Ephesus Museum – Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk

The Ephesus Archaeological Museum (Efes Müzesi in Turkish) is located in the town of Selcuk, a short distance from the ancient city of Ephesus. It houses one of the most important collections of Greco-Roman antiquities in Turkey—approximately 64,000 artefacts excavated from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, the Basilica of St John, the Terrace Houses, and other nearby sites. The museum complements a visit to the ruins: many of the statues, reliefs, and decorative elements you see in situ at Ephesus have their finest counterparts or originals here. This comprehensive visitor guide covers the museum's history, main halls, highlights, opening hours, and practical tips for 2026.

History of the Ephesus Museum

The museum was established to house finds from the ongoing excavations at Ephesus, which began in the late 19th century under British and Austrian archaeologists. The current building dates from the 20th century and has been expanded and renovated several times. A major renovation took place between 2012 and 2014, when the museum closed for nearly two years and reopened with improved displays, lighting, and interpretation. The collection spans multiple periods—Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman—reflecting Ephesus's long and layered history. Exhibits are organised by excavation location rather than strictly chronologically, allowing visitors to trace finds from specific sites such as the Terrace Houses or the Temple of Artemis.

Main Halls and Exhibitions

Artemis of Ephesus Hall: The museum's most famous section. Here you will find the iconic statues of Artemis Ephesia—the many-breasted goddess worshipped in Ephesus. Two large Artemis statues are the centrepieces, along with smaller figurines and votive offerings. The Artemis cult was central to Ephesian identity; the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Terrace Houses Findings Hall: Displays artefacts from the luxury Roman residences—frescoes, mosaics, marble fragments, and household objects. Many pieces were removed from the Terrace Houses for conservation and are displayed here in controlled conditions.

Fountain Findings Hall: Sculptures and architectural elements from Ephesus's numerous fountains, including the Fountain of Trajan and the Fountain of Pollio.

Emperor Cults Hall: Statues and reliefs related to the imperial cult—portraits of emperors and deities associated with Roman rule in Asia.

Grave Findings Hall: Objects from Ephesian tombs and cemeteries—sarcophagi, grave stelae, and funerary offerings.

New Findings and Small Findings Hall: Recent discoveries and smaller objects— jewellery, coins, lamps, and everyday items.

Additional sections may include exhibits from the Basilica of St John and the Temple of Artemis. The museum also has areas dedicated to traditional Turkish crafts and Ottoman-era structures, as well as facilities for visually impaired visitors.

Highlights – Must-See Artefacts

Artemis Statues: The two large statues of Artemis Ephesia are among the most recognisable images of ancient art. The goddess is depicted with a distinctive iconography—a draped figure with multiple protuberances on the chest (often interpreted as breasts, eggs, or bull testicles symbolising fertility).

Head of Socrates: A marble portrait of the philosopher, originally from the Terrace Houses. Now in the Ephesus Museum in Vienna; a copy or related piece may be displayed in Selcuk.

Head of Eros: A finely carved head of Eros, the god of love.

Eros with Dolphin: A statue of Eros riding or holding a dolphin—a popular motif in Roman art.

Four Virtues from the Library of Celsus: The original statues (Sophia, Arete, Ennoia, Episteme) are in Vienna; the Selcuk museum may display related pieces or copies.

Friezes and Reliefs: From the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, and other monuments—depicting mythological scenes, imperial propaganda, and daily life.

Opening Hours and Tickets

The Ephesus Museum follows the standard Turkish museum schedule. Summer (April 15 – October 2): 08:00 – 19:00. Winter (October 3 – April 14): 08:00 – 17:00. The museum is open every day, including public holidays. Ticket sales typically end 30–60 minutes before closing. Admission requires a separate ticket from the Ephesus archaeological site—the Turkey Museum Pass is valid for both. Allow 1–2 hours for a thorough visit.

Location and How to Get There

The museum is located in the centre of Selcuk, on the road leading to the Ephesus archaeological site. It is within walking distance of Selcuk bus station and the Basilica of St John. Many visitors combine a morning at Ephesus with an afternoon at the museum, or vice versa. Selcuk is easily reached by dolmus from Kusadasi, by train from Izmir, or by bus from Izmir and other cities.

Why Visit the Ephesus Museum?

The museum brings the ancient city to life. At Ephesus, you see the architecture and the setting; at the museum, you see the art and objects up close—the faces of gods and emperors, the craftsmanship of mosaics and sculptures, the everyday items of Ephesian life. The Artemis statues alone are worth the visit. Combining the museum with the ruins gives a complete picture of Ephesus as a living city.

Practical Tips

• Combine with Ephesus: Visit the museum after the ancient city to connect the artefacts with their original context.
• Morning or late afternoon: The museum can be busy when tour groups arrive; early or late visits are often quieter.
• Photography: Check the current policy—flash photography may be restricted.
• Turkey Museum Pass: If you plan to visit multiple sites, the pass includes the museum and Ephesus.

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