Pera Museum is an art museum in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, on Meşrutiyet Avenue near İstiklal Street. Its permanent collections bring together Orientalist paintings, Kütahya tiles and ceramics, and Anatolian weights and measures. Look for Osman Hamdi Bey’s famous painting The Tortoise Trainer, then explore the changing exhibitions, which have included contemporary art. The museum occupies a former hotel built in 1893, and its compact galleries make it possible to take a close look at the works without committing a full day.
The museum’s former hotel
Pera Museum is in the Beyoğlu district, in a building designed by architect Achille Manoussos and completed in 1893. It began as the Bristol Hotel before being converted into a museum, which opened in 2005 under the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation. The museum’s address is Meşrutiyet Avenue, No. 65, close to İstiklal Street.
The building’s earlier use gives the visit an architectural setting as well as gallery space. Inside, the museum brings together permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The displays cover both historical material and contemporary art, so the focus can change from floor to floor.
Orientalist paintings and The Tortoise Trainer
The Orientalist Painting Collection includes works by Ottoman and European artists, with scenes connected to the Ottoman world from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The collection includes more than 300 works. Among them is Osman Hamdi Bey’s The Tortoise Trainer, one of the museum’s best-known paintings.
Halil Pasha’s paintings are another point to look for when they are on view. His work depicts scenes from Istanbul and Egypt. Take time with the paintings rather than moving straight through the gallery; the museum’s comfortable scale allows for close viewing.
Weights, measures, tiles and changing shows
Two other permanent collections offer a different kind of visit. The Anatolian weights and measures displays objects used in activities such as trade and shipping, with material spanning several civilisations and periods. The collection includes measuring instruments and scales. The Kütahya collection presents tiles and ceramics, adding decorative arts to the museum’s painting displays.
Temporary exhibitions bring in works by Turkish and international artists and can include contemporary art. Past shows have featured artists such as Picasso, Botero and Chagall. Because these exhibitions change, check the museum’s current programme before visiting if you have a particular artist or show in mind. The museum has also hosted film screenings and cultural events.
Häufige Fragen
Is admission to Pera Museum free?
Admission is free on Fridays from 6 pm to 10 pm. Check the museum’s current ticket information for other admission details.
How long should I spend at Pera Museum?
Allow around 2 to 3 hours to explore the collections and temporary exhibitions.
What are the main collections at Pera Museum?
The permanent collections cover Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kütahya tiles and ceramics.
Which famous painting is at Pera Museum?
Osman Hamdi Bey’s The Tortoise Trainer is among the museum’s best-known works.
