Top Museums in Istanbul

Rumelihisari (Rumeli Fortress)

Rumelihisari (Rumeli Fortress), located on the European side of the Bosphorus, was build by Sultan Mehmet II in 1942. The fort was built in preparation for the conquest of the then Constantinople and to block any possible attack coming from the Black sea. The fortress was strategically located opposite the Anadolu Hisari on the Asian side of the strait to halt the passage of foreign ships and to prevent any aid coming to the falling Byzantine empire. This beautiful piece of architecture was built in a very short span of just 4 months and 16 days and spreads across 16 acres of land. It includes a small tower, three main towers, watchtowers, a small mosque and a mini-amphitheater. After the extensive restoration work carried out in 1955, Rumelihisari was thrown open to the public as an open-air museum displaying the various weapons and canons that were used in the conquest.

Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi)

A tour at the site of the original St. Savior in Chora Church, a 4th century church that was rebuild in the 11th century, but later converted into a mosque and now a museum, will give you a peak into the Turkish history and religion. The structure is famous for its well-preserved 14th century mosaics and frescoes that depicts scenes from the Old-New Testament. The building's unusual design consists of six domes, numerous windows and arches and reflects the beautiful nature of the Byzantine architecture. The beautiful interiors of the church is now open to the public as the Kariye Müzesi.

Dulcinea

The spacious interior at Dulcinea functions as a bar, café, and restaurant on weekdays. There's also a contemporary art gallery in the basement with an interesting exhibition every month. On Friday and Saturday nights, "deep eXperience" club nights take over. The turntables are handed over to this amateur DJ group, who spin uplifting trance and funky techno for clubbers who can't afford admission into other more expensive techno clubs.

Istanbul Modern

Making its debut in 2004, Istanbul Modern is Turkey's first museum dedicated to displaying contemporary art. Located on the Sea of Marmara, the museum is a 86,000 square foot renovated government warehouse that houses abstract paintings, portraits, sculptures and photographs from local artists and public and private collections. Istanbul Modern fuses Turkish and Western aesthetic influences to create a connection between Turkish and European institutions of art. Although the Turkish government has offered some assistance, the museum is privately funded by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and the Eczacibasi family, who also provides the permanent collection. Attracting 5,000 visitors daily, one of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the "Stairway to Hell" by Monica Bonvicini in 2003, a sculpture featuring chains and bullet-shattered glass. Other exhibits feature work by Fahrelnissa Zeid and Seker Ahmet Pasa. Istanbul Modern wil l also offer art history programs for children and adults. Admission is free on Thursdays from 10a-2p, and discounts are offered for students and groups.

Galeri Apel

This gallery is known in Istanbul for displaying the works of major contributors to the world of art. Apel features various Turkish and Ottoman exhibitions spread over five floors. Admire the marvelous sculptures by sculptors such as Yücel Kale and Azade Köker. Galeri Apel's exhibits keep changing and this gallery, truly is a Turkish art connoisseur's delight.

Galerist

While the caterpillar on a cocoon would be the idea of many a drawings, art is also extended to the cotton in the cocoon. Prominent amongst featured works at Galerist are those of multiple 'British Designer of the Year' award winner, Cypriot Hüseyin Çağlayan (MBE). That doesn't mean the canvas is completely shunned as the Dutch artist Haluk Akakce's works also make their presence felt. Leading the Turkish charge of artists is Leyla Gadiz. If you share the non-enthusiast perception of all art being another brick in the wall, the art here is sure to make you think again.

Caricature And Humor Arts Museum

Do you think cartoons and caricatures are an unusual subject for a museum exhibition? Then do visit the Caricature And Humor Arts Museum during your stay in Istanbul. The vast collection of original caricatures, drawings, prints and photographic archives is exceptional, unlike anything you have ever seen before. They have also preserved various archives and documentation that are collected from around the world. An instresting fact about it is that the original site of the museum, in a Tepebasi building, was shut in 1980 and the museum was later re-opened in 1989 as the restored Gazanfer Agha school complex of Istanbul's Fatih district.

Museum of Turkish Carpets

Turkish handmade carpets and rugs are known worldwide for their rich colors, intricate designs and brilliant craftsmanship. They are the most sought-after items by collectors and museums. One place in Istanbul where you can learn about all the kinds and types is the Museum of Turkish Carpets, located across the Ibrahim Pasha Palace. They have an impressive display of antique carpets, kilims and rugs, some of them depict tribal art and designs. It's worth spending a few hours strolling through the display of Turkish arts and do not forget to buy some traditional pieces to take back home.

Rahmi Koc Industrial Museum

Situated on the shores of the Golden Horn, Rahmi Koc Industrial Museum collates and conserves the history of transport, industry and communications. The showcased collection includes expansive researches and also houses the industrial and engineering objects used across different timelines and various worldwide cities. Apart from enlightening visitors on these interesting facts, this place also boasts of a Museum Tearoom, Museum Shop, Barbarossa Pub, and Halat Restaurant, offering relaxation and entertainment to its visitors.

Sakip Sabanci Museum

Founded by Sakip Sabanci and managed by the Sakip Sabanci University , this private museum houses an extensive collection of Ottoman paintings, important documents and calligraphic works. It hosts various lectures, workshops and exhibitions from time to time and gained immense popularity with its display of Auguste Rodin and Pablo Picasso's works. The in-house restaurant , Müzedechanga , is popular for dishing out mouthwatering international delicacies. Open on all days except Mondays.