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Museums #16 in Istanbul

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

4.8 · 26,394 reviews
Eclectic, spacious, and nostalgic.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Piri Paşa, Rahmi M. Koç Caddesi No: 3, 34445 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Interesting facts
1

The museum complex incorporates the historic Lengerhane building, which served as an anchor foundry during the Ottoman Empire.

2

The collection includes the 'MV Savarona' state yacht's mahogany-paneled launch boat.

3

A functional 1930s-style coffee house and an authentic American-style diner are located within the museum grounds.

4

The museum exhibits a rare collection of Babbage's Difference Engine components.

5

Visitors can board and tour the TCG Uluçalireis, an American-built Tench-class submarine commissioned in 1944.

6

The museum houses a 1960s-era 'Double Decker' London bus that is occasionally used for tours within the complex.

7

The site contains a preserved historic ferry, the 'Hasköy' ferry, which was once a staple of Bosphorus transport.

8

The museum features a significant collection of hand-operated medical equipment from the early 20th century.

Overview

The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is a private industrial museum located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn in Istanbul. Housed in historic 12th-century Ottoman-era anchorages and a former 19th-century shipyard, the museum covers 27,000 square meters of exhibition space. The collection displays the history of transport, communication, and industry, spanning from the industrial revolution to modern technology. Key features include a wide range of vintage automobiles, maritime vessels, locomotives, and early scientific instruments. Visitors can explore a full-sized submarine, the TCG Uluçalireis, moored at the museum dock. The museum also maintains an extensive collection of models, aviation artifacts, and mechanical curiosities. It is the first and only major industrial museum in Türkiye dedicated to the history of science and technology.

Photo spot

The deck of the TCG Uluçalireis submarine looking back toward the Golden Horn and the historic Istanbul skyline.

Insider tips

Prioritize visiting the outdoor maritime section first as it requires more walking and is best enjoyed in temperate weather.

Take advantage of the museum's own ferry dock if you are arriving by sea transport from across the Golden Horn.

Allow time to visit the retro-styled cafe on-site, as it complements the museum's industrial theme.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk from central Beyoğlu or Taksim, as the terrain is hilly and the industrial district lacks pedestrian-friendly paths.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, particularly in spring or autumn, to avoid heavy school group traffic.
Address
Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Piri Paşa, Rahmi M. Koç Caddesi No: 3, 34445 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
41.042, 28.949
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsTCG Uluçalireis submarine, 19th-century steam engines, vintage automobile collection, and historic maritime vessels.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, particularly in spring or autumn, to avoid heavy school group traffic..

The deck of the TCG Uluçalireis submarine looking back toward the Golden Horn and the historic Istanbul skyline.

Close by you'll find Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Galata Tower, Fatih Mosque.