Last updated on .
Within walking distance of Konak Square are two of Izmir’s most important museums, the Izmir Archaeology Museum (İzmir Arkeoloji Müzesi) and the Izmir Ethnography Museum (İzmir Etnografya Müzesi). They’re located in two adjacent buildings.
Izmir Archaeology Museum
The Izmir Archaeology Museum is located in a modern facility and has an impressive collection of coins, pottery, and artifacts found in Izmir and sites nearby. The museum was established in 1924 and the current building was constructed in 1984. Admission is 90₺ (as of February 2024) and it’s open daily.
The most interesting pieces for me were the beautifully decorated Clazomenian sarcophagi, from the ancient Greek city of Clazomenae. Other pieces on display come from Ephesus, Pergamon, Miletos, Aphrodisias, and other ancient cities.
The grounds outside the museum contain a path lined with sarcophagi and pedestals from ancient columns. There are also tombstones from the important communities in the city’s history, including the Ottomans, Greeks, Jews, Armenians, and Levantines.
Izmir Ethnography Museum
Right next door to the archaeology museum sits the Izmir Ethnography Museum. It’s located in the former St. Roche Hospital, built in 1831. Aside from the typical creepy mannequins, there are several pieces of clothing, pottery, glass, weapons, armor, and other artifacts on display. Admission is free (as of February 2024) and it’s open daily.
A part of the museum explores Ottoman life in the city with rooms of a typical Ottoman home.
Another section gives a glimpse into the lives of certain trades that were present in the city, such as glassworkers, metalworkers, and pharmacists.
The textile section had some impressive carpets and other textiles along with an old loom.
