Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

The story of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations dates back to the founding years of the Republic of Turkey. Work initiated in 1921 by Atatürk's directive gained momentum with the aim of exhibiting Hittite artifacts collected from various excavation sites across the country in Ankara. Over time, the museum incorporated the heritage of all civilizations that lived in Anatolia, not just the Hittite period, thus achieving its comprehensive identity today.

As of 2019, the collection comprises 194,759 artifacts. The exhibition halls are arranged chronologically, allowing visitors to examine findings from the Paleolithic Age, followed by Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Early Bronze Age, Assyrian Trade Colonies, Hittite Empire, Phrygian, Urartian, and Iron Age civilizations in sequence. The museum received the European Council Museum of the Year award for its unique arrangement and the richness of its collection.

Considering that Ankara's summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold and snowy, the most comfortable period for a museum visit is between April-June and September-October. During these periods, you can also comfortably explore Ankara Castle and the surrounding historical texture.

The museum can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. For those who wish to avoid crowds, weekday mornings, especially visits immediately after opening, offer a much calmer experience. During the summer, the museum is also considered a good stop to cool down during hot Ankara summers, as the exhibition halls remain cool during midday.

The most practical way to reach the museum is by the Ankara Metro M1 line. Get off at Ulus Station and walk for approximately 10-15 minutes towards Ankara Castle, and you will reach the museum's entrance. Walking through the historic Ulus bazaar along the way is pleasant for experiencing the atmosphere of the district.

Ulus can also be easily reached by EGO city buses. The museum does not have its own parking lot; therefore, those arriving by car may have to use nearby paid parking lots. It is also possible to be dropped off directly at the museum entrance by taxi or Ankara-based ride-hailing services.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a natural starting point for a more comprehensive historical walk in the Ulus district. After visiting the museum, you can climb up to Ankara Castle, which is just above, to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Descending from the castle to visit the ruins of the Roman Bath and the Temple of Augustus transforms the day into a journey through time from antiquity to the Ottoman era.

For lunch, you can experience the flavors of Ankara cuisine at traditional restaurants in Ulus; afterwards, you can add the nearby Ethnography Museum and the Republic Museum to your itinerary for a truly full day of Ankara history.

The most impressive external photo angle of the museum is obtained from the corner where the stone facade of the Mahmut Paşa Bedesteni is seen together with the walls of Ankara Castle. Shots taken before noon, when the light hits the south during the day, yield particularly strong results.

Inside, the main hall where the Hittite reliefs are exhibited offers beautiful frames for photography enthusiasts thanks to its dramatic spot lighting. Phrygian period bronze fibulae and belt buckles, and Urartian metal vessels, contain interesting details for in-vitrine macro photography. Since flash photography is not allowed inside the museum, a wide-aperture lens will make your job easier.

Entry to the museum is free with a Museum Pass; cardholders only need to have their cards with them. For those without a Museum Pass, we recommend checking the current entrance fee from the official fee list of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before your visit; prices may be updated periodically.

Flash photography is prohibited inside the museum. Large backpacks may need to be left at the cloakroom. Audio guide services are available in the exhibition halls; foreign language options are also offered. The museum has a cafeteria and a museum shop. While wheelchair access is provided, please note that some passages may be narrow.

The Ulus district, where the museum is located, is home to some of Ankara's oldest artisan restaurants. Traditional delicacies such as kelle paça soup, etli ekmek, and Ankara's unique beyin tava can be found in the small restaurants here. Pastry shops around Ulus Square offer Ankara's famous Ankara dessert and various pastries.

On the other hand, many visitors to the museum prefer to go to Kızılay or Çankaya after Ulus to complete their lunch or dinner with a wider selection of restaurants. The small cafeteria inside the museum is sufficient for light snacks and drinks.