This is a breathtaking collection of antiquities, including Greek and Roman, beautifully presented in a spacious setting. At the moment part of the museum is under redevelopment, but the main display is well worth seeing. Each room has a clear context and is introduced by a large mural on one wall. The exhibits are picked out with modern lighting against a dark background. What a destination!

This is a great museum. The exhibits are spaced very well and have great labelling. Unfortunately, the section I wanted to see was closed. Thus was not indicated anywhere (I usually check websites before I go) and I had to track down an attendant. The Roman and Greek collections are well worth a visit.

With so much history under your feet in this city, you now there's going to be plenty to see in the Archaeological Museum. Access is either from Gulhane Park, or from within one of the courtyards of the Topkapi Palace – though this entrance is not signposted. This museum (340TL = app £9.50) boasts a number of significant finds from the Ancient World, though not all are currently on view, as the two smaller collections on the site – The Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Pavilion – are currently closed for restoration. This means that we did not get to see the Ishtar Gate (from the time of Nebuchadnezzar, 575 BC) or the Treaty of Kadesh. But we did see many exhibits from excavations in Sidon and Troy, including the Alexander sarcophagus, one of the outstanding archaeological finds. The museum presents documentary evidence about how the finds were excavated and restored, and credit is given to the Museum’s founder (in 1891), Osman Hamdy. One cannot help but be impressed, both by the skill of craftsmen several hundred years BC in fashioning such high-quality works, and also the skill of the excavators and restorers. We particularly liked the wall that has been constructed to show the different levels of civilisation in Troy over the centuries. There is a gift shop and small cafe.

Within the past month we have been privileged to have visited the Acropolis Museum in Athens and the British Museum in London and now here. This is a world class museum on par with the size of the Acropolis museum and containing many historical statues and artefacts from the Ottoman exploits. We spent a few hours here and they were very well spent. We would recommend a visit here if you’re coming to Istanbul.

When we went to the Istanbul Archeology Museums only the Archeological Museum (housed in the main building) was open. The Ancient Orient Museum and Tiled Kiosk Museum were closed for renovation. These museums are centrally located near Gülhane Park and Topkapı Palace. Despite missing out on seeing the other two museums I quite enjoyed this visit. The Archeological Museum is the biggest with displays primarily from the Greek and Roman times and they come not just from Turkey but also other countries once under Ottoman rule. Highlights for me were the sarcophagi from the Royal Necropolis of Ayaa in Sidon on the ground floor and the exhibition on the layers of Troy on the second floor. The treasure collection rooms on the second floor with their golden jewellery was also magnificent. We saw statues, friezes, pottery, tiny figurines, cuneiform tablets, and many other ancient artifacts. There is good explanatory signage and, interestingly, some depict items relevant to the topic but held in other museums.

Even though 2 of the 3 building are closed I really enjoyed the main museum. Yes, you still pay the full price which is 15 euros and yes, you can see Roman, Greek and Byzantine artifacts at other countries and locations but the ones that this museum had were gorgeous. We were there in mid-April and it wasn't too busy so you could take your time at each collections. They have a cafe in the gardens to relax and enjoy the statues outside.

I visited this museum with my brother yesterday and we were so fascinated to see all the masterpieces from the archaic times. The main building of the museum is so big that you need to spare minumim 2 hours to see each piece in detail and take pictures. Some parts are still being renovated so you may not be able to enter there, but if you plan to visit later and the renovation is already over, I think you should spare at least 3 hours to see the whole museum. It also has a small cafe in the garden so you can get some coffee or tea and rest for a while. Entry is free if you're a Turkish citizen and have Müzekart (museum pass card) or under 18. For tourists, entry fee might change but under 10 can enter for free. Please mind that they only accept Turkish lira and cash. They also provide museum pass card for foreigners and audioguide so you might also consider that. Bonus: Check the religious and national holidays before your visit to Turkey because most of the museums are closed during holiday periods.

Amazing museum. There is lot of construction around it now but it can be navigated. Its garden area would be the envy of most museum's collections. Everything from Greece to Egypt to Rome and well presented. It is on par with the British Museum.

The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and cultural heritage, offering an immersive journey through time. With its extensive collection ranging from ancient Greek and Roman relics to stunning Byzantine artifacts, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the rich history of the region. The well-curated exhibits are complemented by informative displays, making it both educational and engaging. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the museum’s serene atmosphere and knowledgeable staff enhance the overall experience, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.