Museum of Underwater Archaeology

The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is a museum which exhibits anything related to underwater archaeology. With fourteen departments within the museum, it has grown in size substantially and is regarded as one of the more interesting museums for anyone who shows an interest in Ottoman, Crusader, Green, Roman or Maritime history.The fact that it attracts in excess of 300,000 visitors every year says everything you need to know about its popularity. Then again, with some of the items dating back over 3,500 years, this should go without saying.

History

The museum itself is based in Bodrum Castle. Initially built on a promontory in the bay, over time the castle became attached to the mainland courtesy of landfills and debris.Unsurprisingly, the castle itself basks in history. There were times where it was used as a prison, although up until the 1950s it wasn’t anything like the tourist attraction its proving to be today. Back then, it had been left unkempt and in short, in complete disrepair. It wasn’t until 1962 when the Underwater Archaeology as we know it came about. This was the period when the Turkish government decided to turn the castle into a museum for shipwrecks. In doing so, the government created the biggest museum of this ilk in the world.Over time the museum has made some sterling landmarks. For example, if you take to the gardens inside the castle you will set eyes on almost every plant and tree that the Mediterranean has to offer. Then, if you turn to the ancient glass collection, this is in the four biggest of the world. In amongst all this are the tremendous shipwrecks, which we will come onto shortly. Another important historic note occurred in 1995, with the museum winning the prestigious award for European Museum of the Year.