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Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Cankurtaran Caddesi, Cankurtaran, İstanbul

Description

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are a group of three museums located next to Topkapı Palace in the older part of Istanbul. In the main neoclassical building, the Archaeological Museum has a broad collection of artefacts from Lebanon, Turkey (Troy and Anatolia), Syria and Cyprus. The 15th century Tiled Kiosk, built under the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II as a pleasure palace, houses the Museum of Islamic Art. Finally, the Museum of the Ancient Orient collection is centred on pre-Islamic art from Ancient Egypt to Mesopotamia, the highlight of which is the glazed brick panels from Babylon's Ishtar gate.

Access & Transport

Located between Gülhane Park and Topkapı Palace. The Gülhane tram station (T1) is 300m away.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit there with the Topkapi Palace and Gülhane Park. Whilst the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is also nearby, we would recommend visiting on 2 different days to better absorb and appreciate the various collections.

Meta review

Based on online reviews, most visitors do enjoy the content very much (Troy, archaeological works and sarcophagi are favourites) although they caution one should not expect collections on the scale of the leading museums globally. The key issue seems to be the closure of significant sections without real explanation or price adjustment. The coffee within the grounds is appealing for a break but service and food there gets mixed comments.

Environmental & Social

Limited carbon footprint (electricity) and helps spread culture

Conclusion

The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are not first-tier by international standards, but they are still of excellent quality and provide tourists with the opportunity to learn more about the region before and beyond the Ottoman Empire.

Key positive

Some very good exhibits

Central location

Key negative

Not many stand-out artefacts

Service quality needs to improve

Suitability

Only the Museum of Archaeology is accessible for wheelchair users

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Box office closes 1h before closing time

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 20:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 20:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 20:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 20:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 20:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 20:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 20:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY09:00 - 18:30

TUESDAY09:00 - 18:30

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:30

THURSDAY09:00 - 18:30

FRIDAY09:00 - 18:30

SATURDAY09:00 - 18:30

SUNDAY09:00 - 18:30

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€15
Adult
18 - 64
€15
Teen & Young
12 - 17
€15
Child
3 - 11
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
No stated children price or age threshold

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