Top Museums in Istanbul

Istanbul is the meeting point of history with modernity. The city has deep roots coming through centuries and still vibrantly living, and breathing. Art has always been a reflection of the city’s rich identity and cosmopolitan culture. 

In getting to know a city deeply, museums have always been special places. In this article, we handpicked 5 different must-see museums when you are in İstanbul. You will find modern art museums as well as museums of history and culture. If you are ready let’s have a look at the top museums you’ll want to visit in İstanbul. 

Turkey’s First Museum of Modern Art

İstanbul Modern

İstanbul Modern has a special place in our list because of its important role in not only İstanbul’s but also Turkey’s art environment. Founded in 2004, İstanbul Modern is Turkey’s first museum of modern and contemporary art. 

By 2022, the museum has a new building situated in Galataport Karaköy. This building is also art itself! It is designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, the mastermind of buildings for numerous international museums and art institutions, among them Centre Pompidou, Whitney Museum, Centro Botín, and Beyeler Foundation Museum. So if you are an architecture nerd, you will love the building also. 

İstanbul Modern offers visitors a great museum experience in its various exhibition halls. They also offer educational workshops, film screenings, an abundant library, a design shop with great souvenirs, and a restaurant with a great view of the Bosphorus. It is also a great place to go with the kids! They offer numerous activities to kids including movie screenings, workshops and special guided tours. İstanbul Modern is also accessible to visitors with disabilities. So you don’t need to leave anyone behind!

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Check out the latest program of the museum and enjoy your day. Take some photos and videos and share them on Instagram using the #loveistanbul hashtag, we are curious about your comments!  

Celebration of Today’s Art

Arter

Arter is an old museum with a spectacular new building designed by Grimshaw Architects. In 18.000 square metres of indoor area, Arter has various exhibition halls. The museum has also an art library, a bookstore and a bistro with great coffee! 

In this list, it has a special place because of its playful structure. The building itself serves a great deal of playfulness with its high ceilings and simple architecture. With this structure, Artes hosts performances and events across many disciplines of art. 

By 2022, the museum has more than 1,400 works by around 400 artists in its own collection including works from the 1960s to the present, covering a broad variety of media ranging from painting, drawing, sculpture, print, photography, film, video, installation to sound, light and performance-based practices.

Arter is located in Dolapdere near Taksim Square. Even the contradiction of the building with its neighbourhood is worth seeing. So plan your trip today and tag us in your Instagram posts, we wonder about your own experiences. You can check the latest program before you go. 

Feel as a Part of the History 

Panorama 1453 History Museum İstanbul

Panorama 1453 Museum of History has been holding the title of ‘the world’s first full-panoramic museum’ since its establishment in 2009. The museum is situated in a special place across the city walls of Topkapı-Edirnekapı where the siege of İstanbul took place. 

The museum is one of the most popular spots of İstanbul and a must-see if you are interested in history. The museum building is composed of two main sections. The first section starts from the entrance and is situated on the way to the second section with the magnificent panoramic picture. The panoramic picture contains more than 10.000 figures of drawings, and it gives the visitor the feeling that this museum has no end!

On your visit, don’t forget to stop by the museum's souvenir shop, you can find amazing gifts for your loved ones back home. You can check the visiting hours and don’t forget to take photos and videos when it is allowed and share us by using the #loveistanbul hashtag on Instagram! 

Where time stands still!

Miniaturk

Miniaturk is a must-see and entertaining museum and a great place for some Instagram art! This open-air museum holds 1/25 smaller models of 137 important places in Turkey. Models are varied: 60 from Istanbul, 64 from Anatolia and 13 from the Ottoman territory now outside Turkey. There aren’t only the models of buildings but also bridges, piers, castles, tombs, mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, mansions, obelisks, monuments and sculptures, and even unique natural formations from fairy chimnies of Cappadocia to Pamukkale.

The museum has a restaurant, a cafe and various experience areas for a time well spent. Especially we recommend you take your kids with you when you visit because it is a great experience for children also. Miniatures may trigger kids’ imaginations and they can learn a whole lot about architecture. This museum is also accessible to disabled persons. 

In Miniaturk, you might feel as if you are travelling all over Turkey. Get your cameras ready and share your experiences with us through Instagram using the #loveistanbul hashtag. We would love to hear from you. 

Feel Royal and get amazed!

Topkapı

Topkapı Palace was built by Sultan Mehmed II following the conquest of Istanbul. New buildings and annexes were added by other sultans over the centuries, creating the palace complex as we know it today. Today the museum covers an area of 700,000 square metres! 

The museum is rich and magnificent, and to have a proper visit you must have a knowledgeable guide with you. Otherwise, you will miss the true history, stories and legends behind; and all the gossip running through the walls of this palace. 

Great news! Exploring Topkapı Palace in the best way is so easy with the Istanbul Tourist Pass and it is totally FREE with your pass! You will enjoy hearing the hidden stories, architecture, and history of Topkapı Palace with Istanbul Tourist Pass guides!

For a breathtaking tour of the history of the magnificent Topkapi Palace, without waiting in a long line, all you need is to purchase Istanbul Tourist Pass. Save this page in your browser you will need to remember if you are still planning your trip. 

And a final note, take your camera and have great photos and videos. Share with us using the #loveistanbul hashtag on Instagram. We would love to hear from you!

FAQ

Which is the best museum in Istanbul?

There are many great museums in Istanbul but it is fair to say Topkapı Palace is the best museum so far by its uniqueness and magnificent architecture. 

Which is the most visited museum in Turkey?

The most visited museum in Turkey is the Topkapi Palace Museum. After Topkapi, Hagia Sophia Mosque is the second most visited place. 

What is the most visited place in Istanbul?

Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and then the Dolmabahce Palace is the first three most visited place in Istanbul.