Istanbul Archaeology Museums
Marmara Region
The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, located in the Eminönü district near Gülhane Park and Topkapı Palace, comprise three distinct museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art housed in the historic Tiled Kiosk. Established in 1869 as the Imperial Museum by Sultan Abdülaziz inspired by European museums, it is considered Turkey's first museum. The complex holds over one million artifacts from civilizations across the Balkans, Africa, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and beyond, reflecting the vast reach of the Ottoman Empire and human history. The main building, designed by architect Alexander Vallaury and opened in 1891, was constructed to house significant finds such as the Sidon King Necropolis sarcophagi, including the renowned Alexander Sarcophagus. The Tiled Kiosk, dating back to 1472 and commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II, is the oldest Ottoman civil structure in Istanbul and showcases Turkish tiles and ceramics. Osman Hamdi Bey, the museum's first curator and a pioneering archaeologist and artist, greatly expanded the collections through excavations in sites like Nemrut Dağı and Sidon. The museums offer a unique blend of archaeology, art, and Ottoman architecture, making them a vital cultural institution and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
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Tip: The museums are open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, with the ticket office closing at 18:00. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds and to allocate ample time for exploring the extensive collections. Visitors can benefit from the Müzekart, which grants access to many museums across Turkey. Audio guides are available to enrich the experience. Some sections may be temporarily closed for restoration, so checking the official website before visiting is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The Istanbul Archaeology Museums house over one million objects from various civilizations worldwide.
- •The Alexander Sarcophagus, one of the museum's most famous artifacts, was excavated from the Sidon King Necropolis in Lebanon.
- •The Tiled Kiosk is the oldest non-religious Ottoman building in Istanbul, dating back to 1472.
- •Osman Hamdi Bey, the museum's first curator, was also a renowned painter; his painting "Girl Reading the Quran" sold for a record price in 2019.
- •The museum's establishment in 1869 is considered the beginning of modern museology in Turkey.
- •June 13, the opening date of the main building in 1891, is celebrated as Museum Day in Turkey.
History
The Istanbul Archaeology Museums trace their origins to the Hagia Irene Church, which served as an armory and repository for artifacts during the Ottoman period.
Officially founded as the Imperial Museum in 1869 by Sultan Abdülaziz, inspired by European archaeological museums, it marked the beginning of institutional museology in Turkey.
The first curator, Osman Hamdi Bey, was appointed in 1881 and played a crucial role in expanding the collection through excavations and acquisitions.
The main museum building was completed and opened in 1891, with later expansions in the early 20th century.
The Tiled Kiosk, built in 1472, was repurposed as a museum in the late 19th century and remains part of the complex.
Over time, the museum developed into a major center preserving artifacts from the Ottoman Empire's extensive territories and beyond.
Place Guide
Main Archaeological Museum Building1891
Designed by architect Alexander Vallaury and opened in 1891, this building houses the core collection of archaeological artifacts, including the famous sarcophagi from Sidon such as the Alexander Sarcophagus, the Sarcophagus of Weeping Women, and the Lycian Sarcophagus. It also features extensive exhibits from ancient civilizations across the Balkans, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia.
Museum of the Ancient Orient1883
Housed in a building originally constructed in 1883 as the Sanayi-i Nefise Mektebi (Academy of Fine Arts) by Osman Hamdi Bey, this museum showcases artifacts from Near Eastern civilizations, distinct from Greco-Roman and Byzantine collections. The building was designed by Alexander Vallaury and became part of the museum complex in 1917.
Tiled Kiosk Museum (Çinili Köşk)1472
Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II in 1472 as a pleasure palace, the Tiled Kiosk is the oldest Ottoman civil architecture example in Istanbul. It was converted into a museum in the late 19th century to exhibit Turkish tiles and ceramics and is part of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums complex.
Contact
Phone: (0212) 520 77 40
