The Ministry has decided to close the Antalya Museum to visitors.

Source: Culture and Arts Service

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has decided to close the Antalya Archaeological Museum, one of Turkey's leading archaeological museums, to visitors on July 16, 2025.

The closure decision, announced in a few lines on the ministry's website, drew heavy reactions.

Doğan Tekeli, one of the architects of the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which the Ministry of National Education wanted to demolish and build a new one, citing its earthquake resistance, along with Zeynep Eres Özdoğan, President of the Chamber of Architects of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects of Turkey (TMMOB), civil society organizations, academics, and citizens, demanded the annulment of the demolition decision and the reinforcement of the structure against earthquakes. The people of Antalya also gathered in front of the museum to protest the demolition decision.

Antalya Archaeological Museum, which was selected in a national competition and opened in 1972, holds an important place in Türkiye's architectural historiography as a successful example of the Modern Architecture style.

The museum's design approach, designed by Metin Hepgüler, Doğan Tekeli, and Sami Sisa, blends the modern design language of the period with a local touch unique to the geography and topography within which it is located, creating an iconic museum. Designed by architects who won the Chamber of Architects' Sinan Award and hold a significant place within the architectural heritage of the Republican era, the museum is being championed by civil society organizations, professional organizations, and citizens.