In the popular tourist district of Sultanahmet in Istanbul, you will find the Museum of Mosaics. If you have an interest in history and ancient architecture, this place is a must-visit on your cultural itinerary. The mosaics showcased here date back to the times of pagan Rome and are among the oldest decorative artifacts.
History of Istanbul Museum
The most amazing thing is that the museum mosaics presented here were found completely by accident. At the beginning of the last century, archaeological excavations were carried out in the Sultanahmet region. Scientists have discovered Corinthian columns and the remains of the peristyle of the Great Imperial Palace of Constantinople, left over from the time of Byzantium.
Foundation of the museum
The archaeologists were especially surprised by the fragments of ancient mosaics with a total area of about 2000 sq.m. They are perfectly preserved, and therefore it was decided to establish the Mosaic Museum at the very place where the excavations were carried out.
The Mosaic Museum opened in 1953. At first it was part of the Museum of Archeology, and since 1979 it has become part of the Hagia Sophia Museum.
Mosaic Museum Building
Initially, a wooden building was built under the museum. But under conditions of high humidity in Istanbul and seasonal temperature changes, the mosaics began to deteriorate. In 1987, a more reliable building was built for the museum, and in 2012 it was modernized.
Museum exhibits
In the exhibition of the Mosaic Museum, you will see more than 90 mosaic paintings, which consist of 80 million lime, terracotta and marble fragments. The mosaics vary in size, ranging from small pieces less than 1 square meter to larger ones spanning around 6 square meters.
Subjects of the paintings
Mostly, the paintings depict everyday life of ordinary people, children's fun, portraits. You can also find drawings of fantastic creatures and scenes of battles of wild animals.
How to get to the Istanbul Mosaic Museum
To get to the Mosaic Museum in the capital of Turkey, you need to take the high-speed tram T1 and go to the Sultanahmet stop. Then you pass through the shopping malls at the Arasta market behind the Blue Mosque. Pay attention to the signs and you will see the entrance to the museum between souvenir shops and shopping pavilions.
Museum opening hours, prices and contacts
The cost of the entrance ticket is 15 TRY.
The Mosaic Museum is working for you:
Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 19:00 (April 1 to October 31);
Opening hours in the low season - from 09:00 to 17:00;
The day off is Monday.
Contact information
Address: Fatih Istanbul, Sultanahmet, Arasta Carsisi;
Contact phone: +90 ( 212) 518-12-05;
E-mail: mozaik@muze.gov.tr.
Though not large in size, the Museum of Mosaics is highly intriguing for tourists who appreciate antiquity and ancient culture. By visiting this museum, you can immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of pagan Rome and feel the spirit of the great Byzantine Empire.
