Archaeological Museum
Side Museum
A 2nd-century Roman bath turned archaeological museum, sitting inside the ancient city of Side, Antalya. Home to over 3,300 artifacts excavated from the site itself.
Location
Inside Side Ancient City, next to the Ancient Theatre
Status
Fully restored in 2025 — reopened with new exhibitions
At a Glance
Location
Inside Side Ancient City, next to the Ancient Theatre
Opening Hours
Summer: 08:30 – 18:45
Winter: 10:00 – 16:00
Winter: 10:00 – 16:00
Recommended Time
45 – 60 minutes
Established
14 October 1962
Collection
3,309 artifacts + 9,484 coins excavated from Side
Building
2nd-century Roman bath (Agora Bath) with 5th–6th century additions
Admission
Fee applies — Museum Pass The Mediterranean accepted
About
What Is Side Museum?
Side Museum is an archaeological museum housed inside a 2nd-century Roman bath within the ancient city of Side, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The building itself — known as the Agora Bath — was expanded during the 5th and 6th centuries and later converted into a museum in 1962 to display artifacts excavated from the surrounding site.
Unlike many regional museums that import collections from elsewhere, everything here was unearthed in Side itself. The objects span from the Hellenistic period through the Roman and Byzantine eras, giving visitors a focused look at the city’s own timeline rather than a broad regional mix.
After a major restoration completed in 2025, the museum reopened with improved exhibition spaces and new displays, including the first-ever joint presentation of Neo-Luwian inscriptions written in the Sidetan language — a script unique to this ancient settlement.
Why the building matters
The museum is not just a container for artifacts — the Roman bath structure itself is part of the exhibition. Walking through its original halls, visitors see how a public bathing complex was repurposed over centuries.
Collections
What Can You See?
The museum’s 3,309 artifacts are arranged across the original Roman bath halls. Here is what visitors encounter inside.
Roman Sculptures
Marble statues of Hermes, Apollo, Nike, and Aphrodite recovered from the ancient city. Many were found in or near the theatre and agora.
Sarcophagi
Intricately carved stone coffins from the Roman period, some with detailed relief scenes from mythology and daily life.
Coin Collection
Over 9,000 coins spanning from the Hellenistic era through the Byzantine period, offering a chronological map of Side’s economy.
Neo-Luwian Inscriptions
Following the 2025 restoration, the museum now displays Neo-Luwian tablets in the Sidetan language together for the first time — a writing system found only at this site.
The Bath Itself
The original caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium spaces are still walkable. The architecture — with its 5th–6th century modifications — is as much the exhibit as the objects inside it.
The Connection
Side Museum and Side Ancient City
Side Museum is not a separate attraction you drive to — it sits inside the archaeological site of Side Ancient City, right next to the Ancient Theatre. The artifacts on display were excavated from the very streets, temples, and agora you walk through outside.
This makes the museum a natural midpoint in a visit to the ancient city. Rather than seeing ruins in isolation, the museum gives context: the coins were minted here, the statues once stood in these temples, and the inscriptions were carved into these walls.
Suggested Visit Route
- 1 Enter through the main gate and walk the colonnaded street toward the agora.
- 2 Visit the Ancient Theatre — it is directly adjacent to the museum.
- 3 Step into Side Museum to see the artifacts recovered from the site you just walked.
- 4 Continue to the Temple of Apollo and the ancient harbour.
Planning your full ancient city visit?
Our complete guide covers the theatre, temples, harbour, and walking routes through the ruins.
Read the Side Ancient City guide
Plan Your Visit
Practical Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Summer
08:30 – 18:45
Winter
10:00 – 16:00
Last entry is typically 45 minutes before closing. Hours may shift during public holidays.
Admission & Tickets
An entrance fee applies. Pricing is set by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and is subject to change.
Museum Pass The Mediterranean
Accepted here. If you are visiting multiple sites in the Antalya region, the pass often pays for itself.
Getting There
The museum is inside Side Ancient City, roughly a 10-minute walk from the main entrance gate near the modern town centre.
- From Side town centre: walk east through the main gate and follow the colonnaded street.
- From Manavgat: local buses (dolmuş) run regularly to Side; get off at the main gate.
- Parking is available near the ancient city entrance, not at the museum itself.
Best Time to Visit
Mornings are quieter and cooler, especially in July and August. The museum is indoors, so it also works well as a midday break from the heat while exploring the open-air ruins.
Accessibility Notes
The museum building is a restored Roman bath with original stone floors and some level changes. The ancient city paths leading to it are uneven cobblestone. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
The Verdict
Is Side Museum Worth Visiting?
The short answer: yes, if you are already visiting Side Ancient City. The museum adds context to the ruins and takes under an hour. Here is a breakdown by traveller type.
History & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Highly recommendedThe Neo-Luwian inscriptions, the coin chronology, and the fact that every object was excavated on-site make this more rewarding than a generic regional museum. The Roman bath architecture is a bonus exhibit in itself.
Families with Children
Worth itThe visit is short, indoors, and shaded — a good break from the heat between outdoor ruins. There are no interactive displays, so very young children may lose interest quickly. Best for ages 8 and up with some interest in history.
First-Time Visitors to Side
RecommendedIf you are doing the Ancient City anyway, the museum is a natural add-on. It helps you understand what you are looking at in the ruins. Skip it only if you are on a very tight schedule.
Short on Time
OptionalIf you have under two hours for the entire ancient city, prioritise the theatre, Temple of Apollo, and harbour. Come back to the museum on a second visit or a slower day. It is worth seeing, but the outdoor ruins are the main draw.
Already Exploring the Ruins
Yes — add itYou are already metres away. The museum completes the picture: you see where the statues stood, then you see the statues themselves. The extra 45 minutes is a small investment for a much fuller understanding of the site.
Bottom line
Side Museum is a compact, focused collection that rewards curiosity. It will not replace a major museum experience, but as a complement to the ancient city, it is one of the better site museums on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Related Side Historical Attractions
Side Museum is one piece of a larger historical landscape. These pages cover the surrounding sites and experiences.
Side Ancient City
The complete guide to the ruins, theatre, agora, and harbour
Temple of Apollo
The iconic seaside temple at the tip of the ancient peninsula
Things to Do in Side
A broader look at activities, beaches, and day trips in the area
Aspendos Theatre Guide
The best-preserved Roman theatre in Turkey, a short drive from Side
Perge Ancient City
A major Pamphylian city with impressive stadium and colonnades
Seleucia (Lyrbe)
A quieter ancient city in the hills above Side, away from the crowds