Ephesus Archeological Museum

Ephesus Archeological Museum has been active since 1964. The museum started its life as a repurposed storage facility. The building had several renovations through time and turned into a modern museum as it is today. Free lockers and restrooms are available within the museum. Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not allowed.

Ephesus Archeological Museum, located in the district center of Selçuk, consists of findings mostly from Ephesus excavations. Some of the most important findings of Anatolian archeology are exhibited here. All the findings in the museum were brought from Saint John the Evangelist Church, the Temple of Artemis, Belevi Mausoleum, and other ruins in the vicinity.

There are approximately 64 thousand pieces exhibited in the Ephesus Museum. The world-famous Artemis Statues, Eros on Dolphins Sculpture, and the head of Socrates are the most important parts of the museum. Also, there are many more findings such as cosmetic tools, jewelry, medical tools, emperor and God statues, busts, and weaving tools, which are indispensable for all ages.

The most original part of the museum is the statue of Artemis. Goddess Artemis in Greek mythology (a.k.a. Diana in Roman mythology) is the symbol of Virginity and Fertility. The Famous Artemis Statue of Ephesus was excavated in 1956. All the reliefs on the statue symbolize efficiency, abundance, and fertility. Because it is the goddess of nature, lion, bull, goat, griffon, and sphinx, and bee reliefs can be seen on it. There are two statues of Artemis in the museum. They are called Great Artemis and Beautiful Artemis.

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Sections in Ephesus Archaeological Museum

1. Terrace Houses Findings Hall: This room showcases the vibrant frescoes depicting mythological scenes and playful cupids that once adorned the walls of wealthy residents’ homes.
2. Fountain Findings Hall: Here you’ll find intricate marble statues and ornate basins that once graced Ephesus’ sophisticated plumbing system, a testament to the ingenuity of Ephesian engineers.
3. New Findings and Small Findings Hall: This hall displays a variety of artifacts unearthed from ongoing excavations, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of Ephesus’ citizens.
4. Great Courtyard: This large, open-air space houses a collection of column capitals, sarcophagi, and other architectural elements from various periods of Ephesus’ history.
5. Grave Findings Hall: This room contains a variety of funerary objects, including sarcophagi, jewelry, and grave goods, providing insight into Ephesian burial customs.
6. Artemis of Ephesus Hall: Explore the fascinating world of Ephesus’ religious beliefs through artifacts associated with the worship of the Anatolian Mother Goddess Cybele. Here, you’ll find the awe-inspiring statues of Artemis Ephesia, the city’s patron goddess, adorned with enigmatic symbols.
7. Emperor Cults Hall: This section houses statues and inscriptions dedicated to Roman emperors who ruled Ephesus, highlighting the city’s role within the Roman Empire.
8. Small Courtyard: The Museum Shop is here. Browse through a curated selection of replicas, handicrafts, and guidebooks to commemorate your visit and deepen your understanding of Ephesus.

What are the most important artifacts in Ephesus Archeological Museum

1. Statues of Artemis Ephesia: These awe-inspiring statues depict the city’s patron goddess, Artemis. One colossal statue, adorned with enigmatic symbols like bees and deer, reflects the devotion to this powerful deity.
2. Frescoes from the Terrace Houses: These vibrant frescoes, once adorning the walls of wealthy residents’ homes, offer a unique window into daily life in Ephesus. Playful cupids and mythological scenes bring the past alive, showcasing artistic expression and the tastes of the elite.
3. Fountain Statues: These intricate marble statues and ornate basins are more than just beautiful works of art. They represent the ingenuity of Ephesian engineers and their sophisticated plumbing system that brought fresh water throughout the city.
4. Ephesus Coin Collection: Coins offer a wealth of information about a civilization. The museum’s extensive coin collection allows visitors to trace Ephesus’ economic history, trade routes, and even the evolution of political power.
5. Everyday Objects: While seemingly unassuming, everyday objects like lamps, tools, and even children’s toys paint a vivid picture of daily life in this ancient metropolis. Holding such an object allows visitors to connect with the lives of ordinary people who once walked the streets of Ephesus.

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The museum is open 365 days a year and the entry fee is 10 Euros. The visiting hours are 08: 00-19: 00 in the summer, and 08: 00-17: 00 in wintertime. As a tour guide who spent a significant amount of time in the museums, I can recommend this museum to any traveler who is visiting Ephesus Ancient City and the surrounding attractions. This museum is not as big as The Metropolitan or Hermitage Museum instead Ephesus Archeological Museum is more concentrated on the findings of a specific area. Small but still worthy of a visit thanks to the quality of the artifacts in the museum. You can always contact me if you have any questions about Ephesus Archeological Museum. If you need to hire a professional licensed Turkish tour guide to Ephesus Archeological Museum, you can always contact me. See you soon, Hasan Gülday