Ivory, rhino bones, fossilized fish…
The Burdur Natural History Museum is one of Turkey’s few fossil centers, where traces of life from millions of years ago are brought to life through modern exhibits. Built around fossils unearthed in the Burdur Lake region and surrounding excavation sites, the museum offers an educational experience for all ages — from children to researchers. A massive elephant skeleton greets you at the entrance, and as you wander through the halls, you gain a new perspective on the natural history of Anatolia.

Opened in 2019 within the historic Burdur High School building, the museum’s collection was shaped primarily by paleontological excavations conducted in nearby districts such as Yassıgüme and Kemer. Fossils of mammals including elephants, horses, rhinos, and deer provide unique insight into the natural environment of Anatolia during the Pliocene era. The museum also plays an important role in advancing the development of natural history museology in Turkey.

Viofun’s Recommendation:
Spend a little extra time at the interactive screens beside the fossils. They not only show what each bone belonged to but also bring to life the landscape and era in which that creature once lived. Afterward, take a short walk to the Burdur Archaeology Museum to experience the past through both natural and cultural lenses.