Back to museums
Exterior of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums main building

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

HistoryArchaeologyOpens 9amFrom €15Gülhane (T1 tram)

Founded by Osman Hamdi Bey, the Imperial Museum opened in its present building in 1891, designed by Alexander Vallaury. The complex holds about one million objects from Anatolia and the wider ancient world, among them the Alexander Sarcophagus, Ishtar Gate tile panels, the Siloam inscription and a tablet of the Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty. The Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Kiosk are currently closed for restoration, as are some halls in the main building.

More in Istanbul

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Alemdar Caddesi, Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu Sokak, 34122 Gülhane, Fatih, Istanbul

Nearest station: Gülhane (T1 tram) and Sultanahmet (T1 tram)

Show on map

Hours

Mon09:00–18:30
TueToday09:00–18:30
Wed09:00–18:30
Thu09:00–18:30
Fri09:00–18:30
Sat09:00–18:30
Sun09:00–18:30

Admission

From €15

Last verified

Nearby

Visitor Information

How much does Istanbul Archaeology Museums cost?
Standard adult admission to Istanbul Archaeology Museums is €15. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Istanbul Archaeology Museums?
Istanbul Archaeology Museums is open Open daily 09:00 to 18:30; ticket office closes 17:30. The Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Kiosk are closed for restoration, along with several halls in the main building and annex.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Istanbul Archaeology Museums?
Istanbul Archaeology Museums is located at Alemdar Caddesi, Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu Sokak, 34122 Gülhane, Fatih, Istanbul, in the Gülhane area of Istanbul. The nearest stations are Gülhane (T1 tram) and Sultanahmet (T1 tram).
What can I see at Istanbul Archaeology Museums?
Three museums beside Topkapı Palace holding about a million objects, including the Alexander Sarcophagus.
Do I need to book Istanbul Archaeology Museums in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul Archaeology Museums?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Image credits

4

Your image? Ask us to correct or remove it.

Book tickets