The Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum is Ankara's first private archaeology museum, located near Ankara Castle, exhibiting the collection of businessman Yüksel Erimtan; it houses glass artifacts, pottery, seals, and coins from periods spanning Hittite to Byzantine.
Opened on March 14, 2015, the Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum is located in Ankara's historic Altındağ district, right next to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The collection, meticulously gathered by businessman Yüksel Erimtan over decades, is presented to visitors in carefully arranged exhibition halls. As Ankara's first private archaeology museum, the building is considered an important contribution to the city's cultural and artistic life.
The majority of the collection consists of Anatolian-origin artifacts. Glass bottles, bowls, pottery, pitchers, jewelry, and gold, silver, and bronze coins from the Hittite, Urartian, Roman, and Byzantine periods form the backbone of the exhibitions. Cuneiform tablets and seals are also among the striking pieces of the collection. In the two-story building, visual art pieces are displayed on the lower floor, while jewelry and art objects are on the upper floor. The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, opening its doors to visitors of all ages.
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Guide's Note
The Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum has a carefully designed collection that presents artifacts from different periods of Anatolia. Visitors particularly emphasize that the exhibition arrangement and the general atmosphere of the venue are meticulously curated. Experiences where artifacts are not only displayed but also conveyed with their historical and cultural contexts turn the museum into a very rich destination for some visitors.
The museum offers a more fulfilling experience for those interested in archaeology, ancient civilizations, or history. If you are curious about these fields, it is stated that you can spend a long time exploring the collection. Guided tours are said to make the artifacts more meaningful and allow for a stronger connection with the past.
However, there are also points highlighted by some visitors:
- Collection size: A few visitors state that the collection is relatively limited compared to a paid museum and that the entire area can be toured within 10-20 minutes.
- Entrance fee expectation: Opinions differ on whether the requested fee matches the scope of the collection; it is recommended not to go with the expectation of a large collection.
- Target audience: It is stated that the visit may not provide the same satisfaction for those without a special interest in history or archaeology.
About the Museum: The Story of a Private Collection
The Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum was brought to life by businessman Yüksel Erimtan's desire to share his meticulously curated collection, gathered over years, with the public. Opened on March 14, 2015, the museum holds the title of being Ankara's first private initiative in this field. Located right next to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the building offers visitors the opportunity to experience two different museums on the same day.
The essence of the collection consists of Anatolian-origin archaeological artifacts. Objects from the Hittite, Urartian, Roman, and Byzantine periods are exhibited with a chronological and thematic approach. On the lower floor of the two-story museum, visual art pieces are displayed, while jewelry and art objects are on the upper floor. The exhibition design prioritizes making visitors feel the connection of the artifacts with the spirit of their era.
When to Visit?
The museum is closed on Mondays; on other days, it accepts visitors between 10:00 and 18:00. Since it can get crowded on weekends, especially in the afternoon, it is advisable to prefer weekday mornings for a calmer experience.
As it is an indoor museum that can be visited throughout the year, the season difference does not directly affect the exhibition experience. However, if you also want to visit Ankara Castle and its surroundings after the museum, spring and autumn months provide a more comfortable walking environment. In summer, the outdoor area can be quite hot during midday; it is recommended to plan your visit considering this.
How to Get to the Museum?
The most practical way to reach the Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum is to use the Ankara Metro M1 line. You can get off at Ulus station and walk for about 10-15 minutes to reach the museum. Along the way, you can also observe Ankara's historical texture.
It is also possible to reach the Ulus area by EGO buses; many lines offer stops close to this point. The museum does not have its own parking lot. If you plan to come by private car, it is recommended to research nearby paid parking areas in advance and consider that you might experience parking problems during peak hours.
Suggested Route: Historic Peninsula Tour
Since the museum is located right in the middle of one of Ankara's most historically rich layers, it can be combined with surrounding venues to create a wonderful day. You can start by visiting the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations early in the morning, then proceed to Erimtan. Both museums are within walking distance of each other.
During lunchtime, you can take a short walk along the walls of Ankara Castle and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. The historic bazaar and traditional handicraft shops inside the castle are also worth a visit. Completing the route with a meal from Ankara cuisine at traditional restaurants in the Ulus district rounds off the day.
What to Eat Nearby?
The Ulus and Altındağ region, where the museum is located, is one of the districts that offer Ankara's traditional flavors in their most authentic form. Ankara tava (a lamb dish), lamb tandoori, and döner are among the options you will frequently encounter in restaurants in this area.
Small cafes and tea gardens within and around the castle are convenient spots to take a break during your visit. Especially the venues near the castle walls offer both a drink break and a chance to relax with a view. It is recommended to confirm through official channels before your visit whether there is a small cafe area within the museum.
Things to Know Before Your Visit
There are a few points to pay attention to before entering the museum. Smoking is prohibited in the exhibition halls. Since photography rules may vary depending on the exhibitions, it is a good habit to ask about this at the museum entrance.
Admission is paid; it is recommended to check the museum's official website or social media accounts for current ticket prices before your visit. All areas of the museum are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Since there are no parking facilities, considering alternative transportation options if you come by car will prevent loss of time. It is advisable to contact the museum in advance for group visits and special tours.
Photo Spots
The glass artifacts and ancient jewelry exhibited in the museum's interior offer extremely impressive shots with proper lighting. Don't forget to ask the staff if flash photography is allowed for shots in front of the display cases.
Upon exiting the museum, a real treasure awaits photography enthusiasts: the walls of Ankara Castle and the historical textures within the castle provide captivating shots, especially during golden hours (before sunrise and sunset). Wide-angle photos taken looking at the city's silhouette from the castle bastions are also very impressive.
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