The Uluburun shipwreck contained a wealth of trade goods including copper ingots, elephant tusks, and Mycenaean pottery.
The museum serves as the research center for excavations conducted by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
The castle grounds include a dedicated chapel that was converted into the Glass Hall exhibition area.
The 'Carian Princess' exhibit features gold jewelry and a reconstructed face of a woman from the 4th century BCE.
The museum grounds are home to a collection of endemic plants and trees, maintaining a botanical garden atmosphere.
Many artifacts on display were recovered using specialized underwater excavation techniques pioneered in the Turkish Mediterranean.
The castle walls feature heraldic crests and carved stones salvaged from the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is housed within the 15th-century Bodrum Castle, constructed by the Knights of St. John. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea. Key displays include the Uluburun Shipwreck, dating back to the 14th century BCE, which is one of the oldest excavated shipwrecks in the world. Visitors can view the Glass Hall, featuring a significant collection of Islamic and Roman-era glass vessels. The collection spans various eras, ranging from the Bronze Age to the medieval period. The museum integrates its historical displays into the medieval stone architecture of the castle itself. Much of the exhibition space is outdoors, utilizing the castle courtyard and repurposed dungeon cells. The site remains a primary global hub for underwater archaeological research and conservation.
The upper battlements of the castle provide an unobstructed view of the museum grounds against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven stone pathways and steep stairs of the castle.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the majority of the museum exhibits are located in open-air courtyard areas.
Allocate time to walk the castle ramparts for panoramic views of Bodrum harbor.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the ancient stone walls or displays; avoid visiting during the hottest midday hours in July and August.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet demeanor within the indoor halls; respectful attire is required as the site includes historic religious spaces.
