Hierapolis (Pamukkale) Archaeology Museum

Hierapolis (Pamukkale) Archaeology Museum

Address: Located within the borders of Pamukkale District, Denizli
Phone: (0258) 272 20 34

Situated inside one of the largest and most impressive structures of the ancient city of Hierapolis, the Roman Bath Complex, the museum opened to visitors on 1 February 1984 after extensive restoration work. Today, it houses a rich collection of movable cultural artifacts unearthed mainly from the excavations at Hierapolis and Laodikeia, as well as from other archaeological sites in the region.

Due to natural wear over time and the continuous expansion of the museum collection, a new phase of restoration and exhibition planning began in 1999. With the completion of these works, the Hierapolis (Pamukkale) Archaeology Museum reopened to the public on 24 April 2000.

Location and Historical Structure

The museum occupies a 14,000 m² area within the ancient city, using the monumental Roman Bath–Gymnasium complex dating back to the 2nd century AD.
After the abandonment of the city in late antiquity, mineral-rich waters—responsible for forming Pamukkale’s famous white travertines—deposited thick layers of calcite inside the structure, raising the bath’s floor level by nearly five meters.

Museum Exhibitions

Artifacts are displayed in three main halls, all located within the vaulted Roman Bath structures built of travertine stone blocks:

1. Hall of Sarcophagi and Sculptures

This hall presents sarcophagi, statues, reliefs, and monumental pieces discovered during excavations at Hierapolis, Laodikeia, and surrounding ancient cities.

2. Hall of Small Finds

A chronological display of small artifacts dating from the 4th millennium BC onward, representing the material culture of various civilizations that once inhabited the region.

3. Hall of Hierapolis Theatre Artifacts

This section showcases the sculptural decorations and reliefs that once adorned the stage building (scaenae frons) of the Hierapolis Theatre.

Open-Air Display Area

In addition to the indoor galleries, many artifacts that cannot be exhibited inside—including column capitals, sarcophagi, and grave steles—are arranged in a systematic open-air exhibition area, offering visitors an immersive view of the region’s funerary and architectural heritage.