City: Istanbul
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Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Art Museums
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Mixer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Mixer is a contemporary art space that aims to help develop the new generation of great Turkish artists. By focusing exclusively on emerging local talent, Mixer has become the leading gallery in Istanbul for young artists to find active and broad support and for collectors to discover new and exciting art. We love to take risks in our program, from realizing an artist's vision for a new media installation to developing public art projects. We use our space creatively to run an ambitious exhibition calendar and to inspire the fast developing art community in the city through our training programs and workshops.
2. Istanbul Resim Ve Heykel Muzesi, Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar Universitesi
3. Chora Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,989 reviews
The Chora Church (Turkish Kariye Müzesi, Camii yahut Kilisesi — variously the Chora Museum, Mosque or Church) is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church. The church is situated in the western, Erdinekapı district of İstanbul. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottomon rulers, and it became a secularised museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.
Reviewed By CHMbM
Chora, restored by Metochites, the ‘prime minister’ of the time, contains the most outstanding and beautiful mosaics ever executed, most especially those in the narthex, including an inspired and unusual Deesis.
4. Sadberk Hanim Museum
5. Istanbul Modern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,748 reviews
Temporary and permanent exhibition halls, photography gallery, cinema make up the platform that presents diverse forms of art that can be experienced at Istanbul Modern in addition to an arts library, a shop that combines design with art and its cafe that offers its visitors a fantastic view of Istanbul
Reviewed By nevinsalman - Turkey, null
Yaşsız is İstanbul’s first and best museum. Mantı excellent exibitions take plase all över The Year. Aksi you can enjoy Good food or coffee food in the excellent Restaurant inside.
6. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 639 reviews
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum showcases Islamic calligraphy, tiles and rugs and recreates rooms or dwellings from Turkish cultures, particularly nomadic groups.
Reviewed By mamz001 - London, United Kingdom
When I read it's an 'art' museum I thought it would just have art in it, but that's not the case. Wife and I were pleasantly surprised at how interesting this place was, by 'art' they mean clothes and all the expensive style jewelries/rugs etc the Ottoman Empire used to own. We were very pleased to have visited this museum. I would highly recommend it, you could also see the swords and weapons the Ottoman empire used to use in battles. I think it was 70 lira pp which is very reasonable as the lira is weak atm, and you would need about 2 hours or so to see everything at a slow pace.
7. Borusan Contemporary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Borusan Contemporary is a space for art and a multi-platform program of exhibitions, events, educational initiatives, new commissions and site specific installations rooted in the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection. These activities are defined by their specific focus on media arts broadly defined, ie artists who work with time, light, technology, video, software and beyond. Most of the program takes place at the Perili Köşk Istanbul, and co-exists with the offices of Borusan Holding, in essence creating a unique atmosphere in an office paradigm. The entire building including the galleries, office space, café, Borusan ArtStore and outdoor terraces with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus are open to the public on the weekends.
Reviewed By L3469BWpatrickm
This museum is located right under the bridge. Got an excellent view from the top of the building. Traffic to this place was very busy.
8. Dogancay Museum
9. The Glass Furnace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
The Glass Furnace, as a non-profit organization, continues to encounter different cultures, experiences and backgrounds and improve the art of glass.
Reviewed By ariaezel - Nicosia, Cyprus
Turkish Glass School I have visited the Glass Furnace first time as a art glass collector . This is a great place to visit as a student of glass crafts! They have a good program for learning glass blowing, flame working, fused glass, kiln casting and more
10. Museum of Painting & Sculpture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By kingofhma
Located on the far side of the Dolmabahce Palace. Separate entry of 20TL BUT worth the admission fee. The paintings are specular and I would say world class. Apparently the art was acquired by the sultans to decorate the palace. A pleasing surprise.
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