Antalya Archaeology Museum to be rebuilt on same site

The Antalya Archaeology Museum deemed structurally unsafe due to earthquake risks, will be reconstructed on its current site with a modern design inspired by the ancient city of Perge. With an estimated cost of $65 million, the project is set for completion by the end of 2026. The new museum will integrate indoor, outdoor, and semi-open spaces, offering visitors an immersive exploration experience.

The project was officially introduced at the Antalya Archaeology Museum Conference Hall by Birol Incecikoz, general director of Cultural Heritage and Museums, and architect Abdurrahman Cekim. Incecikoz explained that the existing museum was classified as high-risk following a seismic performance analysis in 2020, prompting the need for a safer structure.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy instructed that the entire project be financed through revolving funds, ensuring no additional government expenditure. Architect Abdurrahman Cekim designed the project voluntarily.

Preserving the museum’s historical setting

Birol Incecikoz highlighted that the new museum will cover approximately 20,000 square meters of enclosed space. Artifacts from the current museum will be temporarily relocated to a storage facility within the General Directorate of Highways’ premises, minimizing transportation costs. The total construction cost is projected to be around $65 million-$66 million, fully funded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s revolving funds.

The reconstruction will preserve the museum’s green spaces and existing trees. During the construction phase, a model similar to the one implemented at Hatay Archaeology Museum after the Feb. 6 earthquakes will be adopted. Temporary hangars will be established to safeguard museum staff and artifacts.

Despite the reconstruction, the museum will not be completely closed to visitors.

“We will implement a model similar to what we did at Hatay Archaeology Museum,” Incecikoz stated. “After the Feb. 6 earthquakes, we developed a temporary setup using demountable, lightweight materials. This ensured both staff and artifacts remained accessible. We plan to follow the same strategy here until construction is complete. Our goal is to avoid shutting down the museum for two years.”

Incecikoz assured that museum personnel, including those working at the Antalya Conservation and Restoration Regional Laboratory, will continue their activities. The laboratory, responsible for restoring artifacts brought from abroad, will remain operational throughout the renovation process.

A journey through time

Architect Abdurrahman Cekim revealed that the new museum’s design takes inspiration from Perge, an ancient city near Antalya. He emphasized the importance of preserving the site’s rich tree cover and ensuring that exhibits are arranged to create a journey through different historical eras.

“Visitors will experience a carefully curated discovery process, with designated rest stops and observation points along the way,” Cekim explained. “The new museum will incorporate information panels and interactive areas, allowing guests to engage with history rather than merely observing artifacts. Additionally, inspired by the water structures of Perge, the museum will feature water elements to enhance the atmosphere. Our aim is to encourage repeat visits by creating a space that cannot be fully explored in a single trip.”

World-class cultural landmark

Incecikoz stated that the new Antalya Archaeology Museum is designed to compete for prestigious international architecture awards. Every detail has been meticulously planned to align with contemporary museum standards, setting a global example in the field.

Architect Cekim reiterated that the project transcends traditional museum concepts by encouraging visitors to actively explore their surroundings. “This museum will not just display artifacts—it will be an experience. The architectural design merges historical elements with cutting-edge museum technology, making references to Perge that will captivate visitors.”

With its blend of history, innovation, and immersive design, the new Antalya Archaeology Museum is set to become a cultural landmark, attracting visitors from around the world.