In this article, you can find information about the history and artifacts of the Istanbul Toy Museum. In addition, the museum entrance fee and visiting hours are noted on the bottom lines.

History of Istanbul Toy Museum

Established in 2005 by the poet and writer Sunay Akin, Istanbul Toy Museum hosts the most outstanding examples of toy history from the 1700s to the present.

Located in a historical mansion on the Asian side of Istanbul, the museum exhibits the collection that Sunay Akin brought together in 20 years. The toys in the museum were meticulously purchased from collectors, antique dealers and auctions in more than 40 countries.

The Toy Museum is not only the first toy museum in Turkey, but also pioneers international organizations. For example, TOYCO-2012 (European Toy and Children’s Museums Association Meeting) was held in Turkey with the efforts of this museum.

In this way, Istanbul Toy Museum became a pioneer in the establishment of the World Association of Children’s and Toy Museums and earned Istanbul the title of “Capital of Toy Museums”.

Many new generation museums have been opened in Istanbul since the beginning of the 2000s, and although they are new, they have taken a place in the cultural life of the city.

Among these young museums, the most successful at first glance are the Istanbul Modern (Karakoy), Pera Museum (Beyoglu), Rahmi Koc Museum (Golden Horn) and Sakip Sabanci Museum (Emirgan).

The Toy Museum has gained an important place among these museums with its performance in recent years. Visiting this museum can be very fun for families visiting Istanbul with their children.

Things to See at Istanbul Toy Museum

Among the things to see at the Istanbul Toy Museum are toys representing different cultures from different parts of the world. The decoration of the museum, where three generations can spend time together, was designed by stage design artist Ayhan Dogan.

In Istanbul Toy Museum, which is a first in the world in many fields, all visitors, children or adults, can feel like they have taken a journey in a time machine. I would even say that the older ones will be more impressed than the younger ones.

1. Space Toys Section

The Space Toys section is about humanity’s effort to reach the Moon. As it is known, between 1957 and 1975, there was a great competition between the USA and the Soviet Union to send manned aircraft into space. The results of this competition were reflected in everything from TV programs to toys.

At the same time, those born in the 70s and 80s may find this section very interesting. Because the childhood of these generations passed with the influence of productions such as Star Trek and Star Wars. For this reason, seeing space toys will give adults a nice nostalgia.

2. Train Toys Section

The Train Toys section introduces rail transportation vehicles that make a great contribution to the transformation of the world. Trains, which made possible the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, almost changed the face of the world. You can rediscover the impact of this great change through toys.

You can also visit the Rahmi Koc Museum on the European side of Istanbul about industrial developments in history. Because Koc Museum (near Golden Horn) focuses especially on this period. These two museums are beneficial for children as they complement each other.

3. The Museum Cafe

The Museum Cafe, located on the ground floor of the museum, makes its visitors feel like they are inside a doll’s house. The cafe of the museum also hosts various celebration and birthday events. There are also some cultural events in the garden of the museum where writers and poets participate.

In addition to cultural activities, there are also educational ones. These include a printing workshop, a rag doll making workshop, and a creativity workshop. Istanbul Toy Museum also supports school trips in Istanbul.

Istanbul Toy Museum Entry Fee 2025

Istanbul Toy Museum entrance fee is 420 Turkish Liras in 2025. The discounted price for children over 3 years old and students is 360 TL. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 29, 2025.

It should also be noted that the Museum Pass Istanbul, which is valid in many state museums in Istanbul, is not valid in Istanbul Toy Museum, which is a private museum.

Istanbul Toy Museum Opening Hours 2025

Istanbul Toy Museum opening hours are between 10:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening as of 2025. Please also note that the Toy Museum is closed on Mondays. Information on visiting hours was last updated on January 29, 2025.

The entrance hours of museums in Istanbul may change depending on events and renovations. Before going to the museum, I recommend you to visit the official website of the museum and review the latest situation.

How to Get to The Museum?

For those coming from the European side, the most logical way is to reach Kadikoy first. Kadikoy is easily accessible from both Sultanahmet and Taksim. Now let’s detail how to get to the Istanbul Toy Museum from these touristic centers.

You can take the ferry from Eminonu (near Spice Bazaar) to go from Sultanahmet (Old City) to Kadikoy. Alternatively, you can take the Marmaray (a metro crossing under the Bosphorus) from Sirkeci.

To get from Taksim to Kadikoy, you can first take the F1 funicular from Taksim Square to Kabatas. You can take one of the ferries from Kabatas to Kadikoy and cross to the Asian Side in 20 minutes.

Many public buses (IETT) departing from Kadikoy go to Goztepe, where the Istanbul Toy Museum is located. You can take one of the buses with codes 10B, 10S, 14Ç, 17, 17L, 19F, 19M, 19S.

In fact, all vehicles going into the interior of the Asian Side via Minibus Street (aka Minibus Caddesi) pass through Goztepe. You can reach Goztepe in 15 minutes by taking a bus or minibus to Bostanci, Maltepe or Pendik.

Conclusion

Istanbul Toy Museum is located in Kadikoy, the most popular district of the Asian side. After visiting the museum, you can explore Kadikoy’s Fish Market and its surroundings.

While exploring this delightful district of the Asian Side, the article Things to do in Kadikoy can guide you. In addition, if you want to shop around the district, the Shopping Streets in Kadikoy may be useful for you.

Written by Serhat Engul

The post Istanbul TOY MUSEUM Price & Hours (Updated → 2025) appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Istanbul on weekends is to have breakfast by the Bosphorus. After having breakfast at Rumeli Hisari, you can enjoy nature by walking along the Bosphorus shore and stop by this museum to spice up your day with some culture and art.

Sadberk Hanim Museum is located in Sariyer, one of the most beautiful districts of the Bosphorus. In this article, you can find information about the history and artifacts of the museum. In addition, Sadberk Hanim Museum entrance fee and visiting hours are also noted.

History of Sadberk Hanim Museum

The history of Sadberk Hanim Museum dates back to 1980. Azaryan Mansion, which houses the museum, is a very elegant historical building dating back to the 19th century.

After the Azaryan Mansion was bought by the Koc family in 1950, it was used as a summer house for a while. The mansion, which was later decided to be converted into a museum, was restored between 1978 and 1980.

The reason why the building was turned into a museum was that Vehbi Koc, the most senior member of the Koc family, wanted to keep the memory of his wife Sadberk Koc alive.

Traditional clothes, embroideries, silver and porcelain items from Sadberk Koc’s personal collection began to be exhibited in the museum for the first time.

Managed by the Vehbi Koc Foundation, the museum expanded its collection in the following years. The museum, which was opened with approximately 3000 works, has become a place where more than 20.000 works are exhibited today.

With the development of tourism in the 2000s, many museums were opened in Istanbul. Among these museums opened by Turkey’s leading families, Sadberk Hanim Museum took its place in history as the “first private museum in Turkey”.

In the early years of the museum, the collections were exhibited in a single section under the name of “Turkish-Islamic Artifacts”. However, since 1983, very important archaeological remains have been added to the museum.

After the death of Huseyin Kocabas, one of Turkey’s most important collectors, the archaeological artifacts he had collected were donated to the Sadberk Hanim Museum.

Another mansion was purchased and restored to create extra room for archaeological artifacts in the museum. This additional museum building, known as the Sevgi Gonul Building, exhibits these archaeological artifacts under the name of “Huseyin Kocabas Collection” today.

Things to See in Sadberk Hanim Museum

Things to see in the Sadberk Hanim Museum are basically divided into two parts. The first of these is the Turkish-Islamic Artifacts exhibited in the Azaryan Mansion, and the second is the Archaeological Artifacts exhibited in the Sevgi Gonul Building.

The main collection of the museum, which belongs to Sadberk Koc, contains many details about Turkish history. For this reason, we will be examining this section under 3 separate headings in the following lines.

1. Turkish and Islamic Arts

The Turkish-Islamic Arts collection includes objects from the periods of Early Islam, Seljuk, Eyyubi, Mamluk, Timur and Safavid states and can be seen in chronological order. In this part of the museum, you can see mother-of-pearl inlaid and carved woodwork, carpets and rugs, traditional clothes and old coins.

In the continuation of the exhibition, silver and tombak artifacts from the Ottoman Empire period can be seen. The subjects of coffee offering, henna night, puerperium, Turkish bath and circumcision ceremony, which symbolize the customs of the Ottoman period, are introduced to the visitors with wax sculptures.

If you would be interested in this part of the museum, I recommend you to visit the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum located in Sultanahmet. Because that museum conveys these issues in more detail.

2. Iznik Tiles

Iznik Tiles collection symbolizes the development of Iznik ceramic art from the end of the 15th century to the middle of the 17th century.

Afterwards, there is a separate showcase where Kutahya and Canakkale ceramics are exhibited. The ceramics in this section introduce the art of ceramics between the 18th and 20th centuries.

The reason why I opened a separate title for the ceramic collection is that it represents two different periods of the Ottoman Empire.

During the rise of the Ottoman Empire, Iznik Tiles adorned all mosques, palaces and tombs built with “Classical Architecture”.

The “Classical Period”, which started with the conquest of Istanbul and reached its peak when Mimar Sinan was the palace architect, was famous for its blue colored Iznik tiles.

In the later periods of the Ottoman Empire, Iznik tile workshops lost their importance and were replaced by Kutahya Tiles. Although pottery was an important part of Ottoman architecture, it lost its feature of decoration with the effect of Westernization.

3. Chinese Porcelains

At first glance, the Chinese Porcelains collection does not seem to be related to Turkish-Islamic Arts. However, these priceless artifacts from China have a very important place in Turkish history.

During the times of both the Seljuk Empire and the Ottoman Empire, the Turks had control over the important crossroads of the Silk Road from China to Europe. For this reason, there was a trade relationship with China since the early periods of Turkish history.

Especially in the early periods of the Ottoman Empire, Chinese porcelain was used extensively. In this way, one of the world’s most distinguished Chinese porcelain exhibitions is located in the “Palace Kitchens” section of Topkapi Palace.

In time, the Turks established their own tile workshops and the Iznik tiles, which we mentioned in the previous title, emerged. However, Chinese porcelain also had a great impact on the development of Turkish ceramic art.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Sadberk Hanim Museum is that it offers its visitors the chance to see two different tile traditions together. So you can see the interaction between cultures with your own eyes.

4. Archaeological Collections

The Archaeological Collections contain objects that reflect the cultures of many civilizations from 6000 BC to the Byzantine Empire period.

In this exhibition at the Sevgi Gonul Building; It is possible to see terracotta or metal vessels, religious symbols, glass works, coins, ornaments and tablets.

Sadberk Hanim Museum Entrance Fee 2025

Sadberk Hanim Museum entrance fee is 350 Turkish Lira as of 2025. Discounted ticket price for Istanbul Museum Pass holders is 250 Turkish Lira. The information on the ticket price was last updated on January 29, 2025.

Due to post-pandemic inflation, ticket prices for museums in Istanbul can change very often. For this reason, please check the official page of the museum that I shared in the following lines.

Sadberk Hanim Museum Opening Hours 2025

Sadberk Hanim Museum opening hours are between 10:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening as of 2025. Please also note that the museum is closed on Wednesdays. Information on visiting hours was last updated on January 29, 2025.

The visiting hours of the museums in Istanbul may change depending on the events and renovations. Before going to the museum, I suggest you visit the official website of the museum and review the latest situation.

How to Get to The Museum?

Sadberk Hanim Museum is located on the shores of the Bosphorus, in Sariyer district. Located on Piyasa Street in Buyukdere Neighborhood, the museum is in a very central location.

In order to go to the museum from Sultanahmet, you can first come to Kabatas by tram and then take the buses going in the direction of Sariyer. In order to go to the museum from Taksim Square, you can take the buses that go in the direction of Sarıyer.

The closest bus stops to the museum are “Buyukdere Mahallesi” and “Beyaz Park” bus stops. Both stations are located on the shores of the Bosphorus and are a 5-minute walk from the museum.

Written by Serhat Engul

The post Istanbul SADBERK HANIM Museum (Updated → 2025) appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

Sabanci, one of the leading families in Turkey’s business world, is in the management of the museum. In the 2000s, with the progress in tourism, many museums were opened in Istanbul. In this period, Koc, Sabanci and Eczacibasi holdings opened museums one after another. Each of these museums has been very successful in its own field and has contributed to the cultural life of Istanbul.

In this article, you can find information about the history of Sabanci Museum and the artifacts exhibited in it. In addition, Sakip Sabanci Museum entrance fee and visiting hours are noted.

History of Sakip Sabanci Museum

The history of Sakip Sabanci Museum dates back to 2002. Although SSM is a young museum, it is among the most visited museums in Istanbul.

The main building of the museum was built in 1925 by the Italian architect Edoardo De Nari. The mansion was bought by Sabanci, one of the leading families of the Turkish industry, in 1951 and was redecorated.

The most important thing added to the building during the decoration was the horse statues in the garden. Because one of these sculptures is an exact copy of the bronze sculptures that adorned the Hippodrome of Constantinople during the Byzantine period.

During the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Constantinople, the most prosperous city of the Middle Ages, was looted and its precious treasures were taken to Italy. Among these precious works were 4 bronze horse statues that adorned the Hippodrome. These statues are now in St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice. Today, these horses are referred to as Horses of Saint Mark in online encyclopedias.

Sakip Sabanci, one of the famous members of the Sabanci family, lived in this house for a long time. During the years Sakip Sabanci lived in the mansion, the art collection in the house also expanded. Later, this collection of calligraphy and paintings was donated to Sabanci University.

After it was decided to turn the mansion into a museum, some modern additions were made to the building and it was put into service as the Sakip Sabanci Museum in 2002.

Things to See in Sakip Sabanci Museum

Things to see in the Sakip Sabanci Museum give us the chance to observe how culture and art evolved over time in the Ottoman Empire.

It would be more accurate to visit the museum starting from the “Book Arts and Calligraphy Collections” section and then to see the “Painting Collection” and “Furniture Collection” sections to get an idea about the classical and modern periods of the Ottoman Empire.

1. Book Arts and Calligraphy Collection

The Book Arts and Calligraphy Collection forms the core of the museum. The collection first started when Sakip Sabanci bought a calligraphy written by Sultan Mahmud II and grew over time.

The reason why I recommend you give priority to this section while visiting the museum is because the manuscripts and calligraphy works in this section refer to the classical period of the Ottoman Empire.

The “Manuscript Books” you will see while visiting the museum were once the most valuable collection items of wealthy people. These books, which were covered with special bindings, were written by a master scribe and kept like a treasure.

As those who visit Topkapi Palace will remember, there is a library built by Sultan Ahmed III in the third courtyard. This magnificent library was built to preserve such precious manuscripts.

Calligraphy was a very prestigious profession in the Ottoman period. The sultans were personally trained on this subject. So much so that the sultans would decorate the mosques, palaces and fountains they had built with their own calligraphy works. You can see the reflections of this cultural heritage from the Ottoman Empire at the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

2. Painting Collection

The Painting Collection contains important examples of early Turkish painting. As it is known, the art of painting did not develop much in the first years of the Ottoman Empire.

In the mosques, palaces and tombs built by the Ottomans, calligraphy, tile making and pencil works came to the fore. The art of painting began to rise only in the last century of the Ottoman Empire.

Especially after the 1850s, when the Ottoman throne was moved to Dolmabahce Palace, the art of painting was supported by the sultans. During this period, many Western painters lived in Istanbul and worked as palace painters.

Starting from the 1970s, Sakip Sabanci collected some of the paintings made in the last period of the Ottoman Empire. The collection he created also reflects the influence of Westernization in Ottoman art.

As someone who has been a tourist guide in Istanbul for many years, I believe that the painter who best introduced this city was Fausto Zonaro. In this section, you can see the paintings of Fausto Zonaro, who was a palace painter for the Ottoman Empire, as well as many other valuable painters.

3. Furniture and Decorative Works Collection

The Furniture and Decorative Works Collection allows us to witness the cultural transformation of the Ottoman Empire in history, as in the other sections.

From the end of the 1700s, the westernization movement had begun in the Ottoman Empire. This trend, which started with Sultan Mahmud II, reached its peak during the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid.

The most magnificent vases, chandeliers and furniture of the 1800s can be seen in Dolmabahce Palace, which was built by Sultan Abdulmejid.

Sakip Sabanci was inspired by the baroque, rococo and neo-classical styles that were fashionable in the late Ottoman period in the decoration of his mansion.

While visiting this part of the museum, you can see the same furniture and decoration items used by the Ottoman sultans and the leading families of Istanbul in the 19th century.

4. Abidin Dino Archive

Abidin Dino Archive includes the artist’s drawings, sketches and plans for his sculptures.

Abidin Dino, as the most important Turkish painter of the 20th century, used all the developments of the 1900s as a source of inspiration for his works. He had immortalized this period in his works, when world wars took place and human life was radically changed.

Abidin Dino’s contributions to art were not limited to painting. He was also a cartoonist, writer and director. You can find many memories about Abidin Dino, a versatile figure in Turkish art history, at the Sakip Sabanci Museum.

5. Emirgan Archive

Emirgan Archive contains many nostalgic items about Emirgan, one of the most beautiful districts of the Bosphorus.

In this section of the museum, you can see many photographs of daily life in Emirgan since the early 1900s. These photos, which include wooden mansions, ferries and seaside palaces in Emirgan, will make you travel back in time.

6. Horse Statues

The Horse Statues in the garden of the Sakip Sabanci Museum are historical artifacts in their own right. As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, one of the two sculptures is an exact copy of the bronze sculptures that adorned the entrance of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the most important arena of the Byzantine Empire.

The other sculpture was made by the French sculptor Louis Doumas in Paris in 1864. This horse statue, which adorned the mansion of Abraham Pasha, one of the top bureaucrats of the Ottoman period, was later bought by the Sabanci family.

MSA’s Restaurant

MSA’s Restaurant is a place that makes your visit to the Sakip Sabanci Museum even more enjoyable. Because when you get tired of exploring the museum, you can eat something with the Bosphorus view.

MSA is one of the most prestigious culinary schools in Turkey. MSA has trained chefs for the city’s most famous restaurants in the last decade at its school in Maslak. MSA’s restaurant in the museum has been serving since 2017.

You can see the name of the famous Muzedechanga Restaurant in Sabancı Museum in old guidebooks about Istanbul. However, this restaurant was closed in 2016 and was replaced by MSA’s Restaurant.

In many young museums of Istanbul opened in the 2000s, art and gastronomy are intertwined. For example, the Istanbul Modern Art Museum and the Rahmi Koc Museum also have great restaurants.

Sakip Sabanci Museum Entrance Fee 2025

Sakip Sabanci Museum entrance fee is 300 Turkish Liras as of 2025. Discounted ticket price for visitors over 65, students over 18 and teachers is 210 TL. Student ticket price is 150 TL. The information on the ticket price was last updated on November 24, 2024.

Due to post-pandemic inflation, ticket prices for museums in Istanbul can change very often. For this reason, please check the official page of the museum that I shared in the following lines.

Sakip Sabanci Museum Opening Hours 2025

Sakip Sabanci Museum opening hours are between 10:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening as of 2025. The museum is closed to visitors on Mondays. Tuesdays are public day at the museum and admission is free. Information on visiting hours was last updated on November 24, 2024.

The visiting hours of the museums in Istanbul may change depending on the events and renovations. Before going to the museum, I suggest you visit the official website of the museum and review the latest situation.

How to Get to The Museum?

Sakip Sabanci Museum is located in Emirgan district on the Bosphorus shore. In order to get to the museum from Sultanahmet, you can first go to Kabatas by tram. From Kabatas, you can take the buses going in the direction of Emirgan and get off at Emirgan Cinaralti Station.

In order to get to the museum from Taksim Square, you can take the buses going in the direction of Emirgan or Sariyer and get off at Emirgan Cinaralti Station.

For visitors who want to come to the museum by private vehicle, the museum has its own parking lot with a capacity of 30 vehicles. If the parking lot is full, you can easily park your private car along the coastal road.

Written by Serhat Engul

The post SAKIP SABANCI MUSEUM in Istanbul (Updated → 2025) appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

After being damaged during the Nika Revolt of 532, Hagia Irene was reconstructed under Emperor Justinian. The building was reshaped once again following the major earthquake of 740, leaving it with the distinctive architectural character visitors can still experience today.

Located within the First Courtyard of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene now functions as a museum and occasional concert venue. This guide explores its long history, restrained interior, and unusual place among Istanbul’s Byzantine monuments, followed by the latest entrance fee and visiting information.

History of the Hagia Irene Church

The history of Hagia Irene reaches back to the earliest centuries of Christianity in Istanbul. To understand how the church developed, it is helpful to begin with Byzantium, the ancient city that existed here long before Constantinople became the capital of the Roman Empire.

1. The Pagan Temple

Byzantium was founded around 660 BC by Greek settlers who established their acropolis on Seraglio Point, the hill now occupied by Topkapi Palace. The city was named after Byzas, the legendary leader associated with its foundation.

For centuries, Byzantium remained a relatively small settlement. After coming under Roman control, it was rebuilt and expanded by Emperor Septimius Severus in the late 2nd century. Among the major additions was a hippodrome, an early predecessor of the larger arena later developed by Constantine the Great.

According to tradition, a pagan sanctuary dedicated to Aphrodite once stood near the site of Hagia Irene. As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, the area was gradually transformed into a Christian place of worship, forming the earliest layer in the long history of the church.

2. Constantine’s Hagia Irene Church

In the early 4th century, Emperor Constantine decided to establish a new imperial capital in the East. He began rebuilding the small city of Byzantium in 324, and the expanded capital was formally inaugurated as Constantinople in 330.

The Great Palace and the enlarged Hippodrome became the ceremonial center of the new city. Constantine also commissioned major monuments such as the Forum of Constantine and the Church of the Holy Apostles.

During this transformation, the earlier Christian building on the site of Hagia Irene was enlarged and rebuilt. The church became known as Hagia Irene, or Hagia Eirene, meaning “Holy Peace.”

The first Hagia Sophia was completed nearby during the reign of Constantine’s son, Constantius II. Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene stood beside one another, separated by a courtyard, and together formed part of the episcopal complex known as the Megale Ekklesia, or “Great Church.”

3. Justinian’s Hagia Irene Church

In 532, during the fifth year of Emperor Justinian’s reign, tensions in Constantinople erupted into the Nika Revolt. The Blues and Greens, rival factions associated with the chariot races in the Hippodrome, had grown into powerful social and political groups with large followings across the city.

The uprising began on January 13 while Justinian was watching the races from the imperial lodge. It quickly spread beyond the Hippodrome, leading to widespread violence, looting, and fires. Both Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene were badly damaged and burned during the revolt.

The rebellion was eventually suppressed by imperial forces under generals Belisarius and Mundus. Traditional accounts claim that tens of thousands of people were killed. In the aftermath, Justinian launched an ambitious rebuilding program intended to restore both the city and imperial authority.

The present Hagia Sophia was the most important monument created during this campaign, while Hagia Irene was also reconstructed on a more restrained scale. Its design featured a central dome supported by four arches, with vaulted sections extending along the nave. The resulting structure shared certain architectural features with other major churches of 6th-century Constantinople, including the now-lost Church of Saint Polyeuctus.

4. The Byzantine Iconoclasm

Hagia Irene was severely damaged by an earthquake in 740 and was rebuilt during the period of Byzantine Iconoclasm. This movement, which began under Emperor Leo III and continued in different phases for more than a century, opposed the use of religious images in Christian worship.

During this period, many mosaics, frescoes, and icons across the Byzantine Empire were removed or destroyed. Churches rebuilt under iconoclast rule generally adopted a more restrained decorative language based on crosses, geometric patterns, and non-figurative motifs.

This simplicity still defines the interior of the church today. Its most striking surviving decoration is the large cross in the apse, a rare and important reminder of the iconoclast period in Byzantine art.

5. The Church during the Ottoman Period

After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II began constructing a new imperial residence on Seraglio Point. This complex later developed into Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Irene became enclosed within its outer walls. As a result, the church was separated from Hagia Sophia and its former ecclesiastical setting.

Unlike Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene was never converted into a mosque. It also ceased to function as a church and was used for centuries as an imperial armory and storehouse. During the 19th century, the building acquired a new cultural role, first serving as a military museum and later housing archaeological collections.

Under the direction of the painter, archaeologist, and museum administrator Osman Hamdi Bey, historical objects collected from across the Ottoman Empire were exhibited here. These collections were later transferred to the newly established Istanbul Archaeological Museums, located between Topkapi Palace and Gülhane Park.

6. The Hagia Irene Museum in Istanbul

Shaped by repeated fires, earthquakes, and centuries of changing use, Hagia Irene has a more austere appearance than many of Istanbul’s better-known Byzantine monuments. Its bare walls and restrained decoration may seem modest beside Hagia Sophia, yet they preserve an atmosphere rarely found elsewhere in the city.

While many former Byzantine churches were transformed through later Ottoman additions, Hagia Irene offers a quieter and more immediate sense of a medieval sacred space. Its vast interior, faded surfaces, and remarkable acoustics invite visitors to slow down and imagine the many layers of history that have passed through the building.

Hagia Irene Museum Entrance Fee 2026

The entrance fee for Hagia Irene is 1,050 Turkish liras as of 2026. The Museum Pass Istanbul is valid for admission to Hagia Irene.

Visitors may also purchase the 2,750 TL combined ticket, which includes Topkapi Palace, the Harem Rooms, and Hagia Irene.

Ticket prices were last updated in July 2026. Since admission fees may change during the year, checking the current price before your visit is recommended.

Hagia Irene Museum Opening Hours 2026

Hagia Irene is open between 09:00 and 17:30 and is closed to visitors on Tuesdays.

Since the former Byzantine church is located within the First Courtyard of Topkapi Palace, it follows the palace’s visiting schedule. Opening hours may occasionally change because of official events, restoration work, or seasonal arrangements, so it is advisable to check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Conclusion

Hagia Irene holds a distinctive place among Istanbul’s surviving Byzantine monuments. From the moment you enter, its restrained interior, bare surfaces, and vast medieval space create an atmosphere that feels very different from the city’s more familiar historic landmarks.

Many Byzantine buildings in Istanbul were later transformed through Ottoman additions or new religious uses. Hagia Irene, however, was never converted into a mosque, allowing it to preserve a quieter and more immediate connection with its Byzantine past.

To explore more traces of Byzantine Constantinople, you can also take a look at my private Byzantine history tours in Istanbul, which include several monuments connected with the city’s imperial heritage.

The post Hagia Irene Entrance Fee & Hours (2026 Update) appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

Extending from Taksim Square to Galata Tower, Istiklal Avenue is one of the city’s most touristic places. You can see attractive shops on this street, experience local food and have a good time in boutique cafes.

If you want to get away from the crowd of Istiklal Avenue and have some rest, you can go to Mesrutiyet Street, which stands out with its nostalgic atmosphere. Mesrutiyet Street has historical buildings from the 19th century, the high-end restaurant Mikla and the hidden gem Pera Museum.

History of the Pera Museum

The history of the Pera Museum goes back to 2005. Although it is a relatively new museum, its collections date back to the Ottoman period. In addition, the building in which Pera Museum is located gives us many clues about the history of the Beyoglu district.

Beyoglu is the place where the architectural breakthrough in Istanbul in the 19th century manifested itself most. Beyoglu, known as Pera during the Ottoman period, was the neighborhood where passengers from Orient Express came to stay.

The last station of Orient Express coming from Paris was Sirkeci Train Station in Old Istanbul. However, there were no luxury hotels in the Historical Peninsula, which had a traditional style. Hotels with European architecture were opened in Pera (today’s Mesrutiyet Street) for the rich customers of Orient Express.

The Pera Palace and the Grand Hotel De Londres, which were opened here during this period, are still standing. The Pera Museum was founded with the restoration of one of these hotels, the Bristol Hotel.

The museum was founded by the Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, which belongs to one of Istanbul’s oldest families. This foundation has contributed to many projects for education and culture in Turkey.

Meet Osman Hamdi Bey

Istanbul Archeology Museum has one of the world’s largest archeology collections. The person who brought these magnificent works together was Osman Hamdi Bey, one of the Ottoman period bureaucrats.

With the initiatives of Osman Hamdi Bey, the first archaeological museum of Istanbul was established in the 19th century. The museum was first operating inside Hagia Irene, an old church. Later, a beautiful building with remarkable Neo-Classical architecture was built to move the museum.

Osman Hamdi Bey was also one of the most important painters of the Ottoman period. Osman Hamdi Bey’s world-famous Tortoise Trainer painting and 19th century orientalist paintings are among the most important works of Pera Museum.

Pera Museum Collections

Pera Museum’s collection offers excellent tips for those who want to learn the history of Turkey. The weight measures used in the Ottoman period, ancient Turkish tiles and orientalist paintings promise you a fascinating experience.

Pera Cafe and Artshop are located on the ground floor of the museum. There are permanent exhibitions on the first and second floors and multi-purpose exhibition halls on the upper floors. The basement is used as an auditorium for film screenings and interviews.

1. Anatolian Weights and Measures Collection

Anatolian Weights and Measures Collection provides you with information about the Ottoman period in which different measurement units from Europe were used. This collection is spread over most of the first floor. Various weighing and measuring instruments used in Anatolia since ancient times are exhibited.

2. Kutahya Tiles and Ceramics Collection

Kutahya Tiles and Ceramics Collection is also on the first floor of the museum. By reviewing this collection, you can get historical information about the development of the art of pottery in Kutahya (a city in Central Anatolia). Kutahya Tiles are the continuation of Iznik Tiles, which adorned palaces and mosques in the peak period of the Ottoman Empire.

3. Oriental Painting Collection

Oriental Painting Collection includes works by European painters inspired by Ottoman life between the 17th and 20th centuries. The most rare works of this collection are the paintings of Osman Hamdi Bey.

His paintings are among the most expensive paintings sold in international auctions. The most important work of Osman Hamdi Bey, the Turtle Trainer is exhibited in this section of the museum.

4. Photography Collection

Photography Collection is also one of the most impressive parts of the museum. In this section, the works of photographers such as Caranza, Robertson, Kargopoulo, Abdullah Brothers, Gulmez Brothers and Ali Enis Oza are exhibited.

The most important feature of the photography section is that it takes you on a journey through the history of Istanbul. This nostalgic collection introduces us to an Istanbul that we can no longer see today.

5. Pera Film

Pera Film makes various screenings for visitors in an auditorium in the basement of the museum. The films complement the experience of the museum, as they offer a parallel content with the subjects of temporary exhibitions.

Pera Museum Entrance Fee 2024

Pera Museum entrance fee is 100 Turkish Lira per person as of 2024. The price is reduced to 50 Turkish Liras for children under 12 years, for students and for adults over 60 years old. The information on the ticket price was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Pera Museum Opening Hours 2024

Pera Museum opening hours are between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Sunday the opening time is 12:00 in the midday and the closing time is 6:00 in the evening.

Fridays are a public day and the Pera Museum can be visited free of charge between 18:00 and 22:00. Please also note that the museum is closed on Mondays. Information on visiting hours was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Although we update the blog every 6 months, we may miss some changes. So you can check the latest status on the official website of the museum before visiting this place.

How to Get to The Pera Museum?

In order to get to Pera Museum, you can first go to Istiklal Street. If you take the Church of St Anthony of Padua, the most famous church on Istiklal Street, behind you, you can easily find the Pera Museum by passing through the passage called “Odakule”.

Pera Museum is located in an area called Tepebasi next to the easily visible TRT (state television studios) building. The museum is easy to find, as it is also within walking distance of well-known buildings such as the Pera Palace and the British Consulate.

You can reach the museum on foot from Istanbul’s tourist attractions such as Galata Tower and Taksim Square. For those who want to reach the museum by Metro, Sishane Metro Station is a very short walk from the museum.

Conclusion

Although Pera Museum is one of the relatively young museums in Istanbul, it has earned a solid place among the best museums in Istanbul thanks to its excellent art collections and easy location.

If you visit Pera Museum in Istanbul and like it, I recommend other museums in the same category. Among them, Rahmi Koc Museum in Haskoy (Golden Horn shores) and Sakip Sabanci Museum in Emirgan (Bosphorus shores) are particularly recommended.

If you want to learn more about the museums in Istanbul, you can find dozens of similar articles in the Museums of Istanbul category of this site. Nearly 40 museums are introduced under this category.

Written by Serhat Engul

The post Pera Museum Entrance Fee & Hours (Updated → 2024) appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum is located in Karakoy neighborhood. Karakoy, which is home to Istanbul Cruise Port (Galataport), is very close to important tourist attractions such as Taksim Square and Galata Tower. It is possible to reach Karakoy in 10 minutes by tram from Sultanahmet, where Hagia Sophia is located.

Istanbul Modern fascinates its visitors with its art collections and offers a magnificent view of the Bosphorus with its restaurant. For this reason, it is among the must-see places for those who come to Istanbul for 2 or 3 days.

History of the Istanbul Modern

The history of the Istanbul Modern Art Museum goes back to 2004. Although it is a relatively new museum, Istanbul Modern has managed to become one of the most popular museums in the city in a short time.

The building that housed the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art was originally a warehouse in the harbor. This first building, which was converted into a museum with a successful restoration, served between 2004 and 2015. The museum was in the heart of the old cruise port.

It was decided that the Istanbul Cruise Port would be rebuilt in 2015 and this new complex would be named Galataport. For this reason, the museum was temporarily moved to a historical apartment located on Mesrutiyet Street in Beyoglu.

Known as the former Union Française building, this nostalgic apartment was adjacent to the famous Pera Palace hotel and housed the Museum of Modern Art for nearly 7 years.

Meanwhile, the new museum designed by famous architect Renzo Piano was under construction at the Galataport. With the completion of this construction in 2022, Istanbul Modern moved to its new building.

The Museum of Modern Art now provides service in its new building within the Galataport (Istanbul Cruise Port) in Karakoy. You can see the picture of the building at the top, which has a wonderful modern architectural design.

Istanbul Modern was founded by the Eczacibasi group, one of Turkey’s leading families. The family, who founded a cultural initiative called IKSV, has organized many arts-related organizations for many years.

The annual events such as Filmekimi (Film Festival in October) and the Istanbul Biennial are organized by the IKSV. In addition, major art events such as Contemporary Istanbul are also organized by IKSV.

What to See at Istanbul Modern Art Museum?

There are temporary and permanent exhibitions to be seen at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum. In addition, the false ceiling designed by Richard Wentworth is among the most famous works of the museum.

1. The Permanent Collection

The permanent collection is located on the ground floor of the museum. The permanent exhibition hall spreads over a wide area and promises a comfortable visit. Works of art produced in Turkey at the beginning of the 20th century until today, can be seen along with descriptive texts and videos.

Visitors are literally witnessing the transformation of Turkey’s modern and contemporary art up to the present from the past. In this section, it is possible to see the works of some painters from the late Ottoman period.

2. The Temporary Exhibitions

The Temporary Exhibitions are an important reason to visit Istanbul Modern more than once. Because modern art is newly discovered in Turkey and it is possible to experience the latest works of this trend in the museum’s short-term exhibitions.

Since the short-term exhibitions and the photo gallery are located on the same floor, you can visit them one after the other. In the Photo Gallery, the development of photography in the world over time is on display. In addition, exhibitions organized by local and foreign photographers take place in this part of the museum.

3. The False Ceiling

The False Ceiling is one of the most interesting works of Istanbul Modern. You can see the False Ceiling, designed by Richard Wentworth, as you move from the short-term exhibition hall to the library.

This artwork, which was created by hanging hundreds of books on the ceiling, was exhibited at the 4th Istanbul Biennial in 1995 and attracted great attention. When switching between the museum’s exhibitions, you may encounter many surprises like this one designed for art lovers.

4. Istanbul Modern Cafe & Restaurant

Istanbul Modern Cafe & Restaurant is located within the museum. It is possible to say that the restaurant, which has a view of the Bosphorus, has quite delicious dishes. You can also enjoy a gastronomic experience in this art-filled atmosphere.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum Entrance Fee 2024

Istanbul Modern Art Museum entrance fee is 350 Turkish Lira per person as of 2024. Museum tickets are sold at a discounted price of 230 Lira for students and visitors over the age of 65. The information on the ticket price was last updated on December 2, 2023.

It should also be noted that the Museum Pass Istanbul, which is valid in many state museums in Istanbul, is not valid in Istanbul Modern, which is a private museum.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum Opening Hours 2024

Istanbul Modern Art Museum opening hours are between 10:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening. On Fridays it is open until 20:00 in the late evening. The museum is closed on Mondays. Information on visiting hours was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Visiting hours of museums in Istanbul may change due to various national holidays, restorations and organizations. For this reason, I recommend you to visit the official site of the museum before you go.

How to Get to Istanbul Modern?

In order to get to Istanbul Modern Art Museum from Taksim Square, you can take Funicular F1 to Kabatas. The museum is located only a 15-minute walk from Kabatas Tram Station. If you want to arrive faster, you can also take the tram. You will need to leave the tram at Tophane Tram Station.

You can take the Tram T1 tram to go to Istanbul Modern Art Museum from Sultanahmet. After getting on the tram that goes in the direction of Kabatas, you can get off at Tophane Tram Station and you can easily reach the museum in a few minutes on foot.

Conclusion

Although Istanbul Modern is one of the relatively young museums in Istanbul, it has earned a solid place among the best museums in Istanbul thanks to its excellent art collections and easy location.

If you visit this one and like it, I recommend other museums in the same category. Among them, Pera Museum (near Taksim Square), Rahmi Koc Museum in Haskoy (Golden Horn shores), Sakip Sabanci Museum in Emirgan (Bosphorus shores) are particularly recommended.

If you want to learn more about the museums in Istanbul, you can find dozens of similar articles in the Museums of Istanbul category of this site. Nearly 40 museums are introduced under this category.

Written by Serhat Engul

The post Modern Art Museum (Istanbul) Price & Hours → 2024 appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

Istanbul has an important place in world history with its history dating back to 2700 BC. During the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul witnessed developments that will change the world history. You can trace these events at the Istanbul Military Museum.

The Evolution of Weapons

Weapons have been one of the most important elements in determining powers of countries throughout history. Changes in weapon technology explains many of the radical changes in history, as well.

For instance, it is argued that, with the advancement of cannonballs that can demolish huge walls, Ottomans was able to capture Constantinople and played a big role in entering a different period in history. Consequently, one must know military history to be able to understand world history.

Istanbul Military Museum hosts a substantial collection consisting of weapons manufactured from 15th century to recent history. If you are curious about the evolution of weapons, you should definitely visit this museum.

History of Istanbul Military Museum

The history of the Istanbul Military Museum goes back to the 19th century. Abdulhamid II, one of the last Ottoman sultans, established a military school named Mekteb-i Harbiye in 1862. The military museum serves in this historical building today. However, the history of military museology in Istanbul actually goes way back.

After Turks captured Constantinople, Hagia Irene Church was turned into an armory called Cebehane. Valuable weapons and warfare equipment were stocked in this place. Cebehane was regulated as Dâr-ul-Esliha (House of Weapons) in accordance with military reforms under Sultan Ahmed III period. Dâr-ul-Esliha was also a place where weapons were displayed to the palace visitors.

It was 1846 when Dâr-ul-Esliha became a proper museum. Ahmet Fethi Pasha, field Marshall of Artillery, transformed Hagia Irene into an exhibition center and the collection stationed there was called as Muze-i Humayun (Imperial Museum).

Military Museum continued its operation from 1846 to 1940 in Hagia Irene but the collection was moved to Anatolia in World War II so as not to get damaged. Although Turkey was not involved in WWII, measures were taken against the risk of an attack on Istanbul. After the war, the collection was moved back to Istanbul in 1949.

However, Gymnasium of Military Academy, used as an exhibition center until 1959, was insufficient for the collection. Therefore, it was decided that the building of Mekteb-i Harbiye (Military Academy) to serve only as a museum.

The building was restored by Prof Dr Nezih Eldem, one of the most important architects of Turkey. The museum opened on February 10th, 1993 after its restoration. With the development of tourism in Istanbul in the last 30 years, the museum has become a place in the middle of touristic centers and luxury hotels.

Istanbul Military Museum Collection

The Istanbul Military Museum collection hosts weapons used throughout the Ottoman period. The variety of weapons exhibited in the museum makes it one of the most detailed military museums in the world.

The Museum includes 5000 pieces that was manufactured in different timelines ranging from 1400s onwards to recent history. Although weapons are the essential pieces of the museum, the museum also exhibits holsters, armors, shields, helmets, tents, banners and different objects about military history.

There are 27 showrooms in Istanbul Military Museum (locally known as Harbiye Askeri Muzesi). While many of showrooms includes historical collections, there are specific showrooms that were designed for important historical events such as World War I, Battle of Gallipoli and Turkish War of Independence.

On the other hand, there is a showroom that exhibits works used in military correspondence such as edicts, warrants and enrollments. Yet, in accordance with the concept of the museum, it is good to mention the sections about “military history”.

1. Entrance Room

Entrance Room will give you an idea of how to visit the Istanbul Military Museum. You can see the structure of the museum and exhibition halls from the small model found here. You can also view models of featured works from each exhibition and plan a visit based on your interests.

2. Introduction Room

Introduction Room gives you information about the history of the military museum. From the articles here, you can get information about what the museum wants to offer its visitors.

3. Shooting Weapons Room

In Shooting Weapons Room, you can see works about arrows and archery. In this section, there are generally arrows, bows, targets, equipment of bow-drawing manufactured between 17th to 19th centuries.

4. Riding Room

Riding Room will offer you many tips on Ottoman history. Horses were of great importance to the sultans and the person responsible for the stables in the palace had an important power.

Mounted soldiers formed the backbone of the army for the Turks who came from the nomadic tradition. For this reason, horse riding had a vital importance in the Turkish lifestyle.

You can also see explore cavalry equipment manufactured in 19th and 20th centuries. German and British saddles -in a great demand at those times- have a place in this section.

5. Fatih and Yavuz Section

The Fatih and Yavuz section introduces the two sultans at the height of the Ottoman Empire. In this section, which introduces Mehmed II (Fatih) and Selim I (Yavuz), the two most influential sultans on the battlefields, you can get an idea about the Ottoman army.

This section also includes some animated pictures about the capture of Constantinople. The conquest of Istanbul was a groundbreaking development in Ottoman history. During the siege of Constantinople, ships were brought to the Golden Horn over land. Thus, Byzantium’s famous defense chain was bypassed. This section also contains information about this event.

6. Edged Weapons and Defense Room

Edged Weapons and Defense Room has some exciting artifacts for history lovers. You can see weapons such as swords and spears, manufactured in Europe, in this section. In Defense Room, there are different equipment such as helmets, shelters and shields which were manufactured mostly in Middle-Age Europe. These weapons are mostly coming from between 14th to 16th centuries.

7. Firearms and Cannon Models Rooms

Firearms and Cannon Models Rooms host rifles and cannonballs manufactured between 15th and 20th centuries. Rifles, pistols, detonators and rifle equipment, manufactured in Ottoman Empire and Europe, are exhibited in Firearms Room. Wood and metal cannon models of Ottoman Empire are displayed in Cannon Models Room.

8. Somali-Bosnia-Kosovo Room

The Somali-Bosnia-Kosovo Room is a section where flags and uniforms of Turkish soldiers serving abroad are displayed. Turkish soldiers serving within the UN and NATO still play an active role in many parts of the world.

9. Military Uniforms Room

The Military Uniforms Room is a section that reflects the change of the Ottoman army over the course of 600 years. In this section, you can get an idea about the classical period of the Ottoman army, as well as witness its modernization from the 1700s.

The most important element of the classical period in the Ottoman army was the Janissaries. These elite infantry contributed to the Ottoman expansion over the course of 300 years. Westernization began in the Ottoman army after the 1700s. Modernization of the Ottoman army accelerated during the period of reformer Mahmud II.

10. Tents Room

The Tents Room symbolizes the tents used in the army since the 17th century. Tents were an indispensable part of Turkish history just like the horses. Turks immigrating from Central Asia lived in tents for many years before settling down.

The fact that Turkish carpets are so famous in the world is related to the nomadic life. For the masses living in tents and constantly migrating, the carpet was the floor of the room.

Janissary Band in Istanbul Military Museum

It is possible to watch the Janissary army band at the Istanbul Military Museum. The army band, tasked with motivating the Janissaries as they progressed through the battlefield, has served for centuries.

The Janissary band, which makes a very high volume music with drums and wind instruments, arouses enthusiasm in the audience. You can watch the military band called Mehter Team every day between 15:00 and 16:00 at Ataturk Hall.

Istanbul Military Museum Entrance Fee 2024

Istanbul Military Museum entrance fee is 200 Turkish Lira as of 2024. Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid for this museum. The information on the ticket price was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Istanbul Military Museum Opening Hours 2024

Istanbul Military Museum opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 16:30 in the evening. Please also note that the museum is closed on Mondays. Information on visiting hours was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Although we update the blog every 6 months, we may miss some changes. So you can check the latest status on the official website of the museum before visiting the Military Museum of Istanbul.

How to Get to Istanbul Military Museum

In order to get to the Istanbul Military Museum from Sultanahmet, you can take the tram to Kabatas and reach Taksim Square with the Funicular connection. From Taksim Square, you can reach the museum in 5 minutes by taxi and 10 minutes by bus.

The Military Museum is very close to Nisantasi, one of the most important shopping districts of Istanbul. You can even go to the museum on foot from hotels around Taksim Square, Macka and Sisli.

Those who stay on the Asian Side can come to Besiktas or Kabatas by ferry and reach the Military Museum. It is very easy to reach Taksim Square from these two districts.

Conclusion

Istanbul Military Museum is a hidden treasure for those who are interested in the history of war and the development of weapons in history. For this reason, it is among the best museums in Istanbul.

If you want to see other museums that will complement your experience in this museum, you can also visit the Panorama 1453 Museum. In addition, the weapon collection of Topkapi Palace is quite interesting.

If you want to learn more about the museums in Istanbul, you can find dozens of similar articles in the Museums of Istanbul category of this site. Nearly 40 museums are introduced under this category.

Istanbul Military Museum by Serhat Engül

The post Istanbul Military Museum Price & Hours [Updated 2024] appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

The Naval Museum serves under Istanbul Naval Forces Command. The exhibition building of the museum has three floors and located in an area of 1500m2. Saloons in exhibition area are named after wind directions.  More than 20.000 pieces of imperial caiques, ship models, paintings, riggings and triremes are exhibited in exhibition building and yard.

History of Istanbul Naval Museum

The history of the Istanbul Naval Museum goes back to the 19th century. At first, the museum was opened in 1897 by order of Hasan Husnu Pasha, first lord of the admiralty. One of the buildings located in Shipyard of Ottoman State was turned into a museum as a result of the efforts made by Lieutenant Suleyman Nutku and Colonel Hikmet Bey.

The museum was redesigned in 1914 by order of Cemal Pasha. Ali Sami Boyar, a lieutenant and a painter, became the head of restoration group and the museum was designed as a modern building.

At the beginning of the World War II, pieces of the museum were transferred to Anatolia for protection and they were moved to their original places one year later after the war ended. In 1961, the museum was moved from Kasimpasa to Besiktas Square where it serves today.

The Effect of the Navy in Modernization

The classical period of the Ottoman Empire lasted between the 15th and 18th centuries. However, after the 1700s, the empire experienced a rapid westernization process with the influence of reformist sultans such as Mahmud II.

The Janissaries (elite infantry unit), who were very successful during the rise of the Ottoman Empire, were now outdated and reorganized. During this period, the navy also underwent a great change.

The navy had a great influence in the modernization process of the Ottoman Empire. Because the navy played a key role in Ottoman relations with the Europe. Navy officers were the Ottoman soldiers who interacted most with the outside world.

Istanbul Naval Museum Collection

Istanbul Naval Museum collection promises a fascinating experience to history lovers. Although the museum is about maritime in general, it also has pieces that illuminate many other historical processes. If you want to get general information about Ottoman and Turkish history, you should definitely visit this museum.

1. Belongings of Ataturk

In the section of Belongings of Ataturk, there are some belongings that he used in yachts called Ertugrul and Savarona. In addition to this, you can see correspondences and objects about the studies in the field of maritime by the order of Ataturk.

Mustafa Kemal was a lieutenant colonel in the Ottoman army during WWI. The young officer, who attracted attention with his successes especially on the Gallipoli campaign, became a general towards the end of the war.

Mustafa Kemal started and led the Turkish war of independence after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Mustafa Kemal, who founded Modern Turkey, was honored by the parliament with the surname Ataturk, which means “father of the Turks”.

2. Historical Caiques

In the section of Historical Caiques, you can see caiques that once upon a time was used as a transportation vehicles between two sides of Bosphorus. Especially, imperial caiques of sultans and notable people of the palace stand out. Different caique models such as triremes, lifeboats and pinnacles are exhibited in this collection.

3. Textile and Weaving Works

In the section of Textile and Weaving Works, uniforms that mariners used are exhibited. In the same section, you can see banners, flags and rugs used in ships. If you are interested in military history, you should definitely take a look at this section.

4. Metal Works

In the section of Metal Works, there are guns, navigation instruments, lights, watches and thermometers. You can see original coins and banknotes in this section, as well.

5. Paper Works

In the section of Paper Works, there are warrants, imperial orders and handwritten papers about maritime. In addition to these archival documents, you can see photographs and certificates.

Istanbul Naval Museum Entrance Fee 2024

Istanbul Naval Museum entrance fee is 200 Turkish Liras for adults as of 2024. This museum has a special status as it is affiliated with the Turkish Navy and Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid here. The information on the ticket price was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Istanbul Naval Museum Opening Hours 2024

Istanbul Maritime Museum opening hours are between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening on weekdays. The museum can be visited from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekends. Please also note that the museum is closed on Mondays. Information on visiting hours was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Vitising times of museums in Istanbul may change due to events and renovations. Before going to the museum, I recommend you to visit the official website of the museum and review the latest situation.

How to Get to Istanbul Naval Museum?

In order to get to Istanbul Naval Museum, you have to go to Besiktas. Since Besiktas is one of the transportation hubs of Istanbul, it is very easy to reach here by bus and ferry.

You can use the Tram T1 to go to Istanbul Naval Museum from Sultanahmet. After getting off at Kabatas, the last stop of the tram, you can reach the square where the museum is located in 5-10 minutes by taking a bus in the direction of Besiktas. You can go from Kabatas to Besiktas in 20 minutes on foot.

You can go to Istanbul Naval Museum from Taksim Square by bus or dolmush (shared taxi). Carrying 7 passengers, Dolmush leaves near Ataturk Cultural Center and takes you to Besiktas in 10 minutes. Another alternative is to take the Funicular F1 to Kabatas and walk to the museum from the seaside.

Those coming from the Asian Side can take the ferry either from Kadikoy or Uskudar to Besiktas. The ferry offers a pleasant journey with the Bosphorus view and takes you to Besiktas in 15 or 20 minutes. The museum is only 5 minutes from the ferry piers.

Conclusion

Istanbul Naval Museum is a hidden treasure for those interested in maritime history and the development of naval vessels. For this reason, it is among the best museums in Istanbul.

If you want to see other museums that will complement your experience in this museum, you can also visit the Istanbul Military Museum. If you are interested in Ottoman history, it may be enjoyable for you to visit the Panorama 1453 Museum too.

If you want to learn more about the museums in Istanbul, you can find dozens of similar articles in the Museums of Istanbul category of this site. Nearly 40 museums are introduced under this category.

Written by Serhat Engul

The post Istanbul NAVAL MUSEUM Price & Hours (Updated 2024) appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

It is good to state that the sculptures are prepared meticulously. For instance, in the preparation of the sculpture of Muslum Gurses, even the scars in his face after a traffic accident in 1978 were taken into consideration. Every sculpture is gone through a serious process of research before they are made.

You can find information about the history and collection of the museum in this article. Madame Tussauds Istanbul ticket price and opening hours are also noted.

History of Madame Tussauds Museum

The history of Madame Tussauds Museum goes back to the 18th century. The museum takes its name from Marie Tussaud, one of the prominent wax artists of that period. As a pupil of Philippe Curtius, Marie made a name for herself with her wax sculptures in a short period of time.

Mary was so successful in her art that in 1780 she was invited to the palace to teach art lessons to the sister of King Louis XVI of France. However, after the French revolution took place, her career was interrupted and she had to draw death masks for use in guillotine executions.

This period of time in her life was an inspiration for her to get started a museum after she moved to London. She displayed her horrific memories of French Revolution by acting, in a gallery she opened in London.

After Madame Tussaud lost her life in 1850, the museum was run by her sons and grandchildren. In 1972, the second branch of the museum was opened in Amsterdam and after a while, other branches in Europe, Asia and America followed. Opened in 2016, Madame Tussauds Museum in Istanbul is 21th branch of the museum.

Madame Tussauds Istanbul Collection

Madame Tussauds Istanbul collection has both local and foreign celebrities. The museum has people who played an important role in World history, as well as names identified with popular culture.

There are 6 different sections in the museum categorized as Music, Science and Culture, Sports, VIP party, Leaders in History and Cinema. In these sections, you will see world famous figures, as well as characters that will help you get to know Turkish culture.

In the photo above, you can see the wax statue of Rumi, the most important poet and philosopher in Turkish history. Rumi’s teachings, who lived in Konya (ancient Iconium), are now spread all over the world.

1. Music Section

As the name suggests, Music section includes sculptures of famous musicians listened in Turkey and all around the world. There are a lot of sculptures from world-famous stars such as Rihanna, Madonna and Lady Gaga to popular Turkish musicians such as Zeki Muren and Baris Manco. Moreover, Mazhar-Fuat-Ozkan trio (MFO) appears exactly the same with their stage costumes and instruments from the 80s.

2. Science and Culture section

Sculptures of notable figures who shaped historical accumulation of humanity are located in Science and Culture section. It involves sculptures of scientists and artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Mozart, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein and Yasar Kemal (Turkish author). Also, you can see the sculpture of Madame Marie Tussaud, the founder of the museum, in this section.

3. Sports Section

Sports section includes the sculptures of athletes who made their marks in branches like football, tennis and basketball. Rafael Nadal, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Maria Sharapova are some of the names that you can encounter in this section.

4. Vip Party Section

You can visit VIP Party section to join a party with other guest stars. This section includes the stars of cinema and television environment. Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt are some of the examples of Hollywood stars while Kivanc Tatlitug and Beren Saat shine out as the important figures of Turkish cinema.

In the picture above you can see Beren Saat, who recently starred in the Netflix series The Gift. This mysterious series took place in Mount Nemrut and Gobekli Tepe, the most important historical places of Turkey besides Istanbul.

5. Leaders in History Section

Leaders in History section includes sculptures of prominent figures who shaped the course of history. You can observe the sculptures of great leaders such as Mehmed the Conqueror and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk with the original-size and realistic details.

In the picture above, you can see Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkiye. Ataturk was an Ottoman officer during the first world war and became the founding leader of Turkey after the war.

6. Cinema Section

If you are interested in cinema, you should definitely visit Cinema section that offers sculptures of famous actors, actresses and directors. This section includes the sculptors of actresses such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Jennifer Lawrence. You can see the sculpture of the famous director Steven Spielberg, as well.

Madame Tussauds Istanbul Ticket Price 2024

Madam Tussauds Istanbul ticket price is 585 Turkish Liras as of 2024. If you buy the ticket at the door, the price is 650 TL. For this reason, there is a 10% discount for those who buy tickets online. The information on the entrance fee was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Two types of tickets are offered at the entrance to the museum. The first one is standart tickets worth 585 TL. The second is a combined ticket worth 920 TL, including Sea Life Istanbul. Online tickets are valid for 90 days after purchase.

It should be noted that ticket prices may change according to the season. You can access the official website of the Madame Tussauds Istanbul by clicking this link and check the current ticket prices.

Madame Tussauds Istanbul Opening Hours 2024

Madame Tussauds Istanbul opening hours are between 11:00 in the morning and 20:00 in the evening. Entrance to the museum ends at 19:00. Information on visiting hours was last updated on December 2, 2023.

Visiting times of museums in Istanbul may change due to events and renovations. Before going to the museum, I suggest you visit the official website of the museum and review the latest situation.

How to Get to Madame Tussauds Istanbul?

In order to get to Madame Tussauds Istanbul, you need to go to Istiklal Street, one of the most central places in the city. The Grand Pera Mall, where the museum is located, is right in the middle of the 1.5-kilometer street stretching between Taksim Square and Galata Tower.

In order to go to Madame Tussauds Istanbul museum from Sultanahmet, you can take the Tram T1 to “Kabatas” and from there you can reach Taksim Square with the F1 Funicular connection. You can reach the museum with a 10-minute walk from the Taksim Square.

In order to go to Madame Tussauds Istanbul from the Asian Side, you can come to Karakoy by ferry. It is possible to reach Istiklal Street on foot from Karakoy, which is located at sea level. You can also see Galata Tower on the way.

Conclusion

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Istanbul offers you the opportunity to have a good time and take beautiful photos, as well as learn a lot about Turkish culture. For this reason, it is among the best museums in Istanbul.

If you want to see entertainment centers in the same category in Istanbul, you can also check out places such as Istanbul Aquarium and Vialand Theme Park. Especially families with children can have a great time in these activity centers.

If you want to learn more about the museums in Istanbul, you can find dozens of similar articles in the Museums of Istanbul category of this site. Nearly 40 museums are introduced under this category.

Written by Serhat Engul

The post Madame Tussauds Istanbul Ticket Price (Updated 2024) appeared first on Istanbul Clues.

Although the Museum of Innocence is in essence a romance novel, it actually describes the change Istanbul has gone through over time. Orhan Pamuk has collected all the items used by the fictional characters in the novel and is now exhibiting them in the museum.

The museum, which was established with the restoration of a historical building, is located in Cihangir, one of the coolest districts of Istanbul. Located on Cukurcuma Street, famous for its antique shops in Cihangir, the museum is also very close to Aga Hamami, the oldest bathhouse in Istanbul.

History of the Museum of Innocence

The history of the Museum of Innocence goes back to 2012. After scouting districts such as Galata and Sultanahmet for the museum, Orhan Pamuk chose Cukurcuma and bought a building called as “Brukner Apartment” dating from 19th century.

Building was designed by Ihsan Bilgin, Cem Yucel and Gregor Sunder-Plassman in 2003. Pamuk also founded Innocence Foundation in 2009. Financial support was granted by European Capital of Culture Agency in 2010 and museum was opened in 2012.

The Museum of Innocence is not just a museum, but also a time tunnel. When you visit this museum, you will find yourself in the fiction of a novel, witnessing the last 50 years of Istanbul. Activities, conferences and conversations are held from time to time in the museum.

The Collection

There is a strong connection between the novel and the collection exhibited in the museum. While writing the parts of the novel, Orhan Pamuk was purchasing the objects mentioned in the novel.

He collected the belongings of the main characters, newspaper reports remaining from the times that the novel covers, show cards, photographs and different objects in 20 years.

In other words, when Orhan Pamuk was writing his novel, he had already begun to make plans for the museum he would establish in the future. In the opening, Orhan Pamuk stated that he wrote his novel by looking the objects he purchased. Arrangement of the objects was exhibited in the exact order of the book.

For instance, there are 83 boxes in which objects are exhibited in the museum. These boxes represent 83 chapters in the novel and each box contains objects that belong to the same number of the chapter in the book.

Museum of Innocence Entrance Fee 2025

Museum of Innocence entrance fee is 500 Turkish Lira for adults as of 2025. The discounted ticket price for students is 350 TL. Museum Pass Istanbul is not valid at the entrance of the museum. The information on the ticket price was last updated on April 26, 2025.

You can visit the museum for free just for once if you have the novel. On the last pages of the novel, you can find a free entry ticket for the museum and a map showing where the museum is. By making that page stamped, you can get an invitation and visit the museum for free.

I do not know if there are museum tickets in the old editions of the book. However, I recommend that you bring the book with you to the museum just in case. Even if you have the old book, they will probably help you at the entrance to the museum.

Museum of Innocence Opening Hours 2025

Museum of Innocence opening hours are between 10:00 in the morning and 17:30 in the evening. Please also note that the museum is closed on Mondays. Information on visiting hours was last updated on April 26, 2025.

Museum of Innocence will be closed on January 1st and on the first days of Eid-ul-Fitr (locally known as Ramazan Feast) and Eid al-Adha (locally known as Kurban Feast) every year.

Visiting times of museums in Istanbul may change due to events and renovations. Before going to the museum, I recommend you to visit the official website of the museum and review the latest situation.

How to Get to Museum of Innocence?

In order to get to the Museum of Innocence, you must first come to Beyoglu. Beyoglu is one of Istanbul’s tourist districts and is home to iconic landmarks such as Taksim Square, Istiklal Street and Galata Tower.

You can walk to the museum from Karakoy, Galata, Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. You can get to the museum by taxi, bus and metro from other touristic centers such as Besiktas, Sisli and Sultanahmet.

In order to get to the Museum of Innocence from Sultanahmet, you can take the T1 tram to the Tophane stop and from there you can walk up the slope to the Cihangir district. If you do not want to walk uphill, you can reach Taksim Square from Kabatas with the T1 Tram – F1 Funicular connection and you can walk to the museum in 15 minutes.

Those coming from the Asian Side can reach Karakoy or Kabatas by ferry. It will take only 15-20 minutes to walk from Karakoy to Cihangir, where the museum is located. From Kabatas, you can reach Taksim Square with the F1 Funicular connection and reach the museum via Istiklal Street.

Things to Do in Cihangir

Things to do in Cihangir include trying Turkish breakfast, drinking coffee in boutique cafes, shopping for antiques, and visiting Istanbul’s oldest Turkish bath. For this reason, do not forget to take extra time to enjoy the surroundings after visiting the museum.

Some of the best breakfast places in Istanbul are located in Cihangir. Van Kahvalti Evi and Kahve 6 are among the recommended breakfast places. For a coffee after breakfast, you can try Kronotrop, one of the specialty coffee shops in Istanbul.

Also Cukurcuma antique shops right next to the museum will compliment the nostalgic atmosphere you will experience in the museum. The street of antique shops in Cukurcuma is very interesting for those who want to take pictures of the objects.

The Aga Hamami, dated to 1454, is among the Top 10 Turkish Baths in Istanbul. In addition to all these, Cihangir has Istanbul’s best pizzerias, concept restaurants and bars.

Cihangir has long been known as the district of writers, directors and illustrators. Although the place that stands out with these features in recent years is the Moda district on the Asian side, Cihangir is still an intellectual center.

Written by Serhat Engul

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