Welcome, LearnTurkiye family! Today, I will introduce you to 5 famous museums in Istanbul and these are different from each other as content. If you like to discover valuable buildings, this content is for you!
1. İSTANBUL TOY MUSEUM
Istanbul Toy Museum which takes you to the past and introduces you with old toys was founded by poet and writer Sunay Akın on April 23, 2005. Toys bought from antique shops and collectors in 40 countries in 20 years. The museum displaying the finest examples of toy history is located in a historical mansion in Göztepe.
The Istanbul Toy Museum is presented to visitors with a fun, memorable learning method. For example, in the section where space toys are exhibited, the attempt to reach the Moon, while in the train toys section, the industrial revolution is described in the language of toys.
You can see toy museums in various parts of the world, but the Istanbul Toy Museum is the first example for Turkey. After it, other museums with the same theme were made in Turkey. For example, the museum in Antalya where Sunay Akın made its counselling and curating opened in 2011, and in Gaziantep and Istanbul Ataşehir the doors were opened to toy lovers in 2013.
It consists of more than 4,000 toys. Thousands of toys were divided into groups according to themes. These toys, then grouped, moved to the areas in the hallways and rooms that are easily understood where the decor work of the woodwork was made with great care. In fact, these episodes were given appropriate names for themes such as Indian, space, submarine.
When you are walking around the toy museum, you can see Monalisa’s baby which is produced only one by Fawn Zeller, or you can examine a porcelain toy house which was produced between 1850 and 1910, and you can look the Karagöz-Hacivat characters dating from the time of Abdülhamit.
One of the most important features of the Istanbul Toy Museum is that it is a place where 3 generations can spend time together and share common happiness.
Clues to Reach Here Easily: İstanbul Toy Museum can be reached by city buses of 10B, 10S, 14ÇK, 17, 17L, 19F, 19M, 19S GZ1, GZ2, ER1 and ER2 from Kadıköy. You need to stop in Göztepe station with the bus number 10B, 10S, 14Ç, 17, 17L, 19F, 19M, 19S, whereas in Tütüncü Mehmet Efendi Mosque station with the bus number GZ1, GZ2 and lastly in Erenköy station with the bus number ER1, ER2.
Additional Information
Prices:
The full entrance fee: 13 TL
Children: 10 TL
Working Hours:
Weekdays: 09.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Weekends: 09.30 a.m. – 7.00 p.m.
Note: Close on Mondays.
Address: Göztepe Mahallesi, İdil Sokağı, No:17, 34730 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Phone: +90 216 359 45 50
2. İSTANBUL ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUMS
İstanbul Archaeology Museum is one of the most important museums in our country. Not only for our country but also it is an important museum for the world. Because many works that shed light on world history are exhibited here. The artefacts found in the Istanbul Archeology Museum are those who had been preserved. Many works were unfortunately abducted during wartime and during the Republican period.
Fortunately, Istanbul Archaeological Museum where important and valuable works are located is still crowded with tourists as a place. There are 10 best buildings in the world designed to serve as a museum. Istanbul archaeology museum is the one of these 10. İstanbul Archaeology Museum is among the world’s best museums in terms of both its architectural structure and its artefacts. The museum started to become popular in the world scene during the Ottoman period.
This popularization, which started in 1881 with Osman Hamdi Bey’s administration, continues to increase even today. The archaeological museum opened on June 13, 1891, for the visitors. Osman Hamdi Bey is one who gives importance to cultural values and has made the biggest contribution to the development of the museum. Moreover, he is the son of Edhem Pasha, the grand vizier of the period.
In the development of the museum, Mr. Hamdi worked very hard. Even then, in the newspapers, there are photographs showing that he is also active in the excavation. Additional buildings were added to the museum in 1908. In 1991, some works were done to make it more modern.
An excellent museum is waiting for you. You will encounter a very different artefact at the entrance. Although it is very scary, the sculpture you will see at the entrance signifies a god. The statue is called Bes. An ancient god name. When you continue your trip, it is possible to see ancient antique sculptures like this one. However, of course, there is no sculpture everywhere.
This museum contains artefacts from the archaic period. There are also many interesting items from the Roman era. Tombs, artefacts from the Hellenistic period, many items from the Ephesus and Miletus periods are also available here.
The exterior appearance of the building is an example of the excellent work of art. You will notice this! Because it is personally designed by Osman Hamdi and reflects a neo-classical image.
Additional Information
Prices: Adult: 20 TL.
18 years and below are free.
Working Hours: Summertime: 09:00 to 19:00 between April 15 and October 2.
Winter time: October 3 to April 14 from 09:00 to 17:00.
Note: Museum closed on Mondays.
Address: Alemdar Cad. Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu Sok. 34122, Sultanahmet, İstanbul
Phone: +90 (212) 518 10 21
E-mail: http://www.istanbularkeoloji.gov.tr/
Clues to reach there easily: The museum is very close to Gülhane Park. With the Eminönü – Kabataş tram line you can easily reach the museum. The people coming from the Anatolian side can use Marmaray and get off at the Sirkeci stations. From there, by using the Kabatas tram line, you can easily reach the museum.
3. SAKIP SABANCI MUSEUM
If you are thinking of going to Istanbul for a culture-focused holiday, you can include the Sakıp Sabancı Museum to the sightseeing route. He is known as a commercial man and his interest in art is famous.
Moreover, you can find out the latest works of master artists such as Ai Weiwei during your visit to the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, which has a worldwide reputation with its distinguished examples of Ottoman Hat Art and the rich collections of tableaus created in the early days of the republic.
The structure is called “Horse Pavilion” among the public. There were two horse sculptures placed in front of the mansion, so it took this name.
Apart from the display of permanent and temporary exhibitions; concerts, conferences, seminars and other cultural activities are organized.
There are 3 different collections in the museum permanently exhibited. The Furniture and Decorative Works Collection is exhibited in three rooms on the entrance floor. This collection is made up of the furniture the Sabancı family used in the mansion period. You can also examine 18th and 19th-century artworks used in the decoration of this building in this collection.
The main collection of the museum contains the works of very valuable arts such as Book Art and Hat Exhibition, beautiful calligraphic examples of famous calligraphers, prayer books, official documents equipped with Sultan’s masters and the Quranic prints. This collection, which began to be formed when Sakıp Sabancı bought a plate written by Sultan II. Mahmut, was enriched with pieces purchased in the 1980s. This rich collection has a large share of international attention; therefore, it was made into a museum.
Additional Information
Prices: 30 TL
Working Hours:
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
On Wednesdays: 10.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
On Monday: CLOSE.
Phone: +90 212 277 22 00
Address: Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi Sakıp Sabancı Caddesi, 42 Emirgan 34467 İstanbul
E-mail: ssminfo@sabanciuniv.edu
4. RAHMİ KOÇ MUSEUM
This museum was opened in 1994 with the support of businessman Rahmi Koc. It is important because it is the first museum which is dedicated to the Turkey’s industry, transportation, and communications on the shores of the Golden Horn.
Historic Lengerhane Building / Tarihi Lengerhane Binası
In the Ottomans, the chain which is used to fix the ship to the sea is called as Lenger and the place where they are built that Lengers is called Lengerhane. The history of this Ottoman Lengerhanesi, built on the foundations of a building built for other purposes during the Byzantine period, dates back to Sultan III. Ahmet period.
The special history of the museum begins with the purchase of the historical Lengerhane building by Rahmi M. Koç Museum Foundation in 1991. After the restoration work carried out by the foundation under the coordination of Dr. Bülent Bulgurlu, the museum was opened in December 1994.
Historical Hasköy Shipyard / Tarihi Hasköy Tersanesi
Hasköy Shipyard which is opposite to the Lengerhane was purchased and was restored because the exhibition areas were not enough to show the collection of Rahmi Koç Museum shortly afterwards. The restoration of this part was completed in 2001.
External Display Area / Açık Hava Sergileme Alanı
Classical automobiles, TCG Uluçalireis Submarine, Fenerbahçe Steamboat, a huge Turgut Alp crane, B-24 Liberator, other aircraft, and more museum collections are exhibited here.
Collections: Atatürk Department, Road Transportation, Railway Transportation, Maritime, Aviation, Tipo Printing Workshop, Living History, Machines, Communication, Scientific Instruments, Modeller and Toys.
Museum Education: Primary Schools Education Project, Nursery School Education Project, Science and Technology Workshop Education Project, Colored Mathematics World, Maintenance and Repair Workshop Education Project, Weekend Education Workshops, Mobile Museum-Museum.
Location Rent: Corporate Activities, Celebrations of the Birthday.
TCG Uluçalireis’ Submarine / TCG Uluçalireis Denizaltı
The submarine was built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1944 with a name of TENCH class USS THORNBACK (SS-418) with a length of 93 m and 2,400 tons. Until 1946, he was active against Japan until World War II then it was taken from duty. At the beginning of the 1950s, it was renovated with the Gruppy, and in 1953 it went back to service.
USS THORNBACK joined the Naval Forces Command on July 2, 1971, and was given the name TCG Uluçalireis and the S-338 board number. Up to 30 years before the transfer to the museum in 2001, it has made a valuable service to the Republic of Turkey. The submarine can be visited with a guide. Submarine cruises are limited to a maximum of 14 people. When planning your visit, keep in mind that children under the age of 6 may join the underwater tour with the companion. 12 years and over can take part in the submarine tour without a companion.
That tour is not recommended for people who have claustrophobia, heart disease, and asthma. Also, because there are no ramps and lifts under the water, it is not suitable for a disabled visit. You can get detailed information about the tour from the ticket office.
Fenerbahçe Steamboat / Fenerbahçe Vapuru
It was built in 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland by William Denny & Brothers Dumbarton. Fenerbahce Steamboat was given to the Rahmi M. Koç Museum in 2009, and it has been hosting temporary exhibitions and museum education activities and it is giving pleasure to its visitors with its nostalgic café.
Nostalgic Railway Expedition / Nostaljik Demiryolu Seferi
On weekends, a nostalgic train makes a short trip through the Golden Horn. Tickets are free, but you have to make a reservation for it because train capacity is 45 passengers.
You can have breakfast on the Fenerbahçe steamboat with the sea view. You can drink your tea, and in the museum garden, you can taste the fast-food dishes in the Coca-Cola car concept. Fortunately, the prices are very cheap.
Clues to Reach There Easily: Rahmi Koç Museum is located in the Hasköy district on the northern bank of Golden Horn. You can reach the museum by Metrobus, you must stop at Halıcıoğlu station and then walk. Moreover, the Eyüp ferry from Üsküdar is also going to the Rahmi Koç Museum. The lines 47, 47E, 47Ç and 47N from Eminönü are another way to reach the museum.
Additional Information
Prices: Adults: 15 TL
Students: 6 TL
Working Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. (1 October – 31 March)
10:00a.m.-7:00p.m. (1 April – 30 September)
Mondays: CLOSE.
Address: Hasköy Cad. No: 5 Hasköy İstanbul
Phone: 0 (212) 369 66 00
5. MADAME TUSSAUDS İSTANBUL
Would you like to be close to a pop music artist you are a fan of, or a sportsman, a scientist who guides you with your ideas? If yes, you can go to Madame Tussauds Istanbul Museum in Beyoğlu and get this chance!
In early times, the museum collection was composed mainly of royal members, politicians and revolutionaries’ sculptures, then Madame Tussauds has become a center of cultural attraction attracting millions with the addition of athletes, scientists and musicians. Madame Tussauds Istanbul, the 21st branch of the museum, opened its doors in 2016.
The basis of the work to collect such a large amount of interest is that the sculptures are an individual copy of the originals. For this, firstly hundreds of photos are taken and photographed from many different angles. Then, through the measurements and photographs, 150 kilograms of clay mould is carved. The statue, which has gone through 6 different processes, eventually turns into a masterpiece which is worth $ 300,000.
Sections of Madame Tussauds İstanbul
The unique collection of the museum is divided into five categories: music, sports, science and culture, VIP party, history and leaders.
In the music section, you can see the sculptures of artists who have achieved great success in our country and all over the world. In this section, you will find famous pop music stars such as Rihanna, Madonna and Lady Gaga as well as Zeki Müren, MFÖ and Barış Manço.
Sports category consists of football, tennis and basketball branches with a big fan of the stars are listed. In this part of the museum are foreign athletes such as Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, Neymar and Lionel Messi, as well as sculptures of Arda Turan and Hidayet Türkoğlu who successfully represented our country abroad.
On the other hand, the field of science and culture is separated to the people who devoted their lives to the history of humanity. During your visit to the area, you can see wax sculptures by Leonardo Da Vinci, Mozart, Einstein, Steve Jobs and Yaşar Kemal.
The place where you can see the sculptures of the popular names of the world of cinema and television is the VIP Party section. In this section, you can see Kivanc Tatlıtuğ, Beren Saat, Demet Akbağ from Turkey and Julia Roberts, Johhny Depp, Brad Pitt from Hollywood.
Additional Information
Working Hours: 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Prices: Adult: 50TL
3-14years: 40TL
Mail: info@grandpera.com
Phone: 0212 640 73 72
Address: Cercle d’Orient Binası İstiklal Cad. No:56/58 Beyoğlu / İstanbul
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