National Museum of Turkmenistan
A vast repository of Turkmenistan's history, culture, and art, showcasing ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical documents.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
National Museum of Turkmenistan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast repository of Turkmenistan's history, culture, and art, showcasing ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical documents.
"A very nice museum with many artifacts and jewelry items! Totally worth a visit."
📸 Photo Permit Cost
Photography inside costs $14 USD. Consider if it's worth it, or enjoy the exhibits without photos.
💵 Payment Methods
Entrance fee is $10 USD. Photo permits can be paid in Manat.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 105 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Archeological Finds
Archeology Section
Discover well-preserved artifacts that narrate the ancient history and origins of Turkmenistan.
Turkmen Carpets and Rugs
Textiles Section
Marvel at the intricate designs and craftsmanship of traditional Turkmen carpets and fabrics.
Exquisite Jewelry and Ornaments
Decorative Arts Section
Admire stunning examples of historical jewelry, orders, medals, and decorative items.
Ritons (Ivory Vessels)
Archeology Section
See unique ritons, horn-like ivory vessels adorned with magnificent artwork from ancient times.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Photography Fees & Access
Time Commitment & Guides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recs for a visitor to Ashgabat?
Hi folks, inspired by a lovely couple of tips by u/lamppb13, I'd be really keen to hear your recommendations for Ashgabat - not just what you think tourists want to see (though I'd love to hear that too!), but also what you yourself think are the best places in the city.…
📸 Photo Permit Cost
Photography inside costs $14 USD. Consider if it's worth it, or enjoy the exhibits without photos.
💵 Payment Methods
Entrance fee is $10 USD. Photo permits can be paid in Manat.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the extensive collections.
🤝 Consider a Local Guide
A guide can significantly enrich your understanding of the exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Permit Cost
Photography inside costs $14 USD. Consider if it's worth it, or enjoy the exhibits without photos.
💵 Payment Methods
Entrance fee is $10 USD. Photo permits can be paid in Manat.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the extensive collections.
🤝 Consider a Local Guide
A guide can significantly enrich your understanding of the exhibits.
🚻 Clean Facilities
Restrooms are available and generally clean.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the National Museum of Turkmenistan to be an interesting and informative experience, offering a deep dive into the country's history and culture with a vast collection of artifacts. While the exhibits are praised for their quality and organization, the high cost of the photography permit is a common point of contention.
"We visited National Museum of Turkmenistan during our Ashgabat visit.
A big museum where you can spend about 2 hours with a local guide.
It’s interesting and quite informative. Unfortunately you can not take photos here unless you pay 14usd, so we just did not take photos ((
They have clean WC there."
Shukhrat Usmanov
"The museum has about 500,000 exhibits including Turkmen carpets and rugs; national dress and fabrics; musical instruments; weapons; jewelry; orders and medals, and historical documents, paintings, drawings and sculptures and more. Among the most interesting are the ritons – special horn-like vessels made of ivory featuring magnificent artwork"
CK Cheong
"A very nice museum with many artifacts and jewelry items! Totally worth a visit. There are 3 sections, but I visited only one.
It accepts only dollar for entrance ($10), but photo permission can be paid in manat."
ZyXuz Cryst
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Museum of Turkmenistan is located in Ashgabat. Taxis are readily available and are the most convenient way to reach the museum. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.
While public transport exists in Ashgabat, it might be less direct for tourists. Taxis are generally recommended for ease of access to the museum.
For visitors, using ride-sharing apps or flagging down taxis is the most straightforward method to get around Ashgabat and reach the National Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately $10 USD per person. It's advisable to have USD on hand for payment.
While the entrance fee is typically in USD, some sources suggest photo permits might be payable in Manat. It's best to have both currencies available.
Photography inside the museum requires a separate permit, which costs around $14 USD. This fee is often considered high by visitors.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, but the museum is generally open during daytime hours on weekdays. It's wise to check for the most current hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 2 hours exploring the museum's extensive exhibits. You could spend longer if you delve deeply into each section.
Many visitors find hiring a local guide enhances the experience significantly, offering deeper context and understanding of the artifacts.
The museum houses around 500,000 exhibits, including Turkmen carpets, national dress, musical instruments, weapons, jewelry, historical documents, and archeological findings.
Yes, clean restrooms are available for visitors.
Information on accessibility is limited. It's advisable to contact the museum directly or inquire upon arrival regarding facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, but only if you purchase a separate photography permit, which costs approximately $14 USD. Many visitors choose not to pay this fee.
The permit for taking photos inside the museum is around $14 USD.
Some reviews suggest the photo permit can be paid for in Turkmen Manat, while the entrance fee is in USD. It's best to have both currencies.
While a permit allows general photography, specific exhibits might have restrictions. Always observe signage and staff instructions.
The intricate Turkmen carpets, detailed jewelry, and unique archeological artifacts like the ritons are often highlighted as visually striking subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit