The Ephesus Archaeological Museum, located in Selçuk, Turkey, is one of the country’s most important museums, housing an extraordinary collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city of Ephesus and its surrounding regions. As a complement to the nearby Ephesus ruins (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the museum offers visitors a deeper understanding of daily life, religion, and art in one of the greatest cities of the ancient world.
With exhibits spanning Prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, the museum showcases sculptures, mosaics, coins, household items, and religious relics that bring Ephesus’s glorious past to life.
Opened in 1964, the museum was built to preserve and display artifacts unearthed during excavations in Ephesus, which began in the 19th century by British and Austrian archaeologists.
Many of its most famous pieces were discovered in the Terrace Houses of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theatre.
The museum underwent renovations in 2014, modernizing its displays while maintaining its historical charm.
The Ephesus Museum was founded, and therefore the findings from the excavations at the Ephesus dig and around were put in the present museum. At this wonderful and well-organised museum, there aren't only antiques from the place excavations at Ephesus land site, but also the artifacts from the Cukurici Mound, the basilica of St John, and the Temple of Artemis. In one of the sections, one can see a good collection of coins dating back to when money was first utilized in history.
The Archaeological Museum is found in Selcuk town, across the main bus terminal. Located near the tourism office within the Selçuktown center (map), the museum promotes many of the archeological treasures, including the marble statues of the Anatolian fertility goddess Cybele (Artemis) with rows of egg-like breasts.
If you’re inquisitive about archeological sites, this region abounds with them. Consider spending daily doing the Priene-Miletus-Didyma Tour, or a visit to Aphrodisias, or maybe a day-trip to Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Laodicea.
The museum's most iconic exhibits are the magnificent statues of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and fertility, who was particularly venerated in Ephesus. The "Great Artemis" statue, dating from the 1st century AD, presents the goddess in her distinctive Ephesian form, adorned with multiple rows of what appear to be eggs or bull testicles symbolizing fertility. Another remarkable representation, the "Beautiful Artemis" from the 2nd century AD, shows classical Greek influences in its more refined proportions and features. These statues provide crucial insights into the unique local interpretation of this important deity.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of sculptures that once adorned Ephesus's public spaces. Among the highlights is the exquisite bronze statue of Eros riding a dolphin, discovered at the Vedius Gymnasium. This delicate Hellenistic work demonstrates the refined artistic taste of Ephesus's inhabitants. The museum also displays fragments of the colossal cult statue of Emperor Domitian that once stood in the Temple of Domitian, including a massive head and arm that give visitors an idea of the statue's original monumental scale.
A significant portion of the museum's collection comes from the lavish Terrace Houses of Ephesus, where the city's wealthy residents lived. The exhibits include remarkably preserved frescoes depicting mythological scenes and daily life, as well as intricate floor mosaics featuring geometric patterns and figurative designs. Particularly noteworthy are the medical instruments found in these houses, which testify to the advanced state of medical knowledge in Roman Ephesus. These domestic artifacts provide a rare glimpse into the private lives of Ephesus's elite.
The museum's collection includes numerous objects related to religious practices and burial customs. Visitors can see votive offerings from the Temple of Artemis, early Christian symbols from the Byzantine period, and funerary stelae with poignant inscriptions. Of particular interest is the collection of lamps used in religious ceremonies and household contexts, some decorated with Christian symbols that reflect the city's transition from paganism to Christianity.
Though little remains of the actual Temple of Artemis at its original site, the museum dedicates a section to this wonder of the ancient world. A scale model helps visitors visualize the temple's original grandeur, while surviving architectural fragments and votive offerings give a sense of its immense scale and importance. The exhibit explains the temple's significance as both a religious center and a place of refuge in antiquity, as well as its eventual decline during the Christian era.
Before going to these impressive galleries, one mustn't miss the 3D simulation video of ancient Ephesus, where visitors can see the setting of the traditional city and get a concept of how the buildings used to look.
The video may be watched in three languages: Turkish, English, and German, and it lasts 10 minutes.
The video room is the first room before the fountain statues gallery. Some of the foremost remarkable artifacts within the museum are the Ephesus Artemis statue, Priapus statue, the pinnacle of Socrates, the Egyptian priest, the Eros with rabbit, and the oldest piece – a stamp- found in Cukarici Mound- dating back to 6200 BC.
The museum is conveniently located in the center of Selçuk, making it easily accessible for visitors staying in town or coming from nearby İzmir. The archaeological site of Ephesus is just 3 kilometers away, allowing visitors to easily combine both attractions in a single day. The museum building is partially accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, though some areas may be difficult to navigate due to the historic nature of the structure.
The museum follows seasonal opening hours: from April to October it remains open until 7:00 PM, while from November to March it closes at 5:00 PM. Admission fees are quite reasonable, with discounts available for students and children. A combined ticket option that includes entry to the Ephesus ruins offers excellent value for those planning to visit both sites.
Modern amenities include clean restrooms, a well-stocked gift shop selling quality reproductions and books, and a small café where visitors can take a break. Photography is permitted in most areas of the museum, though flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as visitors will be on their feet for extended periods while exploring the galleries.
The Ephesus Archaeological Museum plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting the material culture of one of antiquity's greatest cities. By carefully studying and displaying these artifacts, the museum helps scholars and visitors alike understand the complex social, religious, and economic systems that made Ephesus such an important center of the ancient world. The museum's collection continues to grow as new discoveries are made at the ongoing excavations in Ephesus, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to connect with this remarkable chapter of human history.
The museum's most renowned pieces include the statues of Artemis in her Ephesian form, the bronze Eros riding a dolphin, and the magnificent mosaics and frescoes from the Terrace Houses. The collection of medical instruments and gladiator reliefs is also particularly noteworthy.
Most visitors spend between one and two hours exploring the museum's collections. Those with a particular interest in archaeology or art history may want to allow additional time to examine certain exhibits in greater detail.
Yes, visitors are generally permitted to take photographs for personal use, though flash photography and tripods are not allowed. Some special exhibits may have additional restrictions.
The museum offers both audio guides and live guided tours conducted by knowledgeable experts. These tours are available in several languages and provide valuable context for understanding the exhibits.
Absolutely. Many visitors choose to explore the archaeological site in the morning when temperatures are cooler, then visit the museum in the afternoon. The two locations are just a few kilometers apart, making this an efficient way to experience both.