
Best Museums & Art Galleries in Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
1. Anatolian Civilizations Museum
Explore over 8,000 years of Anatolia's history with exhibits ranging from prehistoric to Ottoman periods.
- Rich History: Features a vast collection of artifacts showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays that make history come alive for visitors.
- Archaeological Finds: Showcases some of the most significant archaeological finds in Anatolia.
2. Hittite Museum
Discover the ancient Hittite civilization at this museum housing over 3,000 artifacts.
- Ancient Artifacts: Features a large collection of artifacts from the Hittite Empire.
- Archaeological Site: Located on an archaeological site with excavations ongoing.
- Well-Preserved Finds: Features many well-preserved artifacts, including the famous Boğazkale Lion.
3. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring artifacts from ancient civilizations like the Hittites and Phrygians.
- World Heritage Status: Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance.
- Wide Range of Artifacts: Features artifacts from various periods and civilizations, not just the Hittites.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Located in a beautiful Ottoman-era building designed by architect Arif Hikmet Koyunoğlu.
4. Etnography Museum of Ankara
Learn about the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Turkish people through exhibits showcasing folklore, arts, and crafts.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides a deep dive into Turkish culture and traditions.
- Interactive Displays: Includes interactive displays that allow visitors to participate in traditional activities.
- Authentic Artifacts: Features authentic artifacts from various regions of Turkey.
5. Ankara Ethnography Museum
Explore the traditional lifestyle and culture of Ankara's past through exhibits showcasing folklore, arts, and crafts.
- Regional Focus: Provides a more detailed look at the local culture and traditions of Ankara.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays that allow visitors to participate in traditional activities.
- Authentic Artifacts: Features authentic artifacts from Ankara's past.
6. Ankara Modern and Contemporary Arts Museum (ANKMAD)
Discover modern and contemporary Turkish art at this museum with a collection that spans the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Modern Art Focus: Focuses on modern and contemporary Turkish art, making it unique among Ankara's museums.
- Artist Showcases: Features exhibits dedicated to specific artists, providing in-depth insights into their work.
- Regular Rotating Exhibitions: Hosts regular rotating exhibitions showcasing both established and emerging artists.
7. State Art and Sculpture Museum
Admire over 3,000 works of art, including sculptures and paintings from various periods and artists.
- Vast Collection: Features a large collection of Turkish art spanning multiple centuries.
- Artist Showcases: Includes exhibits dedicated to specific artists, providing in-depth insights into their work.
- Art Education: Offers educational programs and workshops for visitors interested in art.
8. Salt Galata Museum of Ankara
Discover the history of salt production and its impact on Anatolia at this museum housed in a historic building.
- Historic Building: Located in an Ottoman-era salt warehouse, showcasing the architecture of the time.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the salt production process.
- Cultural Significance: Explores the cultural and economic importance of salt in Anatolia's history.
9. Temple of Augustus Art Gallery
Visit this ancient Roman temple converted into an art gallery showcasing contemporary Turkish artists.
- Ancient Setting: Located within the walls of an ancient Roman temple.
- Contemporary Art Focus: Focuses on contemporary Turkish art, showcasing both established and emerging artists.
- Art Education: Offers educational programs and workshops for visitors interested in art.
10. CerModern Art Museum
Experience contemporary Turkish and international art at this museum with a focus on video and new media.
- New Media Focus: Focuses on video and new media art, making it unique among Ankara's museums.
- Artist Showcases: Includes exhibits dedicated to specific artists, providing in-depth insights into their work.
- Regular Rotating Exhibitions: Hosts regular rotating exhibitions showcasing both established and emerging artists.
11. Atatürk Cultural Center (ATKM)
Enjoy art performances and exhibitions at this cultural center dedicated to Atatürk and Turkish culture.
- Cultural Events: Hosts various cultural events, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
- Atatürk Focus: Dedicated to the life, work, and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
- Art Education: Offers educational programs related to Atatürk and Turkish culture for visitors.
12. Hacı Bayram Museum
Learn about the life and legacy of Hacı Bayram Veli, a prominent Sufi leader in Anatolia.
- Sufism Focus: Focuses on the life and teachings of Hacı Bayram Veli.
- Historical Significance: Highlights the historical importance of Hacı Bayram Veli in Turkish history.
- Art Education: Offers educational programs related to Sufism and Hacı Bayram Veli for visitors.
13. Ankara City Museum
Discover the history of Ankara through exhibits showcasing artifacts and documents from the city's past.
- Local History Focus: Focuses on the history of Ankara, providing insights into its development over time.
- Artifacts and Documents: Includes artifacts and documents from various periods in Ankara's history.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the city's past in an engaging way.
14. Salt Museum of Cumra
Explore the history and culture of salt production at this museum located near Ankara.
- Salt Production Focus: Focuses on the history and culture of salt production in the region.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the salt production process.
- Regional Focus: Offers insights into the history and culture of the Cumra region, which is known for its salt production.
15. Ankara Toy Museum
Step back in time and explore over 20,000 toys from around the world at this unique museum.
- Global Toy Collection: Features a large collection of toys from various countries.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about the history and development of toys.
- Nostalgic Experience: Provides a nostalgic experience for visitors by featuring toys from their childhood.