Explore the rich culture and History by and Istanbul by visiting the numerous museums in the city. From Topkapi Palace Museums up to İstanbul Modern there is something for everyone to discover. Read our list of all museums in Istanbul and plan your visit today!
A city with a rich cultural and historical past, Istanbul is home to a variety of museums, including:
- Topkapi Palace Museum: The former main residence of the Ottoman Sultan houses a collection of artwork, jewellery, weapons and other Ottoman artifacts.
- Archaeological Museums in Istanbul: This museum consists of three parts: Archaeological Museum, Ephesus Museum and Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. It houses an impressive collection of ancient and Ottoman artefacts Time.
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art: This museum houses a collection of works of art, furniture, textiles and other artifacts representing Islamic culture and traditions in the Turkey represent.
- Chora Museum: The former Byzantine monastery houses impressive mosaics and frescoes depicting the history of Christianity in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Modern: This contemporary art museum houses a collection of works by Turkish and international artists.
- Galata Mevlevi House Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts and documents documenting the history and traditions of the Mevlevi Sufi Brotherhood in Istanbul.
- Basilica Cistern Museum: One of the most impressive and mysterious buildings in the city. The two heads of Medusa, supported by two pillars on the north-west edge of the pool, are the most striking and attract tourists.
- Dolmabahce Palace Museum: One of the grandest palaces on the Bosphorus in Besiktas. The entire palace architecture is stunning.
- Ataturk Museum: The museum houses artifacts and documents depicting the life and career of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey.
- Sakip Sabanci Museum: The museum houses a collection of artworks and artifacts representing 20th century Turkish culture and history.
- Pear Museum: The museum houses a collection of works by Turkish and European artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Rahmi M. Koc Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts showing the development of technology and industry in the Turkey document.
- Haydarpasa Train Station Museum: The former train station building now houses a museum documenting the history of rail transport in Turkey.
- Istanbul Toy Museum: The museum houses a collection of toys from different eras and cultures.
- Miniaturk (Miniature Turkey Museum): A fantastic open-air museum with miniature models of the largest points of interest & sights and monuments of Turkey.
- Istanbul Photography Museum: The museum houses a collection of photographs representing the history of photography in Turkey and the world.
- Istanbul Naval Museum: The museum houses artifacts and exhibits that represent the history of the Turkish Navy and its ships.
- Sadberk Hanim Museum: Turkey's first private museum with the private collection of Sadberk Koc, wife of the famous Turkish businessman Vehbi Koc.
- Grand Palace Mosaic Museum: Museum of modern and contemporary art, gallery for permanent and temporary exhibitions, photo gallery, cinema, restaurant, design shop and library.
Istanbul also has many private museums and galleries that showcase special themes such as contemporary art, design, photography and more. Therefore, there is always something new to discover in Istanbul.
