The Palace Collections Museum History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

The Palace Collections Museum, located in the Imperial Palace Kitchens of Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, is a significant cultural and historical site. This museum, built by Sultan Abdülmecid, showcases a vast collection of objects from the late Ottoman period, offering insight into the imperial lifestyle, art, and culture.

Museum Highlights:

• Collections of Sultan Abdülhamid II: Personal belongings and gifts presented to Sultan Abdülhamid II, including imperial objects like his phaeton, sword, and prayer beads.
• Children’s Clothing: Includes garments, shoes, and accessories used by children in the Ottoman Palace, providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of the era.
• Toys and Educational Artefacts: Items used by Dürrüşehvar Sultan, the daughter of the last Caliph Abdülmecid Efendi, illustrating the education and upbringing of royal children.
• Furniture: A diverse collection of furniture, showcased in their original locations based on historical sources.
• Art of Hat (Calligraphy) and Writing Sets: Features important items like divits, rihdans, hokkas, and seals, essential in the official and social life of the Ottoman Empire.
• Porcelain: A rich collection from France, Germany, England, and the Yıldız Porcelain Factory, reflecting the late Ottoman artistic lifestyle.
• Embroidery: Showcases embroidered textiles such as clothing and prayer rugs, highlighting traditional art forms influenced by modern movements.
• Silver Tableware: Gold-plated silverware used in palace banquets, demonstrating the diversification in tableware during the 19th century.
• Hereke Imperial Factory: Displays fabrics produced at the prestigious factory, known for its international acclaim and high-quality products.
• Light Fittings: Includes crystal chandeliers and candelabra, representing the grandeur of 19th-century lighting.
• Heating, Industrial, and Medical Equipment: Showcases a range of devices and machines reflecting the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Ottoman palaces.
• Clocks and Musical Instruments: Features instruments like a late 19th-century Steinway upright piano, emphasizing the royal family’s interest in music.
• Books: A selection from Caliph Abdülmecid’s Library at Dolmabahçe Palace.
• The Depot: Houses approximately ten thousand objects from the 19th-century palaces, stored under optimal museological conditions.

Visiting Information:

• Closed on Mondays.
• Ticket offices open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Open and closed days vary for public and religious holidays.

Ticket Prices:

• Domestic Visitors: 30 TL.
• Foreign Visitors: 90 TL.
• Discount Ticket: 15 TL.
• Museum Card validity and discounts vary for different visitor categories.

Location:

• Vişnezade Mahallesi, Dolmabahçe Caddesi no:2/1, Cumhurbaşkanlığı Ofisi Yanı, Beşiktaş, Istanbul.

Contact Information:

• Telephone: 0 (212) 236 90 00 (1375)
• Fax: 0 (212) 259 32 92
• Email: [email protected]

The Palace Collections Museum offers visitors a comprehensive view of the Ottoman Empire’s opulence and artistry, making it a valuable destination for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.

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