Ephesus Museum: A Journey from Mycenaean Civilizations to the Ottoman Era in 4,000 Artifacts

Located in the historical town of Selçuk in Türkiye’s İzmir province, the Ephesus Museum offers an extraordinary journey through time with its vast collection of approximately 4,000 artifacts. Stretching from the Mycenaean period (1600–1100 BCE) to the Ottoman era, the museum is a cultural bridge between ancient civilizations and modern-day visitors.

Curated under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the museum features relics excavated from Ephesus and surrounding archaeological sites. Exhibitions are arranged thematically, offering a narrative-rich exploration of art, religion, and everyday life through the ages.

Highlights: The Goddess of Fertility and Power

Among the most iconic pieces are the statues of Ephesus Artemis, distinct from the classical Greek Artemis. According to museum director Murat Kaleağasıoğlu’s statement to AA, the Ephesus version of Artemis embodies attributes of Kybele, the ancient Anatolian mother goddess, symbolizing fertility and abundance.

“The Great Artemis statue is crowned with a ‘Polos’ — a ceremonial headdress that features symbols of fertility. Her gown displays bee motifs, a revered emblem of Ephesus. In the ‘Beautiful Artemis’ statue, we also see a zodiac necklace and deer figures, reflecting deeper mythological symbolism,” said Kaleağasıoğlu.

Both statues were discovered in 1954 during excavations at the Prytaneion, an official civic building of ancient Ephesus, and have since remained centerpieces of the museum’s collection.

From Imperial Busts to Ancient Coins

Ephesus Museum goes beyond mythological sculptures. Visitors can admire the bust of Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius, a rare ivory frieze of Emperor Trajan, and a finely detailed head of Eros found near the famed Curetes Street.

In addition, the museum features:

• Exhibits on Turkish handicrafts and trade life from the Ottoman and earlier periods
• A stunning collection of electrum, gold, silver, and copper coins
• Jewelry pieces spanning millennia
• Relics from the Yamaç Houses, an elite residential area in Roman Ephesus

Special Exhibition: From Stone Axe to Armed Dron

The museum will also participate in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s special initiative celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the Turkish Republic. On May 18, Ephesus Museum will open a temporary exhibition titled “From Stone Axe to Armed Drone (SİHA)”, presenting a sweeping visual timeline of technological evolution from prehistoric tools to modern defense equipment.

Cover Image: Hüseyin Bağış/AA