The best Museums and Galleries in Istanbul

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Istanbul is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. It has been the capital of various empires throughout its history, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, and as a result, it is home to a wide range of historical and cultural sites.

There are many landmarks in Istanbul that are considered to be architectural and historical treasures, such as the Hagia Sophia, which was originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. The Topkapi Palace, which was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans, is another popular historical site in the city.

In addition to its historical sites, Istanbul is also known for its art and cultural scene. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and performance spaces, and it hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the top art museums in Istanbul include the Istanbul Modern Art Museum and the Pera Museum, which both feature contemporary Turkish and international art.

Overall, Istanbul is a great destination for those interested in history and art, and there are many other cultural and historical sites in the city to explore as well.

Top 20 Best museums and galleries in Istanbul

here is some additional information about a few of the museums and galleries listed above:

#1. Istanbul Archaeological Museums:

This museum complex comprises three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art. It has a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The Archaeological Museum houses a collection of Greek cand Roman artifacts, including statues, pottery, and mosaics. The Museum of the Ancient Orient has a collection of artifacts from the ancient Near East, including the civilizations of Sumeria, Babylon, and Assyria. The Museum of Islamic Art has a collection of Islamic art, including ceramics, metalwork, and textiles.

Address: Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu, Gülhane, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 520 77 40
Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr/en
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 30 TL

#2. Istanbul Modern:

Istanbul Modern is a contemporary art museum located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located on the Bosphorus waterfront in the Tophane neighborhood, and it is housed in a former warehouse. The museum features a wide range of contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video, with a focus on Turkish and international artists. It also has a cafe, a bookshop, and a theater. In addition to its permanent collection, Istanbul Modern hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Address and Contact Details:

Address: Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. Liman İşletmeleri Sahası Antrepo No:4, Tophane, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 212 212 78 00

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.istanbulmodern.org/

Hours of Operation:

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesdays until 8:00 PM)

Closed on Mondays
Extended hours during holidays and special events

Admission Prices:

Adults: 50 TL

Students: 25 TL
Children under 12: Free
Audio guide rental: 25 TL

Guided tour: 60 TL

Accessibility Information:

Wheelchair accessible
Elevators available for use

Audio guides available in Turkish, English, French, and German
Braille guides available for select exhibits

#3. Pera Museum:

Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi No:65, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey

Contact: (212) 334 99 00
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.peramuseum.org/

Hours: Every day except Monday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: 30 TL

This museum has a diverse collection of art and artifacts, including paintings by European artists, Orientalist paintings, and Turkish ceramics. The museum’s collection includes works by artists such as Gustave Courbet, John Singer Sargent, and Osman Hamdi Bey. It also has a collection of Orientalist paintings, which depict the Middle East and North Africa in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum also has a collection of Turkish ceramics, including Iznik tiles and pots.

#4. Sakip Sabanci Museum:

Sakip Sabanci Museum is a museum of Turkish and Islamic art located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the historic Emirgan neighborhood, and it is housed in a 19th-century mansion that was donated to the museum by the Sabanci family. The museum features a wide range of artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, and calligraphy, that showcase the rich artistic heritage of Turkey and the Islamic world. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Address and Contact Details:

Address: Emirgan Mh., Muallim Naci Cd. No: 42, 34347 Sarıyer/Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 212 277 22 00

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.sakipsabancimuzesi.org/en/

Hours of Operation:

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesdays until 8:00 PM)

Closed on Mondays
Extended hours during holidays and special events

Admission Prices:

Adults: 40 TL

Students: 20 TL
Children under 12: Free
Audio guide rental: 25 TL

Guided tour: 60 TL

#5. Topkapi Museum:

Topkapi Museum is a historical museum located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the Topkapi Palace, which was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. The museum is home to a rich collection of artifacts, including manuscripts, jewelry, costumes, and weapons, that tell the story of the Ottoman Empire and its cultural and artistic achievements. Some of the highlights of the museum include the Imperial Harem, the Treasury, and the Sacred Relics Room, which houses items associated with the prophet Muhammad and other important figures in Islamic history. The museum also has a number of gardens and courtyards that provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Address and Contact Details:

Address: Topkapı Palace, Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

Phone: +90 212 512 0480
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr/en

Hours of Operation:

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April to October)
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (November to March)
Closed on Tuesdays

Extended hours during holidays and special events

Admission Prices:

Adults: 70 TL
Students: 35 TL

Children under 12: Free
Audio guide rental: 25 TL
Guided tour: 60 TL

Accessibility Information:

Wheelchair accessible
Elevators available for use
Audio guides available in Turkish, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Persian

Braille guides available for the Harem section of the museum

#6. Galeri Nev:

This contemporary art gallery features works by Turkish and international artists. It also hosts events and exhibitions. The gallery’s collection includes works by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Kiki Smith, and Marina Abramovic. In addition to its permanent collection, Galeri Nev has a program of temporary exhibitions and events.

Address: İstiklal Caddesi No: 211, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey

Phone: +90 212 251 11 12
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.galerinev.com/

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

#7. Galeri Manâ:

This contemporary art gallery is focused on emerging artists and has a program of exhibitions and events. The gallery’s collection includes works by Turkish and international artists, as well as a selection of artist books and publications. In addition to its permanent collection, Galeri Manâ has a program of temporary exhibitions and events.

Address: İstiklal Caddesi No: 163, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 251 10 42
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Admission: Free

#8. Rahmi M. Koc Museum:

The Rahmi M. Koc Museum is located in the Hasköy neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey, and is dedicated to the history of transportation, industry, and communication. The museum has a collection of vintage cars, airplanes, boats, and other vehicles, as well as a collection of industrial machinery and equipment.

The museum’s collection includes a range of vehicles from different eras, including a steam locomotive, a 1920s Rolls-Royce, and a 1950s Chevrolet. The museum also has a collection of industrial machinery and equipment, including steam engines, printing presses, and factory machinery.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also has a library of books and documents related to the history of transportation, industry, and communication. The library is open to researchers and the general public and has a collection of books, documents, and photographs related to these subjects.

The museum is open every day except Monday and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The admission fee is 30 TL. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation and is a popular destination for families and anyone interested in the history of transportation and industry.

Address: Hasköy Cad. No:5, Hasköy, Istanbul, Turkey

Contact: (212) 358 30 00
Hours: Every day except Monday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 30 TL

#9. Topkapı Palace Museum:

This museum is located in the former Ottoman royal palace and has a collection of art and artifacts from the Ottoman period, including jewelry, porcelain, and weapons. The museum’s collection includes a range of objects used by the Ottoman sultans and their households, including diamonds, emeralds, and pearls. The museum also has a collection of Ottoman-era porcelain, including plates, bowls, and vases. The museum’s collection of weapons includes swords, guns, and armor.

Address: Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 512 04 80

Hours: Every day except Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 60 TL

#10. Galeri Apel:

This contemporary art gallery focuses on emerging artists and has a program of exhibitions and events. The gallery’s collection includes works by Turkish and international artists, as well as a selection of artist books and publications. In addition to its permanent collection, Galeri Apel has a program of temporary exhibitions and events.

Address: İstiklal Caddesi No: 163, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 251 10 42
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Admission: Free

#11. Borusan Contemporary:

This contemporary art museum features works by Turkish and international artists, and has a program of exhibitions and events. The museum’s collection includes works by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Olafur Eliasson, and Rania Matar. In addition to its permanent collection, Borusan Contemporary has a program of temporary exhibitions and events.

Address: Perili Köşk, Büyükdere Cad. No:163, Istanbul, Turkey

Contact: (212) 277 22 00
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: 20 TL

#12. Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam:

This museum has a collection of scientific instruments and devices from the Islamic world, including astrolabes, clocks, and telescopes. The museum’s collection includes a range of scientific instruments used in the Islamic world from the 8th to the 19th centuries, including astronomical instruments, mathematical instruments, and medical instruments. The museum also has a library of scientific texts from the Islamic world.

Address: Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 527 45 00

Hours: Every day except Monday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 30 TL

#13. Galeri Zilberman:

This contemporary art gallery features works by Turkish and international artists, and has a program of exhibitions and events. The gallery’s collection includes works by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Kiki Smith, and Marina Abramovic. In addition to its permanent collection, Galeri Zilberman has a program of temporary exhibitions and events.

Address: İstiklal Caddesi No: 163, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 293 23 20
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Admission: Free

#14. The Hagia Sophia Museum:

The Hagia Sophia Museum is a World Heritage Site located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built as a church in the 6th century AD and later served as a mosque. Today, it is a museum that is open to the public.

The museum is known for its architectural and artistic significance, and is considered one of the great wonders of the world. The museum’s interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and marble carvings, and its exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings and calligraphy.

The museum is open every day except Monday and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The admission fee is 60 TL. The museum is located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Istanbul and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also has a program of temporary exhibitions and events. These exhibitions and events highlight different aspects of the museum’s collection and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the museum’s history and cultural significance.

Address: Ayasofya Meydanı, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

Contact: (212) 522 17 50
Hours: Every day except Monday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 60 TL

#15. The Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture:

This museum has a collection of Turkish paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum’s collection includes works by Turkish artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey, Namık İsmail, and İbrahim Çallı. The museum also has a collection of European paintings, including works by artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Henri Matisse.

Address: Talimhane, İstiklal Caddesi No:131, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 334 31 60

Hours: Every day except Monday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 20 TL

#16. The Istanbul Museum of Photography:

This museum has a collection of photographs and cameras, as well as a program of exhibitions and events. The museum’s collection includes photographs by Turkish and international photographers, as well as a range of cameras and other photographic equipment. In addition to its permanent collection, the Istanbul Museum of Photography has a program of temporary exhibitions and events.

Address: Sıraselviler Caddesi No:67, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 334 99 10
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Admission: 20 TL

#17. The Istanbul Toy Museum:

The Istanbul Toy Museum is a museum in Istanbul, Turkey that is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of toys from around the world. The museum was founded in 2005 and is located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. It contains a wide range of toys, including dolls, action figures, stuffed animals, and board games, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs. The museum’s collection includes more than 50,000 toys, representing more than 50 different countries. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events.

Address: Zeyrek, Ayvansaray Mh., Ali Kuşç

Contact: (212) 527 49 00
Hours: Every day except Monday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 20 TL

#18. The Istanbul Museum of the History of Medicine and Health:

This museum has a collection of medical instruments and devices, as well as a library of medical texts. The museum’s collection includes a range of medical instruments used in the Islamic world from the 8th to the 19th centuries, including surgical instruments, pharmacological instruments, and medical books. The museum also has a library of medical texts from the Islamic world.

Address: Küçük Ayasofya Mh., Yerebatan Cd. No:2, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 527 49 00

Hours: Every day except Monday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: 20 TL

#19. The Chora Museum:

The Chora Museum, also known as the Kariye Museum, is a museum in Istanbul, Turkey that is home to a collection of Byzantine-era mosaics and frescoes. The museum is located in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Istanbul and is housed in a former Byzantine church known as the Church of the Holy Savior in Chora. The church was originally built in the 5th century, but was later converted into a mosque and then a museum. The museum’s collection includes some of the most well-known and well-preserved examples of Byzantine art, including a series of frescoes and mosaics that depict scenes from the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The museum’s frescoes and mosaics are considered to be some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in the world.

Address: Kariye Mahallesi, Kariye Camii Sk. No:1, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: (212) 631 92 41
Hours: Every day except Monday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission: 60 TL

#20. The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum:

This museum is located in the former palace of the Ottoman Grand Vizier and has a collection of Islamic art, including ceramics, textiles, and calligraphy. The museum’s collection includes ceramics from the Seljuk, Ottoman, and Safavid periods, as well as textiles such as carpets, kilims, and embroideries. The museum also has a collection of calligraphy, including Qur’ans, prayer rugs, and inscriptions. The museum also has a collection of Ottoman-era weapons, armor, and other military equipment.