Çorum Museum is an archaeological museum located in Çorum city center, exhibiting embossed vases, cuneiform tablets, and tomb finds from the Hittite period in chronological order.
Çorum Museum was established in 1968 and has been serving in its current building since 2003. The building was originally built as a hospital in 1914; it was used for various purposes for many years before becoming a museum. The archaeology hall follows a chronological order starting from the Chalcolithic Age, through the Early Bronze Age, Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.
The most striking piece in the museum is the Hüseyindede Vase: dating back to the 16th century BC, 86 centimeters high, with cult scenes featuring bull and human figures in relief. Also on display are a bronze sword belonging to Tudhaliya II, dated 1430 BC, and cuneiform tablets from the Boğazköy-Hattusa and Ortaköy-Şapinuva excavations, which are on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The Alacahöyük tomb from the Early Bronze Age is exhibited in its original form, and a digital reenactment of the burial ceremony is shown on a screen next to it. Some visitors note that the ethnography section is small and is sometimes closed due to a lack of visitors; it might be useful to ask if this section is open before visiting.
In the ethnography hall, Çorum's unique coppersmithing, leblebi (roasted chickpea) making, and coffeehouse culture are depicted with reenactments. In the garden, there are sculptures from the Roman and Byzantine periods, tomb steles, and a Hittite fountain with a bull motif. A Turkish and English audio guide system is available free of charge. In reviews, the cleanliness of the toilets and the helpfulness of the security guards are frequently praised points.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Çorum historical places, Alacahöyük Museum and Ancient City.
Guide's Note
Best time to visit
The museum is open every day, so there is no difference between weekdays and weekends. In summer (April 1 - October 31), closing time extends to 19:00, and in winter, it closes at 17:00. The ticket office closes half an hour before closing time in both periods. Going in the morning is advantageous for fewer crowds and avoiding tour groups.
How to get there?
You can reach Çorum by road or rail. If you arrive by intercity bus, the museum is only 500 meters from the terminal and can be reached on foot. If you come by your own car, finding parking around the museum is usually not a problem.
Location in the city center
The museum is located in Gülabibey Neighborhood, on Cengiz Topel Street, in the city center. It is within walking distance of other sights in Çorum, hotels, and dining establishments.
Planning with Hattusa and Alacahöyük
Boğazköy-Hattusa Ancient City and Alacahöyük Museum and Ancient City are excavation sites near Çorum Museum. As some visitors suggest, visiting the museum first to get acquainted with the artifacts and periods, then going to the ancient sites, makes the narrative more meaningful. Both ancient sites are about an hour's drive from the center, and visiting both in one day might be challenging.
How much time should be allocated?
A visit inside the museum takes 1 to 1.5 hours. If you plan to also look at the stone artifacts in the garden, you can extend the duration a bit. The ethnography section may be closed on some days; it's advisable to ask the staff at the entrance to confirm it's open.
Things to pay attention to
Some visitor comments mention that the motion-sensor lighting system in some halls does not work properly, which can affect the visiting experience. The ethnography hall may be closed when there are few visitors; make sure this section is open at the entrance. Museum Pass holders should carry their cards with them.
Photo spots
The relief figures of the Hüseyindede Vase and the section where the Alacahöyük tomb is exhibited in its original form are among the most photographed corners. The Hittite fountain with a bull motif and Roman-era sculptures in the garden are also good spots for outdoor photography.
General information about the museum
The building was constructed as a hospital in 1914, then underwent various uses before being opened as a museum building in 2003. It consists of four floors of archaeological exhibition halls, an ethnography hall, and a garden section. There is a small gift shop at the entrance.
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