewers to visualize how the city and its grand structures once looked in their prime.
Among the museum鈥檚 most treasured items are the grand statue of the Ephesus Artemis, the Priapos statue, a sculpted head of Socrates, a figure of an Egyptian priest, and the charming Eros with a rabbit. One of the most extraordinary pieces is a stamp discovered at the 脟ukuri莽i Mound, dating back to 6200 BC, making it the oldest artifact in the museum.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ephesus. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Ephesus Archaeological Museum on Map
Sight Name: Ephesus Archaeological Museum
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ephesus, Turkey
Create Your Own Walk in Ephesus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ephesus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour
Ephesus, the most important Greek city in Ionian Asia Minor, the ruins of which lie near the modern village of Sel茍uk in western Turkey. Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world and is one of T眉rkiye鈥檚 most significant ancient cities. Its cultural and historical significance was highlighted in its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2015. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Selcuk Introduction Walking Tour
Sel莽uk is a town near Izmir, in western Turkey. It鈥檚 the gateway to Ephesus, a vast, ancient city with the remains of a large theater and the Library of Celsus. South is the House of Virgin Mary, a domed chapel and religious shrine. Near Sel莽uk, a marble column is one of a few remains of the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesus Museum has more items from the temple, plus other artifacts excavated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles