The demolition of the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which has been serving since 1972 and holds the distinction of being the first museum building constructed as a result of a national architectural competition in Turkey, is currently on the agenda. The General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums plans to build a new museum complex, citing the current building's lack of earthquake resistance.

This decision has sparked debate among architecture and cultural heritage communities. Doğan Tekeli, one of the project architects of the museum, states that the building can be restored and preserved, and believes the demolition decision is hasty.

The Antalya Cultural Heritage Association (ANKA) has also applied to the Antalya Regional Board for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, requesting that the museum be partially preserved and repurposed. The association emphasizes the architectural and societal significance of the building, stating that its demolition would harm the city's identity.

Details of the new museum project were presented at a meeting held on March 20, 2025. The project envisions a modern design with semi-open and semi-closed exhibition areas. Authorities argue that the current building is not earthquake-resistant and that reinforcement efforts would be insufficient.

The Antalya Archaeological Museum was awarded the European Council Special Prize in 1988 and holds an important place in Turkey's cultural heritage. For this reason, the demolition decision has raised concerns among various segments of society. As discussions continue, finding a common solution between authorities and experts is crucial both for preserving the city’s cultural heritage and for creating a structure aligned with contemporary museum practices.