Özel Müzelerin Kültür Turizmi Potansiyeli Açısından Değerlendirilmesi: Balıkesir Örneği (Evaluation of Private Museums in terms of Cultural Tourism Potential: Balıkesir Example)

Museums are one of the most functional organizations to transfer the cultural and moral values of societies to future generations. The aim of study is to determine the potential of the private museums in Balıkesir in terms of cultural tourism. Research data were collected by interview technique using semi-structured information form. Face-to-face interviews with private museum officials were held on June-July 2017. Research results indicate that private museums have been following the strategies of establishing good communication with educational institutions, attracting local media, using social media, attracting protocol visits, organizing temporary exhibitions with different themes, and being visible in cultural and artistic activities in order to increase visitors. Men are more interested in archeological artifacts and weapons, while women are more interested in ethnographic clothing, knitwear and household items. Elementary school students are more interested in toy varieties, fossils, weapon types and works related to the War of Independence. It has also been revealed that cultural and historical gains are the most important visitor gains, and themed museum is very influential in increasing visitor’s interest for private museums.