Izmir Museums

(Izmir, Turkey)

The city's popular museums of Archaeology and Ethnography are extremely close to each other and are to be found just a short stroll up the hill from the Konak, along the Anafartalar Caddesi and also the Millikutuphane Caddesi. Both of these museums have something special to offer tourists staying in Izmir and warrant a visit.

Located on the Ataturk Avenue (Kordonboyu) and in central Izmir, close to the Kultur Park, the Ataturk Museum is certainly one for visiting history buffs and celebrates the life of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881 to 1938), who is widely regarded as the actual founder of the Republic of Turkey.

Archaeology Museum (Arkeolojii Muzesi)

Address: Arkeolojii Muzesi Caddesi, Izmir, Turkey, TR
Tel: +90 0232 489 0796
The Izmir Archaeology Museum is amongst the city's finest cultural offerings and is overflowing with historic Roman and Greek relics, gathered from neighbouring ancient cities. In particular, a number of the exhibits stand out, such as the enormous Domitian statue from Ephesus, an elaborately decorated sarcophagi, and a well-preserved frieze, which illustrates the 250 BC funeral games held at the Belevi mausoleum.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Ethnography Museum (Etnografya Muzesi)

Address: Arkeolojii Muzesi Caddesi, Izmir, Turkey, TR
Tel: +90 0232 489 0796
Another highlight is the Ethnography Museum, which stands next door to the Archaeology Museum and for many visitors just has the edge, with a number of the items on display actually originating from the collection of Ataturk, Turkey's founder. This attraction originally started life in the early part of the 19th century as the St. Roche Hospital and has managed to retain much of its original character and architecture. The exhibits are spread over four floors and include various photographs, dioramas and artefacts relating to everything from pottery and Turkish carpet making, to jewellery, weaponry and even the unusual sport of camel wrestling.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museum of Commercial History

Address: Pasaport, Izmir, Turkey, TR
The rich trading past of the city is remembered and well documented within the Museum of Commercial History, which was actually founded by the Izmir Chamber of Commerce. Upon entry you will find a detailed model depicting a trading ship from some 2,000 years ago, when the ancient city of Smyrna (now Izmir) featured heavily on trade routes, with ceramics, amphorae, glass works, gold and silver all being regularly shipped. Also here is an extensive collection of photographs showing commercial life in the city from the Ottoman years onwards.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Ataturk Museum

Address: Kordonboyu (Kordon), Izmir, Turkey, TR
The exhibits at the Ataturk Museum are housed within a particularly attractive Neo-classical style building once used as the headquarters for the Turkish Army and even as a hotel, frequented by Ataturk himself during the 1920s and 1930s, and actually gifted to the statesman during this time by the city of Izmir. Many personal items are exhibited here, including Ataturk's books, documents and other belongings, as well as portraits and busts of the leader. Antique furnishings, ornate fireplaces and a grand staircase add further interest.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge