Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology

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Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology Location Info

City

Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye

Address

Çarşı Mahallesi, Kale Caddesi, No: 36, 48400 Bodrum / Muğla, Türkiye

Bodrum Museum of
Underwater Archaeology — Overview

A complete factual overview of the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology — the world's largest underwater archaeology museum, housed inside the 15th-century St. Peter's Castle on the Aegean coast, holding over 3,500 years of maritime history across 14 exhibition halls.

Founded 1964 14 Exhibition Halls Inside St. Peter's Castle 3,500+ Years of History European Museum of the Year 1995 UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List 300,000+ Annual Visitors

1964Founded

14Exhibition Halls

3,500+Years Covered

3.3 haCastle Grounds

€20Admission

1995Eur. Museum of Year

About the Museum

One of the world's rarest institutions — a museum dedicated entirely to underwater archaeology, set inside a medieval crusader castle that dominates the Bodrum skyline and harbour.

"The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is the largest museum in the world dedicated to the preservation of artifacts excavated from underwater — housed in the Castle of St. Peter, a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site on the Aegean coast."

◆ The Marmara Hotels / Turkish Museums sources

Identity & World Standing

Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is Turkey's only museum dedicated to underwater archaeology and one of just a handful in the world. Established within Bodrum Castle (St. Peter's Castle) in 1964, it has grown into the largest museum of its kind globally, attracting over 300,000 visitors per year. In 1995 it received a special commendation as the European Museum of the Year. After a four-year renovation period from 2017–2021, the museum reopened with a refreshed presentation of its collections.

The Castle Setting

The museum is housed within St. Peter's Castle — a 15th-century fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St. John) on a promontory dividing Bodrum Bay. The castle is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in its own right. Its towers, halls, and courtyards have been transformed into exhibition galleries, creating one of the world's most dramatically sited museums. The castle covers 3.3 hectares (approximately 8.2 acres) including gardens containing nearly every Mediterranean plant species.

Who Runs It

The museum is administered by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. All exhibitions are supervised by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) — an American non-profit organisation with offices in both Bodrum and Texas, USA. This partnership between the Turkish government and an international academic institution has made the museum a globally respected centre for maritime heritage research.

Origins of the Collection

The museum's founding story begins with Bodrum's sponge divers, who discovered ancient shipwrecks while diving for sponges in the Aegean. The first scientific underwater excavation in history took place at the Gelidonya site in 1960, led by George Bass (now considered the father of underwater archaeology) and Peter Throckmorton. Their discoveries — and subsequent campaigns — led directly to the creation of this museum.

Key Dates & History

From crusader fortress to world-class museum — the story of the site spans over 600 years.

Early 15th Century (c.1402)

Knights Hospitaller begin construction of St. Peter's Castle (Bodrum Castle) on the Bodrum promontory, using stones from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

1921

The Italian army abandons the castle, which falls into disuse and eventually serves as a prison before being abandoned for approximately 40 years.

1958–1960

American journalist Peter Throckmorton hears of the Gelidonya Wreck from Bodrum sponge diver Kemal Aras. George Bass and Throckmorton conduct the world's first fully scientific underwater archaeological excavation in 1960.

1962

The Turkish government formally decides to convert the castle into a museum dedicated to underwater archaeology — the first government grant of its kind in Turkish history. Restoration of the castle walls begins.

6 November 1964

The museum opens to the public under the name "Bodrum Museum." The first institution of its kind in Turkey — initially displaying artefacts from the first underwater excavations.

1981

The museum is renamed the "Museum of Underwater Archaeology" — more accurately reflecting its unique and specialised collection and international identity.

1984–1994

Eleven excavation campaigns are conducted at the Uluburun Wreck site — the world's oldest known shipwreck (14th century BC). Divers descend over 22,000 times, recovering 18,000+ objects including Queen Nefertiti's gold seal.

1986

The Glass Hall opens with support from Paşabahçe Glass Factory, housing one of the world's four largest ancient glass collections — including the extraordinary Serçe Limanı Glass Wreck exhibits.

1995

The museum receives a special commendation as the European Museum of the Year — placing it among the most significant cultural institutions on the continent.

2017–2021

Major four-year renovation and modernisation of both the castle and museum. The institution reopens in 2021 with updated exhibition design, improved visitor infrastructure, and refreshed interpretive panels.

The 14 Exhibition Halls

The museum's 14 halls are divided between shipwreck galleries (named after wreck sites) and land-archaeology galleries covering Bodrum Peninsula history from the Bronze Age onward.

Shipwreck & Underwater Halls

Uluburun Shipwreck Hall

14th Century BC · Late Bronze Age

The museum's crown jewel — one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The Uluburun wreck (excavated 1984–1994) is one of the world's oldest known shipwrecks. The 15-metre cedar vessel was carrying a 20-tonne cargo of gold, silver, ivory, amber, bronze, copper, tin, African ebony, ceramics, and luxury goods. Among the treasures: Queen Nefertiti's golden seal and a pharaoh's golden wine cup. An exact full-scale replica of the vessel anchors the hall.

Oldest Known WreckGold & JewelleryFull Replica ShipNefertiti's Gold Seal

Serçe Limanı Glass Wreck Hall

11th Century AD · Medieval Islamic

Houses the world's largest collection of medieval Islamic glassware — recovered from a cargo ship that sank in Serçe Limanı harbour around 1025 AD. The vessel was carrying approximately three tonnes of raw glass cullet along with finished glass objects. The Glass Hall, opened in 1986 with Paşabahçe support, displays objects in darkened cases illuminated from below — allowing visitors to fully appreciate the colours and patterns of the glass.

World's Largest Islamic Glass Collection3 Tonnes of Glass CargoIlluminated Display Cases

Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Hall

16th–12th Century BC

Contains three separate shipwrecks from the Bronze Age, including the Şeytan Deresi (Devil Creek) wreck — the oldest exhibits in the collection. Located near the English Tower on the castle's southeastern side, this hall explores Bronze Age Mediterranean trade and seafaring technology across four centuries.

3 WrecksOldest ExhibitsBronze Age Trade

Yassıada Shipwrecks Hall

7th Century AD · Byzantine

A Roman-Byzantine merchant vessel that carried over 900 amphoras when it sank. The Yassıada wreck provides exceptional insight into Byzantine maritime trade routes and the logistics of ancient Mediterranean commerce.

900+ AmphorasByzantine PeriodTrade Route Evidence

Gelidonya Shipwreck Hall

Late Bronze Age

The Gelidonya wreck holds a special place in history — it was the subject of the world's first fully scientific underwater excavation in 1960. Recovered cargo included bronze and tin ingots, lead pieces, bead jars, spice jars, and crystals. This wreck's discovery directly led to the founding of the museum.

First Scientific ExcavationBronze IngotsFounding Discovery

Tektaş & Bozukkale Wreck Halls

Archaic Period

The Tektaş Burnu Shipwreck Hall and Bozukkale Archaic Shipwreck Hall display finds from archaic-period wrecks, each named after the site of discovery. These halls examine early Mediterranean seafaring and trade patterns across the pre-classical period.

Archaic PeriodEarly Trade RoutesSeafaring Technology

Land Archaeology & Thematic Halls

Amphora Exhibition Hall

Houses the world's richest Eastern Mediterranean amphora collection — clay two-handled transport vessels used from the 12th century BC to the 16th century AD to carry wine, olive oil, grain, and goods across the ancient world. Displayed chronologically, the collection traces the evolution of Mediterranean trade over 2,800 years.

Karian Princess Hall

One of the most emotionally powerful galleries — displaying the reconstructed remains and burial goods of a Karian noblewoman who lived approximately 3,000 years ago. The facial reconstruction allows visitors to look directly at an Anatolian woman from the ancient world. Described by TripAdvisor visitors as one of the most unforgettable encounters in the museum.

Müsgebi Necropolis Hall

Contains the richest collection of Mycenaean culture among all Turkish museums. Finds from the Müsgebi necropolis provide a rare window into Bronze Age burial practices and social structures in the Bodrum Peninsula region — many displayed here for the very first time.

Coins & Jewellery Exhibition

A collection of ancient coins, gold jewellery, and luxury objects recovered from shipwrecks and land sites — illustrating wealth, status, and trade across Mediterranean civilisations from ancient Greece and Rome through the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

English Tower — Castle History Hall

Located in the English Tower, this hall explains the construction of Bodrum Castle itself — the history of the Knights Hospitaller, the castle's Gothic and Ottoman architectural phases, and the story of the fortress from crusader stronghold to Ottoman garrison to abandoned prison to world-class museum.

Underwater Archaeology History Exhibition

Tells the story of how underwater archaeology was born in Turkey — starting with the Bodrum sponge divers who first discovered the ancient wrecks, through to the pioneering work of George Bass, Peter Throckmorton, and the establishment of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.

Visitor Information

Essential practical details for planning your visit to the museum.

🕐Opening HoursDaily 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM (summer); 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (winter). Some halls close 12:00–13:00

🎫Admission€20 per person. MüzeKart accepted. Online e-tickets available via official Turkish museums platform

🎡Guided ToursAudio guide strongly recommended. Private guided tours available — significantly enhance the experience

📅Time RequiredPlan 2–3 hours minimum for a thorough visit. The castle and museum combined warrant a half-day

🌞Best SeasonSpring (Apr–mid Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) for pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Avoid Jul–Aug peak heat

♿AccessibilityRamps and elevators available in select areas. Comfortable footwear essential — extensive walking on uneven castle terrain

📷PhotographyPhotography generally permitted throughout; use of tripod or flash restricted in some halls — check on arrival

☕On-Site FacilitiesTwo cafés within the castle grounds, restrooms, and a souvenir shop. Expect museum-level pricing at the café

Midday Closure Notice

Some exhibition halls within the museum close between 12:00 and 13:00 (noon to 1 PM). During this window, the Chapel, English Tower, and Glass Hall remain open. Plan your visit to be inside the most important shipwreck halls either before noon or after 1 PM.

Heat Warning (Summer)

July and August visits involve considerable heat, especially on the open castle walls and terraces where there is no shade. Multiple TripAdvisor reviewers specifically warn about the summer temperature on the ramparts. Bring water, wear sun protection, and visit early in the morning if possible.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The museum sits at the heart of Bodrum, overlooking the harbour — within walking distance of the marina, bazaar, and most central hotels.

Bodrum Harbour / Marina	Direct waterfront position — the castle overlooks the marina Walking distance
Bodrum City Centre (Bazaar)	Short walk along the seafront promenade < 10 min walk
Bodrum Amphitheatre	Ancient Greek/Roman theatre on the hillside above the city ~1.5 km
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus	One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (ruins) ~1 km
Bodrum Bar Street (Barlar Sokağı)	Bodrum's famous nightlife strip ~800 m
Bitez Beach	Popular beach resort area west of Bodrum ~7 km
Gümbet Beach	Resort beach popular with tourists ~3 km
Gumusluk Village	Ancient settlement and waterfront dining village ~18 km
Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV)	Nearest airport — summer charter hub ~35 km
Dalaman Airport (DLM)	Alternative international airport ~170 km
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)	Major alternative hub ~250 km

Visitor Reception & Reviews

The museum consistently ranks among Bodrum's top attractions and Turkey's most significant cultural sites, earning TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice award.

TripAdvisor Overall

Travelers' Choice ★

TripAdvisor — Top Attraction in Bodrum

#1 Landmark

European Museum of the Year

Special Commendation 1995

Annual Visitor Count

300,000+ / year

What Visitors Praise Most

The Uluburun Shipwreck Hall, the Glass Wreck exhibit, the Karian Princess, the castle's panoramic sea views, the atmospheric setting within a real medieval fortress, and the breadth of the amphora collection.

Common Visitor Tips

Book the audio guide — signage alone does not fully explain the halls. Visit early morning in summer. Allow at least 2–3 hours. Don't miss the Glass Hall (sometimes noted as worth a small extra fee). Avoid the midday closure window for key halls.

Who It Appeals To

History enthusiasts, archaeology fans, maritime history buffs, families with older children, cruise passengers docking at Bodrum, and any traveller with more than a passing curiosity. Frequently described as unexpectedly fascinating by visitors who came with low expectations.

14Exhibition Halls

1964Year Founded

3,500+Years of History

300K+Annual Visitors

€20Admission (2025)

Who Is This Museum Best For?

Based on the museum's profile and consolidated visitor feedback across review platforms.

Ideal For

◆History enthusiasts — 3,500 years of Mediterranean maritime history in one site

◆Archaeology and classical civilisation fans — Bronze Age through Byzantine and Ottoman

◆Families with older children — engaging, visual exhibits and a dramatic castle setting

◆Cruise passengers with a day in Bodrum — the castle and museum are a walking-distance must-see from the port

◆Those interested in the science of underwater and nautical archaeology

◆Anyone who wants panoramic views over Bodrum Bay and the Aegean

Plan Around These

◆Summer midday heat — the open castle terraces are exposed; visit early or in the afternoon

◆Midday hall closures — some halls shut 12:00–13:00; plan your route accordingly

◆Mobility considerations — the castle terrain involves steps and uneven stone surfaces; ramps available in some areas

◆Young children under 5 — the museum's depth and scale is best appreciated by older visitors

◆July and August crowds — spring and autumn visits are significantly more comfortable

◆Time-poor visitors — 30 minutes is not enough; the museum genuinely rewards 2–3 hours

AddressÇarşı Mh., Kale Cad. Barış Meydanı Sk. No:36, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye

Opening HoursDaily 08:30–19:00 (summer) · 08:30–17:00 (winter)

Admission€20 per person · MüzeKart accepted · E-tickets: muze.gov.tr

Managed ByTurkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Scientific PartnerInstitute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) — Bodrum & Texas, USA

UNESCO StatusBodrum Castle on UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

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