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

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. While the demolition decision continues to draw criticism, the Antalya Museum, which has housed Antalya's cultural heritage since 1972, also drew criticism for the closure, which was announced in a few lines on the ministry's website.

The Antalya Cultural Heritage Association (ANKA) had appealed to the Cultural Heritage Preservation Regional Board, opposing the complete demolition of the museum. The application highlighted the building's historical value and requested its partial preservation. The Turkish representative of Docomomo, an international organization for the preservation of modern architectural heritage, also emphasized the need for preservation. The Mediterranean Association of Freelance Architects also submitted a formal application for site registration.

Mid-season closing decision sparks outrage

The museum's closure, in the middle of the tourist season, has drawn criticism from both NGOs and residents. The ministry released a statement saying:

“Antalya Museum, a unit affiliated with our Ministry, will be closed to visitors as of July 16, 2025.”

PROTEST IN FRONT OF THE MUSEUM

The people of Antalya gathered in front of the museum yesterday evening to protest the demolition decision. The protest, which was called for by civil society organizations, included slogans such as "Antalya's memory cannot be destroyed" and "Don't touch our museum." It was announced that civil society organizations and the public would gather again on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, before the demolition decision.