The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is not only one of Turkey’s most important museums but also one of the few in the world dedicated to underwater archaeology. Housed within the iconic Bodrum Castle, it showcases remarkable finds recovered from the depths of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas—including ancient shipwrecks, amphorae, glass artifacts, and maritime treasures.
At a Glance: 6 Key Facts About the Museum
Özellikle Uluburun Batığı, Serçe Limanı Cam Batığı ve Karyalı Prenses Lahdi gibi eşsiz eserler, denizcilik tarihine ilgi duyanlar için oldukça etkileyici.
It holds the title of Turkey’s only underwater archaeology museum and has been open to visitors since 1964.
Located inside Bodrum Castle, the museum uses the castle’s chambers, towers, and courtyards as exhibition spaces.
The Uluburun Shipwreck, known as the oldest shipwreck in the world, is one of its most notable displays.
Collections include amphorae, glassware, jewelry, coins, and sunken ship remains, offering a deep insight into ancient maritime trade and naval life.
The Carian Princess Tomb is among the museum’s most striking exhibits, shedding light on burial customs and attire from the period.
Centrally located in Bodrum, just steps from the marina, the museum attracts strong interest from both domestic and international tourists.
This museum offers an immersive experience for history lovers, families with children, and anyone curious about maritime archaeology. Visitors can explore centuries-old artifacts while enjoying sweeping views of Bodrum Bay from the castle’s walls.
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What’s Inside
The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology houses one of the world’s most unique collections of artifacts retrieved from ancient shipwrecks in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Every hall tells a story—of lost voyages, ancient trade networks, or the daily lives of coastal civilizations.
Set within Bodrum Castle, each tower, courtyard, and gallery is dedicated to a different theme. With around 14 exhibition areas, some are arranged chronologically, others thematically. Here’s what you can expect to see:
Uluburun Shipwreck Hall
Dates to the 14th century BCE, considered the world’s oldest known trade shipwreck
Excavated between 1982–1994 off the coast of Kaş
Artifacts include copper ingots, ivory, glass beads, gold jewelry, and luxury goods
Offers key insights into Bronze Age maritime trade routes
Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Hall
A merchant ship that sank in 1025 CE
Nearly 3 tons of glass cargo recovered and beautifully displayed
One of the largest Islamic glass finds ever unearthed
Features both broken and intact items arranged in a striking visual setup
Carian Princess Hall
A 4th-century BCE woman’s tomb and sarcophagus
Includes gold jewelry, textile fragments, and personal belongings
Features a mummified body and a life-like reconstruction, drawing major visitor interest
Sheds light on elite Carian burial customs
Eastern Mediterranean Amphorae Collection
Thousands of amphorae used for transporting olive oil, wine, and grains recovered from local waters
Spans Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras
Illustrates the scale and system of ancient maritime commerce
Shipwreck Gallery
Dedicated sections on the Yassıada, Şeytan Deresi, and Serçe Limanı wrecks
Includes ship skeletons, excavation photos, and informative panels
Especially engaging for students and young visitors
Coin and Jewelry Hall
Features bronze and silver coins from Anatolian, Carian, and Hellenistic periods
Displays 4th-century BCE gold earrings, necklaces, and bracelets
Offers perspective on wealth, design, and craftsmanship of the time
Additional Museum Sections
Glass Hall: Vibrant examples of ancient glasswork
English and German Towers: Explore original castle structures
Torture and Dungeon Rooms: Preserved prison areas offering dark yet authentic history
Eastern Roman Shipwreck: A late Byzantine wreck with religious artifacts
Jewelry Hall: Finds from aristocratic women’s tombs that reflect daily life and luxury
Admission, Visiting Hours & How to Get
As the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is located inside Bodrum Castle, visitors have the chance to explore both a significant historical fortress and one of the world’s top maritime archaeology museums. Spread over a large area, the museum is rich in content and typically takes a few hours to explore fully.
Admission Fees
- Discounted tickets are available for students and teachers
Note: Ticket prices may vary during special exhibitions or events
Opening Hours
Closed on Mondays
Open the rest of the week during standard museum hours (typically 08:30 – 18:30; confirm locally or on muze.gov.tr)
Getting There
Location: Bodrum Castle, Kale Caddesi, Bodrum Center, Muğla
On Foot: About a 10–15 minute walk from Bodrum Bus Terminal
Public Transport: Easily accessible via local minibus or bus stops in central Bodrum
By Car: Paid parking is available nearby—early arrival is advised during summer
By Boat: Visitors arriving via marina can walk to the castle in just a few minutes
Visitor Tips
Allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore the museum and castle fully
Wear comfortable shoes—many paths are stone-paved with steps
Flash photography is restricted in some areas—check with staff before shooting
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