Istanbul Naval Museum History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours
The Istanbul Naval Museum, established in 1897 under the auspices of Sultan Abdul Hamid II and the direction of Navy Minister Bozcaadalı Hasan Hüsnü Pasha, has a storied history and is a significant cultural institution in Turkey. Originally named “Museum and Library Administration,” it was first located in the small building within the Imperial Arsenal (Tersane-i Amire) and has since moved to its current location in Beşiktaş in 1961, previously used as a finance building.
Evolution and Restoration
- Initially serving as a school until 1936 and then as a Corps Headquarters until 1964, the building was also used as an officers’ club.
- In 1964, it was decided to convert the building into a military museum, leading to extensive restorations by Architect Prof. Dr. Nezih Eldem, completed in 1991.
- The museum expanded to include a depot, initially used as an aircraft hangar, boat repair workshop, and garage. This depot was renovated in 1971 to house the “Historical Boats Gallery.”
Architectural Project and Expansion
- Due to limitations of the original structure, an architectural project competition was held in 2005. Construction of the new museum, compliant with modern museology standards, began after the tender was finalized in 2008.
- The Historical Boats were temporarily moved to a newly constructed depot in 2009 for their protection, and the restored Historical Boats Gallery reopened for visitors on October 4, 2013.
Collections and Exhibitions
- The museum’s core collection was formed by Major Süleyman Nutki, initially consisting of ship parts and weapons.
- Its collection, showcasing artifacts from Preveze Naval Victory and the Ottoman Navy, includes historical boats, ship parts, weapons, flags, textiles, glass and stone works, and wooden artifacts.
- Only about 10% of its extensive collection of over 23,000 artifacts is on display.
- Highlights include the busts of significant figures in Turkish maritime history, artifacts from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s yacht Savarona, and a section dedicated to the history of diving.
Visitor Information
- Summer: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 (Monday: Closed), with ticket counters closing at 16:00. On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum operates from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Winter: Same hours as summer.
- The museum is closed on New Year’s Day, the first day of religious holidays, and Mondays.
Located next to the tomb and monument of Captain Pasha Barbaros Hayrettin, who played a significant role in the Preveze Naval Victory, the Istanbul Naval Museum stands as a testament to Turkey’s rich naval history and heritage.
