The Best Museums In Turkey

With its rich history that spans the ages and empires, Turkey’s museums are full of stunning artifacts as well as art. From Istanbul’s renowned museums to the lesser-known yet equally important museums around the country, Culture Trip rounded up the most essential.

1. Chora Church

Church, Museum

This medieval Byzantine Greek Orthodox church dates back to around the early 4th century and possesses some of the most stunning Byzantine frescoes and mosaics. Converted into a mosque in the Ottoman era in the 16th century, Chora Church became a museum in 1948.

Chora Church, Dervişali Mahallesi, Kariye Cami Sk. No:8, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 631 92 41

Chora Church | © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro / CC BY-SA 3.0 / WikiCommons

2. Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Museum

Library of Celsus, elevated view, Ephesus, Turkey

After you’ve experienced the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, make sure to visit the Ephesus Museum, where more artifacts are on display. You’ll find remnants of the Temple of Artemis, sculptures from the fountains, coins, and much more.

3. Sakıp Sabancı Museum

Museum

Located in a beautiful mansion—which used to belong to the famous Sabancı family—overlooking the Bosphorus, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum hosts some of Istanbul’s most well-regarded art exhibitions. Past art shows have included works by Rodin, Picasso, Monet, and Anish Kapoor.

5. Istanbul Modern

Museum

The Istanbul Modern opened its doors in 2004

Istanbul’s hub for contemporary art is one of its most important museums and always features excellent exhibitions from local and international talent. Istanbul Modern’s sculpture garden and Bosphorus-facing café are also local favorites.

6. Mevlana Museum

Museum

The mausoleum of the Persian poet and Sufi mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi is one of the main reasons to visit the Turkish city of Konya. The beautiful structure, which stands out with its turquoise dome, also once served as a tekke (a whirling dervish lodge).

7. Topkapı Palace

Museum

Rectangular pool of green water in tree-lined courtyard of Topkapi Palace, one part of which stands in front

The overtly lavish residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years, the Topkapı Palace, built in 1453, is a true wonder and a must-see sight while in Istanbul. The sultan’s ostentatious lifestyle is thoroughly exemplified in beautiful pavilions, a treasury full of jewels, and harem.

8. CerModern

Built within a renovated train depot, CerModern is not only a stunning work of architecture but also the main destination for art in Turkey’s capital. Engaging exhibitions, as well as workshops from art history to yoga, make CerModern a profoundly engaging museum.

CerModern, Anafartalar Mahallesi, Altınsoy Cad. No:3, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey, +90 312 310 00 00

Courtesy of CerModern

9. Hagia Sophia

Cathedral, Museum

Saint Sophia,Hagia Sophia, Ayasofia historical landmark Istanbul, Turkey

Once a Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica, the Hagia Sophia was declared a museum in 1935 and is one of Istanbul’s icons. From the grand fading red façade to the stunning interior with frescoes and mosaics, the former church is one of the world’s most unique museums.

10. Pera Museum

Museum

Located in a beautiful neo-classical building that used to be the famous Bristol Hotel, the Pera Museum has been hosting important art exhibitions and events since its establishment in 2005. Past featured names have included Rembrandt, Joan Miró, Frida Kahlo, and Goya, among many others.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.