Istanbul Archaeological Museum

The classical building of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums was built as a museum building during the last period of the Ottoman Empire. It is among the first 10 museums designed and built as a museum building in the world. The architect of the building is Alexandre Vallaury. Its founder and first director was the painter, archaeologist and museum director Osman Hamdi Bey. The first part of the museum building was completed in 1891, while the south and north wings were completed in 1903 and 1907. İstanbul Archaeological Museums are among the most important museums in the world with a collection of over one million artifacts.

One of the most beautiful examples of neoclassical architecture, the masonry building was constructed with stone-covered brick walls and putreled flooring, and covered with a hipped roof covered with tiles. The decorations on its facades and its monumental stance attract attention. Four columns separate the two entrances reached by wide stairs on the front facade. On the pediment above the entrance, there is an Ottoman 'Museum of Antiquities' inscription in kufic style and the tughra of Abdülhamid II.

Within the scope of the Restoration works, the building was strengthened against seismic risks. In this system, the bearing capacity of all bearing walls, columns and floors was increased. Repair of the original door and window joinery, roof repair, cleaning and repair of the stone facade cladding, removal of unqualified additions, revealing the original details and ornamental elements were completed. Work on ceilings and floors is ongoing. In line with the identity of the museum and the collection, exhibition organization projects designed in a contemporary and simple style are being implemented. Within the scope of the projects, showcases, pedestals, graphic panels, glass panels, furniture, scenography, and multimedia works are carried out. The works are carried out in sections so that the museums are not completely closed to visitors.