Art museums in Turkey

Dolmabahçe Palace, situated in Istanbul, Turkey, on the European coast of the Bosphorus, holds historical significance as it served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. There was a twenty-year period from 1889 to 1909 when the Yıldız Palace was used instead.

Madame Tussauds Istanbul is situated in the heart of the city, on the bustling Istiklal Street. It is housed within the Grand Pera shopping center, making it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city. This location also provides a variety of other entertainment and shopping options for visitors.

The Chora Church, also known as Kariye Camii in Turkish, is a significant historical site in Istanbul. This medieval Byzantine church was originally built around 550 AD. It underwent several transformations over the centuries, becoming a mosque in the 16th century. From 1945 to 2020, it served as a museum, showcasing its rich history and stunning Byzantine mosaics. However, since 2020, it has been reconverted into a mosque.

The Ephesus Archaeological Museum, known as Efes Müzesi in Turkish, is situated in the town of Selçuk, which is in close proximity to Izmir, Turkey. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the region.

The Great Palace Mosaic Museum, also known as Büyük Saray Mozaikleri Müzesi, is situated in the vibrant city of Istanbul. It is conveniently located near the Blue Mosque, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. This proximity allows visitors to easily incorporate a visit to the museum into their sightseeing itinerary.

The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, situated in the Sultanahmet Square in the Fatih district of Istanbul, is a historical landmark in itself. The building, which was constructed in 1524, served as the palace of Pargalı Ibrahim Pasha, who was the second grand vizier to Suleiman the Magnificent. This historical significance adds to the rich cultural experience that the museum offers.

The Pera Museum is an art museum situated in the Tepebaşı quarter of the Beyoğlu district in Istanbul, Turkey. It is conveniently located at Meşrutiyet Avenue No. 65, adjacent to the bustling İstiklal Avenue and near the famous Taksim Square. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The Hagia Sophia, now known as the Hagia Sophia Museum, is an ancient Greek Orthodox church situated in the city of Trabzon, in northeastern Turkey. This historical site dates back to the 13th century, when Trabzon was the capital of the Empire of Trebizond. It is one of the few remaining Byzantine sites in the area, making it a significant landmark for those interested in history and architecture.

The Sakıp Sabancı Museum, affiliated with Sabancı University, is an art museum that boasts a rich collection of calligraphy and paintings. It is known for hosting the works of many renowned artists through its temporary exhibitions. This makes it a significant destination for art lovers and those interested in exploring the diverse artistic expressions from different periods and regions.

The Tiled Kiosk, known in Turkish as Çinili Köşk, is a historical pavilion that is part of the Topkapı Palace complex. Dating back to 1472, as indicated by the tile inscription above the main entrance, it was constructed by the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II. The pavilion is located in the outermost parts of the palace, adjacent to Gülhane Park.

The Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) is nestled among the historic Odunpazarı houses in Eskişehir. This museum was the brainchild of Eskişehir-born architect and collector Erol Tabanca. The foundation stone for the museum was laid in February 2018 by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who also inaugurated it on September 7, 2019.

The Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museums are situated in the southeastern city of Şanlıurfa, Turkey. These museums house a vast collection of artifacts and remains from the ancient city of Şanlıurfa, also known as Edessa, and other significant archaeological sites in the region.

The Eskişehir Museum of Modern Glass Art is situated within the Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri Kent Müzesi complex. It was inaugurated on December 1, 2007, with the primary purpose of showcasing the works of various glass artists. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to appreciate the intricate artistry of glasswork.

The Arkas Art Center, situated in Izmir, Turkey, is an art museum that opened its doors to the public in November 2011. It offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore a wide range of artworks in a historical setting.

The Hatay Archaeology Museum, situated in Antakya, Turkey, is renowned for its vast collection of mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine Eras. These historical pieces provide a unique insight into the artistic practices and cultural narratives of these periods, making the museum a significant destination for those interested in archaeology and history.

The National Palaces Painting Museum is an art museum located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was opened in 2014 at the Crown Prince Residence of Dolmabahçe Palace. The museum is a relatively recent addition to Istanbul's cultural scene, offering visitors a chance to explore a collection of 19th-century art within the historic setting of the Dolmabahçe Palace.

The Museum of Woodworking, also known as Ahşap Eserler Müzesi or Ahşap Eserler Galerisi in Turkish, is an art museum and gallery that is dedicated to the craft of woodworking. It is situated in the city of Eskişehir in Turkey. The museum showcases the beauty and intricacy of woodwork, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in woodworking.

The State Art and Sculpture Museum, located in Ankara, Turkey, is a museum dedicated to fine arts and sculpture. It was opened in 1930 and houses a rich collection of Turkish art from the late 19th century to the present day. The museum also hosts guest exhibitions and is located close to the Ethnography Museum.

The Karatay Madrasa is a historical structure from the Seljuk period, located in the Karatay district, Ferhuniye Neighborhood, Adliye Boulevard in Konya. It was constructed during the reign of II. İzzeddin Keykavus, between the years 1250-1251. This historical site offers a glimpse into the architectural style and educational practices of the Seljuk era.

The Istanbul Modern, also known as the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, is a contemporary art gallery situated within the Galataport complex in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of modern and traditional Turkish culture.

The Balıkesir National Photography Museum is a significant landmark in Turkey, being the country's first museum dedicated to the art of photography. It houses a vast collection of objects that trace the history of photography, providing a unique insight into the evolution of this art form. Visitors can explore various exhibits showcasing different aspects of photography, making it an enriching experience for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Eskişehir Museum of Modern Glass Art is situated within the Eskişehir Odunpazarı Houses City Museum complex. It was inaugurated on December 1, 2007, with the primary purpose of showcasing the works of various glass artists. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the intricate and beautiful world of glass art.

SALT operates in two main locations in Istanbul: SALT Beyoğlu and SALT Galata. In Ankara, it operates in collaboration with various institutions. One of the key features of SALT is that access to all its projects, programs, and resources is free, both in person and digitally. This makes it an accessible destination for tourists interested in art, architecture, and design practices, as well as social and economic history studies.

This private museum displays historical artifacts as well as works by contemporary ceramic artists.

The Antalya Museum, also known as the Antalya Archaeological Museum, is one of the largest museums in Turkey. It is located in Konyaalti, Antalya, and covers an area of 7000 square meters. The museum houses an impressive collection of 5000 works of art, making it a significant cultural and historical site.

The Zeki Müren Art Museum is situated in the Bodrum district of Muğla. This location is easily accessible for tourists visiting the area, offering a cultural experience that delves into the life of one of Turkey's most beloved artists.

This museum is dedicated to both traditional and modern Turkish art with an emphasis on local artists.

The Abdülmecid Efendi Köşkü is a historic mansion nestled in the Bağlarbaşı Grove in Kuzguncuk. This mansion was once the summer residence of Prince Abdülmecid Efendi, a known art enthusiast. His love for the arts transformed this mansion into a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and politicians of the period.

The Trabzon Museum, also known as Kostaki Mansion, is a historic house museum located in Trabzon, Turkey. It houses archeological and ethnographic exhibitions, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. The museum is situated in a mansion that was built in the early 1900s and has served various purposes over the years, from a private residence to a military headquarters, before being transformed into a museum.

One of the key events organized by the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is the web biennial, which has been taking place every two years since 2003. This event has gained international recognition and showcases a wide range of contemporary art pieces from artists around the world. The web biennial is a testament to the museum's commitment to embracing new media and digital art forms, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends and developments in the art world.

The Yakutiye Madrasa, located in Erzurum, Turkey, is a significant historical site that dates back to 1310. It was constructed under the patronage of Emir Hoca Cemalettin Yakut during the reign of the Ilkhanate ruler Olcaytu. This historical monument stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the era and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

Marmaris Castle, situated in the Marmaris district of Muğla, holds a significant place in history. It was reconstructed by the Ottoman Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent during his campaign to Rhodes. This historical monument offers a glimpse into the strategic importance of the region during the Ottoman era.

The Sakıp Sabancı Museum, which opened its doors to the public in 2002, is an art museum located in Emirgan, one of the oldest settlements of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. The museum is known for its rich collection of calligraphy and paintings. It also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring the works of many renowned artists, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.

Arter is a contemporary art museum located in the Dolapdere district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in 2010 as a subsidiary of the Vehbi Koç Foundation. The museum's primary aim is to provide a sustainable infrastructure for the production and exhibition of contemporary art.

The Rezan Has Museum, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a private institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of culture and arts. This museum offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary exhibits, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.

One of the most interesting aspects of Yürüyen Köşk is the story behind its name, which translates to 'Walking Mansion'. The mansion was moved on tram rails to prevent damage to a nearby plane tree. This unique event is a significant part of the mansion's history and is sure to intrigue visitors.

The Osman Hamdi Bey Evi Museum is situated in the Eskihisar neighborhood of Gebze district in Kocaeli. This two-story house, where the renowned Osman Hamdi Bey spent the summer months of his final years, has been transformed into a museum that has been serving the public since 1987.

The Atatürk Evi Müzesi is a museum situated in the Alanya district of Antalya province. This location is significant as it is where the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stayed during his visit to Alanya on February 18, 1935.

The Doğançay Museum, located in the heart of Istanbul's bustling Beyoğlu district, is a significant landmark as Turkey's first modern art museum. It is dedicated to the artistic legacy of Burhan Doğançay, a renowned Turkish artist. The museum, which officially opened its doors to the public in 2004, is housed in a historic 150-year-old five-story building that was once home to a Greek family.

The Mustafa Ayaz Foundation Plastic Arts Museum is situated in the Çankaya district of Ankara. The construction of this museum began in 2003, was completed in 2007, and it was officially opened to the public in 2009.

Müze Evliyagil is an art museum and exhibition house situated in the Gölbaşı district of Ankara. It was established in 2015 by businessman Sarp Evliyagil. The museum offers a comprehensive cultural complex, including a total exhibition area of 750 m², a garden where three-dimensional art works are exhibited, a cinema hall, and a library.

The Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum is a private ethnography gallery located in the Tahtakuşlar Village, within the boundaries of Güre Municipality. It was established by a primary school teacher named Alibey Kudar. This unique museum offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.