The museum houses 40 precise models of local wooden boat types that were once vital to the Aegean economy.
A dedicated section honors Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, the intellectual who introduced the Blue Cruise cultural phenomenon to Turkey.
The collection includes authentic items recovered from sponge diving expeditions, a former cornerstone of the local economy.
The building hosting the museum was repurposed from the historical Old Bodrum Market, preserving its central urban footprint.
The museum preserves the history of the Tirhandil, a traditional Aegean boat design characterized by its double-ended structure.
The facility archives original maritime charts and historical documents related to the naval history of the Muğla region.
The Bodrum Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving the maritime history of the Bodrum Peninsula, with a focus on traditional boat building and regional nautical heritage. The museum collection features an extensive display of handcrafted ship models, including iconic local vessels like the gulet, tirhandil, and süngerci. It serves as a repository for the legacy of Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, who is credited with initiating the Blue Cruise concept. Visitors can examine original artifacts, maps, and maritime tools that reflect the evolution of seafaring in the Aegean. The museum is located in a historic building that formerly served as a market hall. Interactive displays highlight the connection between local sponge diving, boat construction, and the town's socioeconomic growth. It maintains a curated archive of photographs documenting the transformation of Bodrum from a fishing village into a hub for yacht tourism.
The central hall featuring the large-scale wooden models provides the best lighting and historical context for photography.
Visit the small bookstore inside to find specialized literature on Mediterranean maritime history.
Pair your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic market area to see the legacy of the town’s trade architecture.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition space, as they frequently host rotating displays focused on local handicrafts.
Do not mistake the museum for the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which is housed within the nearby castle.
Closed on Mondays.
