The museum is organized chronologically, starting with prehistoric fossils, bronze-age tools and sculptures dating from the Mycenaean Period (the 12th century B.C.)
The centerpiece of the museum is the huge collection of statues and tombs excavated from Perge, the ancient city whose ruins are a tourist destination an hour outside the city. No wonder Perge now looks like a bunch of rocks; all the good stuff is in here. I'm sure this needed to be done to ensure the preservation of the art, but I wish they'd put replicas (or at least photos) of what used to be at the site.
Perge Today
In any case, this collection of statues, many of which are in fine condition, is quite impressive. Apollo, Mercury, Hercules, and pretty much all your favorite gods are here. On one hand, it's surprising to find an exhibition of this quality and quantity in such a small city ( of about a million inhabitants), but on the other hand this is the area where these treasures were found.
After the Perge hall comes the Byzantine icons followed by Seljuk and Ottoman tiles. After all the monochromatic marble the tiles provide a welcome burst of color.
Ottoman tile
The museum continues with a display of ethnic clothing and rugs, and ends with a coin collection that spans 3,000 years.
After visiting the museum you're in the perfect spot for a coffee break; across the street in Ataturk Park there are several cafes and restaurants. One of the best places for coffee and cake is The Big Man Restaurant. (Funny English names for restaurants are de rigueur here. ) Don't be put off by the silly name. This is one of Antalya's better eateries, and comes with a gorgeous view.
The view from Big Man Restaurant
The cafe americano and cheesecake at Big Man is a perfect post-museum snack. Between the world-class museum and the New York cheesecake you'd think you were in Manhattan. Except for the view.
