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Are you planning a trip to Eskişehir, and is that famous museum at the top of your list? You know, the magical place where everyone on social media is taking pictures next to their favorite artist, a historical hero, or even Atatürk himself. Yes, you guessed it! This is no ordinary museum; it's a living stage of history and culture where you'll travel through time and collect memories. In this guide, we'll explore all the details of things to do at the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum, Turkey's first wax museum, a meaningful place whose income supports the education of girls and children with disabilities. Fasten your seatbelts, because we're about to embark on a star-studded adventure!
Visit the hall with sculptures of Atatürk from various periods
The atmosphere that greets you as you step into the museum inspires deep respect and admiration. This is a special section dedicated to the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which we can call the heart and soul of the museum. In this hall, you will see him not just as a leader, but also in different, human moments of his life. His thoughtful state while working on the Alphabet Revolution, the warm moments he spent with his adopted daughter Ülkü, or his marshal's stance leading a nation during the War of Independence... Each sculpture reflects the spirit of that moment so realistically that for a second, you feel like you are inside that historical frame.
Another impressive aspect of this hall is that it also features his family. The sculptures of his mother Zübeyde Hanım, his father Ali Rıza Efendi, and his wife Latife Hanım open a sincere window into his personal world. In fact, the birth story of this museum begins in this very hall. The first steps of this unique collection were taken when Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Büyükerşen disliked the Atatürk sculpture exhibited at Madame Tussauds Museum in London and said, We can do it the best, the most accurate. Knowing this inspiring detail will give your viewing of the sculptures even more meaning.
Take fun photos with local and foreign celebrities
Get ready to leave the venerable corridors of history and suddenly find yourself in a parade of Turkish and world stars! This is the section where cameras work the most, laughter rises, and the most fun memories are made. Make sure your phone is fully charged, because you won't be able to get enough of taking pictures here. You can smile in the same frame with the unforgettable stars of Yeşilçam (Turkish cinema) like Kemal Sunal, Adile Naşit, and Şener Şen, or sit next to Barış Manço and hum his famous songs.
The collection is so extensive that there is a celebrity to suit every taste. You can pose with Zeki Müren in his sparkling stage costume or share in the depth felt at the side of Aşık Veysel with his saz. And it's not just Turkish celebrities; you can capture a fun moment with Marilyn Monroe's iconic pose or send a greeting to the mysterious world of science with Albert Einstein. You can even meet the heroes of our time, Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci, who have given hope to the whole world. The fact that most of the sculptures are displayed without glass protection allows you to take more intimate and realistic photos with them, making the experience much more special.
Explore the sections depicting historical characters and events
The magic of the museum is not limited to contemporary celebrities. As you proceed through different halls, you will enter a time tunnel that takes you to the thousands of years of legends and history of Anatolia. The sculpture of the legendary Phrygian king Midas, in particular, will transport you to another world. It's much more enjoyable to examine the sculpture while remembering the story of King Midas, known for turning everything he touched into gold or for his famous donkey ears legend.
On this historical journey, you will be accompanied by the sharp wit of Nasreddin Hoca and the heart-touching wisdom of Yunus Emre and Mevlana. The sculptures of sultans like Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, who brought the Ottoman Empire into a new era, will take you back to the days of the empire. This historical journey shows how deep-rooted Eskişehir's past is. To discover the city's other historical riches, be sure to check out our article on historical places and museums in Eskişehir.
While You're Here...
Your adventure doesn't end after leaving the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum with magical memories! Because the museum is located right in the heart of Odunpazarı, Eskişehir's most authentic district. When you leave the museum, you will find yourself among historical houses, narrow streets, and craft shops. You can visit the Contemporary Glass Arts Museum right next door, or admire the impressive architecture and exhibitions of the Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) just a few steps away. If you want to get lost among the historic Odunpazarı houses and taste local delicacies, our comprehensive Odunpazarı travel guide is just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the entrance fee for the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum in 2025? Museum entrance fees may be updated periodically. The prices valid as of 2024, which can give an idea for 2025, are as follows :
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Ticket | 120 TL |
| Discounted Ticket | 70 TL |
We recommend checking official sources before you go for the most up-to-date information.
2. What are the museum's opening days and hours? The museum is open to visitors every day of the week except Mondays. Visiting hours are generally between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. However, keep in mind that hours may change on public holidays and special days.
3. How can I get to the museum by public transport? Transportation is quite easy as the museum is located in Odunpazarı, one of Eskişehir's most touristic and central points. You can reach the museum with a short walk by taking the tram from the city center towards Odunpazarı and getting off at the Atatürk Lisesi stop. Additionally, many municipal bus lines such as K44, S23, and S54 pass near the museum.
Bibliography: For the most current visiting hours, ticket prices, and special announcements about the museum, you can visit (http://www.balmumuheykeller.com/).
