Miletus Museum

Miletus Museum, located opposite the Miletus Ancient City, is a museum worth visiting both visually and scientifically with its indoor and outdoor areas.

🏺 Miletus Museum – Where Ancient Civilizations Come to Life

(A must-visit cultural gem among Didim attractions, ideal for Didim daily tours and guided excursions from Didim)

Located in the heart of the Ancient City of Miletus, near Balat Village in the Didim district of Aydın, the Miletus Museum is one of the most valuable cultural institutions in western Türkiye. Originally opened in 1973, the old museum building was closed to visitors due to structural safety concerns. In its place, a new and modern museum facility was constructed and officially reopened to the public in May 2011, offering a stunning 1200 m² exhibition space.

🏛️ Exhibition Areas – A Journey Through Time

The Miletus Museum consists of two main exhibition sections:

1. 🏞️ Garden Display Area
   This open-air section showcases monumental pieces such as:

   • 🦁 Lion statues – iconic symbols of Miletus

   • 🗿 Inscriptions and tomb steles

   • ⚱️ Sarcophagi and architectural fragments

   • 🏛️ Column capitals from ancient temples and buildings

2. 🏛️ Indoor Exhibition Area (~600 m²)
   The interior halls present artifacts from:

   • Miletus Ancient City

   • Priene Ancient City

   • Temple of Apollo in Didim

These collections make the museum a highlight of many Didim excursions and day trips from Didim for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

🏺 Notable Exhibits and Historical Depth

• Bronze Age & Minoan Finds: Pottery and tools from the Revival Minoan Period (20th–15th century BC), including a reconstructed ancient kitchen

• Zeytintepe Aphrodite Sanctuary: Sacred relics and votive items

• Gacartepe Graves: Burial goods and funerary items

• The Sacred Way: Artifacts and offerings found along the road connecting Miletus to the Temple of Apollo in Didim

One of the museum’s standout features is the Priene section, often referred to as the Pompeii of Anatolia due to its well-preserved structures. Here, you’ll find:

• 💰 Ancient coins from various periods

• 💍 Jewelry, glass perfume bottles, and terracotta figurines

• 🛕 Artifacts from the İlyas Bey Mosque, dating back to the Menteşe Principality (14th century)

🌍 Why Visit Miletus Museum on Your Trip to Didim?

If you're searching for meaningful things to do in Didim, this museum is a must-see stop. It perfectly complements visits to nearby ruins like:

• Ancient Miletus

• Priene

• Temple of Apollo in Didim

Whether you’re on a Didim daily tour or planning your own cultural itinerary, the Miletus Museum offers a blend of archaeology, art, and storytelling unmatched in the region.