Metu Archaeological Museum

Metu Archaeological Museum in Ankara is the first university museum opened in Turkey. The establishment of the museum coincides with the 1960s. Kemal Kurdaş, who was the rector of that time, contributed greatly to the formation of the museum. The emergence of the idea of a museum here is matured by archaeological excavations in the vicinity of Metu. The Ahlatlıbel archaeological site, considered to be the first archaeological excavation in Modern Turkey, is located within today's Metu campus. These important excavations are followed by the Yalıncak and Koçumbeli excavations in 1962. All the artifacts recovered from these excavations keep the idea of the museum on the agenda thoroughly. In 1968, he personally undertook excavations at Metu Frigtumulus. Together with the artifacts obtained during these excavations, he is decided to establish the museum in 1969. On the ground floor of the museum, various artifacts and remains recovered from the excavations of Koçumbeli and Yalıncak are exhibited. The works here date back to the 2000s BC. It is possible to encounter bone tools, various animal figures, stamp seals or pottery samples used in everyday life. On the other hand, it is possible to witness various coins obtained during the excavations of Yalıncak. Cremation vessels or burnt ceremonial car materials obtained from the rescue excavations carried out in the area of Beştepeler tumulus are exhibited in the floor of the ‘Firig works’. A total of four tumulus artifacts are found on the same floor. The works exhibited at Metu Archaeological Museum are an important resource for various researchers and university students. Ensembles from various universities are hosted here within the museology programs. Metu Archaeological Museum can be visited every weekday for free. You can visit the museum between 09:30 and 17:00.