All About Troy Museum
As a result of the National Architectural Project Competition held in 2011, the project, which was offered by Lean Architectural Design, was elected as a winner and the Museum of Troy was finally completed in 2018 after a long construction period.
The museum consists of three floors. Each floor is reached by climbing the ramps. The total combined length of the ramps is approximately 480 meters.
The life and archaeological history of Troy and its cultures, which left their mark in the Troy Region, and were also mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, are exhibited by the artifacts from the excavations.
The museum welcomes us with a ramp going down. Different layers of Troy in the niches on the walls of the ramp can be seen. The past of Troy is explained with tombstones, large-size sculptures, stage animations, and large-size photographs. This is an underground floor covered with landscapes and fields, that cannot be seen from the outside of the museum. Archeology science orientation is provided to visitors in this area. Archaeological terms such as archaeometric dating methods, neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, mound, restoration, and conservation are conveyed through schemes, drawings, texts, and interactive methods. Here you can also find brochures describing the map and floors of the museum.
Ground Floor of Troy Museum
In this section, Troy is described in general with its geography and archaeological remains. You can observe terracotta figures, medical tools, stone and bone tools, marble artifacts, gold, terracotta pots, masks, figurines, puppets, and glass works. You can visit the section where the Dedetepe Tumulus is animated with a projection, and you can enter the Dardanos Tumulus via an interactive screen. Troas Golds are exhibited in a special room on this floor, you will admire this fine craftsmanship.
First Floor of Troy Museum
In this part of the museum, the Bronze Age period and related layers of Troy are narrated. You can visit Troy’s layers and stages of development in chronological order. You can see Bronze Age crafts, daily life, environmental relations, some production tools, and items that have survived to the present day. Lose yourself in the ship-showcase, which indicates the importance of Troy in Bronze Age maritime trade, and represents the story of the abandonment of the city due to a war at the end of the late Bronze Age.
As you climb up the ramp in this section, the transition between the Bronze Age and the Classical era is explained.
Second Floor of Troy Museum
The reflections of the Iliad and the Epic of the Trojan War to the oral tradition are shown on this floor and also themes of the world of belief, politics, architecture, and art in the region in a historical period from the Archaic Age to the Eastern Roman Empire. Trojan War, poet, heroes, events, and places. Everything is explained in detail with drawings, models, and digital programs along with coins, pottery, and marble works. Here again, the story of the Trojan War and the collapse of Troy is told in a closed area with a 3-4 minute animation inspired by Attica vases and shadow play, and edited with digital effects.
The most important work of this floor for me is the Poliyxena Sarcophagus, which was unearthed in 1994 and represents the Persian domination (and the events of the Trojan War) in Troy. You should examine this wonderful Sarcophagus for some time. It will leave you truly astonished.
Third Floor of Troy Museum
The settlement in Troy and its surroundings continued in the principalities during the Ottoman period. Engravings and photographs describing the Ottoman settlements and the importance of the Dardanelles in the early Ottoman Empire are exhibited on this floor. The ongoing pottery tradition, stonework, and social life are explained with stone works, coins, and ceramics
In addition, the history of the excavations that have been going on since the 19th century and the stories of archaeologists are displayed on this floor.
You can reach the large terrace by climbing the last ramp of the museum. You can find the opportunity to watch Trojan Ancient City with a bird’s eye view.
Working Hours of Troy Museum
Summer Period 1 April–31 October Opening Time: 10:00 – Closing Time: 17:00.
Winter Period 31 October–1 April Opening Time: 08:30 – Closing Time: 18:00.
Ticket Office Summer / Winter Closing Hours – Summer Period: 16:30 – Winter Period: 17:30.
The museum is open every day of the week and the entrance fee is 27 Euros. This fee includes Troy Ancient City and the Troy Museum.
Top Five Artifacts To See In Troy Museum
- Gold Necklace: Among the treasures on display, a gold necklace stands out. Its intricate craftsmanship and historical significance make it a highlight of the museum1.
- Polyxena Sarcophagus: This remarkable sarcophagus is another key artifact. It offers insights into ancient burial practices and the cultural context of the time2.
- Luwian Seal: Don’t overlook the Luwian Seal, a small but crucial bronze artifact. It’s the oldest written document found in Troy, dating back to the Bronze Age2.
- Tear Catchers and Perfume Bottles: The museum showcases a variety of objects, including tear catchers, glass, and terracotta perfume bottles. These everyday items provide glimpses into daily life in ancient Troy1.
- Statues and Figurines: Explore the collection of statues, figurines, and other sculptural works. Each piece tells a story of the people who once inhabited this legendary city1.
Tour Guide to Troy Museum
The Museum of Troy is closely located to Troy Ancient City. Troy Museum is a brand-new building with all the modern exhibition techniques. It will not be surprising to see this museum in the list of the world’s best museums soon. I will be happy to answer your questions about this museum. Contact me to learn more and to book a private licensed Turkish tour guide to Troy Museum. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.