World-class art in Istanbul

An unassuming 11th-century church that’s home to a remarkable collection of late-Byzantine paintings and mosaics in a far more intimate and accessible setting than the vast Hagia Sophia. Open daily.

For a glimpse into the ancient Byzantine era, try this museum showcasing a vast collection of beautifully preserved 5th and 6th-century AD mosaics and artefacts from the Great Palace of Constantinople, the palace of the first Byzantine Emperors. Marvel at intricate designs depicting mythological scenes, historical figures and nature.

One of the world’s top showcases for international contemporary art. Every 2 years,  renowned artists from around the world display paintings, installations, films, and more in unique settings all across the city.

A modern art museum housing the finest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. The Modern’s temporary exhibits by Turkish and international artists – often organized in collaboration with MoMA (New York) and the Centre Pompidou (Paris) – are particularly exceptional.

This treasure trove of Islamic art and artefacts holds one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic-influenced glassware, rugs, ceramics, carpets, calligraphy, metalwork and ethnographic items, spanning over a thousand years. It offers a fascinating insight into the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Turkey. A must for decorative arts fans.

A museum offering a glimpse into the world of Orientalist paintings, and contemporary Turkish art. It houses fine collections of Ottoman art, tiles and ceramics – plus big-name travelling exhibitions – set in a former grand hotel.

Set in a grand villa on the banks of the Bosphorus, this museum features a permanent collection of calligraphy, paintings, and archaeological finds from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Housed in the city’s former power plant, this vibrant cultural complex houses contemporary art galleries, a museum, theatres, a library, and a concert hall. It also features outdoor spaces and a scenic waterfront. There’s a diverse program of exhibitions; it’s art museum combines industrial archaeology and contemporary Turkish art in Istanbul’s answer to London’s Tate Modern.

Built in 1459 to become the 15th and 16th-century home of the Ottoman Sultans, this enormous complex became the centre of the Ottoman world. Now it’s a perfectly preserved time capsule of life at the top in this most exotic of empires. Some parts of the palace, especially the harem and the sultans’ private quarters, rank among the finest works of Turkish architecture and art.

The museum holds Ottoman clothing, weapons, armour, miniatures, religious relics, and illuminated manuscripts such as the Topkapi manuscript. The collections the sultans piled up over the centuries – from glittering jewels to Prophet Muhammad’s tooth – are beyond belief.