While sorting through my old photos from Istanbul, I came across a folder with shots from the Istanbul University Archaeology Museum. To be honest, I hadn’t planned to write about it—there are far more impressive exhibition spaces in the city. However, I’ve been hearing more and more lately about rising ticket prices for Istanbul’s museums. Against this backdrop, a free archaeology museum seems like a decent option, so I decided to share a story about this place after all.
A Walk Through the Museum Halls
The Istanbul University Archaeology Museum appeared in the city relatively recently; it opened on July 1, 2019. The Department of Archaeology itself, by contrast, is considered a pioneer in interpreting and preserving the country’s archaeological heritage.
The core of the museum’s collection consists of finds from 1940s excavations; these exhibits arrived here from the Ankara museum. Later, artifacts were brought in from North America, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Iraq, and Iran, thanks to which the archaeology collection of Istanbul University is now considered one of the largest in the country.
The museum space is modest in size: one floor and several halls. The central part of the museum building is designed as an open area with a tree growing there.
I think my neutral impression of the visit was also influenced by the fact that the labels on the exhibits are only in Turkish and not duplicated in English. Keep this in mind and download an online translator in advance.
In conclusion, I would say that the Istanbul University Archaeology Museum is unlikely to be the main stop on a tourist’s itinerary. But if you want to add a non-touristy attraction to your city walk and not spend a single lira, this place is definitely worth a look.
I was here a couple of years ago; something in the exhibition may have changed, but in general—judging by the museum’s website—the space is still open for free visits today.
How to Get There
The museum is easy to reach by tram line T1; the “Laleli – University” stop is located right next to the exhibition space. If you are coming from the direction of the city center, the museum will be on your right-hand side. Look around to find the university building—its upper floors are painted light pink; the entrance is in the left wing. Note that the museum is open only until 16:30.
If you’d like to continue exploring Turkey’s antiquities, you can head over to the grand Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
Have a nice trip!
