Rahmi M. Koc Museum

Open everyday except Monday from 10.00 to 17.00, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00
Entrance fee: 9.00 TL (4.5 for submarine) regular, 4.5.00 TL (3.5 for submarine) students

The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is located in the anchor-casting workshop at the docks on the north side of Haliç (Golden Horn), an area that symbolized industrialization in the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. It includes a new, largely underground, building as well as the historical 'foundry' (Lengerhane) on the southwest part of site. The two buildings are connected to each other by a glass-sided slope. The foundry is thought to be built on Byzantine foundations dating from the 12th century. There is documentary evidence that the building was used for casting anchors and their chains during the rule of Ahmet III (1703-1730) and restored during the reign of Selim III (1789-1807) and was then used by consecutive finance ministries of the Ottoman Empire and Turkish Republic until 1951. Then it was handed over to the State Monopoly & Tobacco Factory in Cibali and was used for the storage of alcohol. The roof sustained serious fire damage in 1984 and afterward the building was left in ruins. In 1991 the M.Rahmi Koç Foundation for Culture and Museums bought and restored it. The museum opened to public on December 13, 1994.

Most of the items exhibited are selected from Mr. Rahmi Koç's private collection. Other objects are either borrowed from, or donated by, various organizations and individuals. Original machines and their replicas, scientific and mechanical items make up the basis of the museum's exhibits. “2001 Art & Cultural Reward” went to Rahmi Koç Müzesi.

Motors and steam engines are displayed on the first floor while the scientific instruments and communication apparatuses are exhibited on the second floor. The entrance is reserved for the aircraft department, mint machinery for printing banknotes and coins, bicycles and motorcycles, the naval department and ship engines. In the open area, there is a coast guard lifeboat, a tram, a narrow gauge steam train, and a vertical steam boiler.

When you complete your visit don't forget to take a break at the Barbarossa Pub, Halat Restaurant or Café du Levant. Café du Levant serves the finest French cuisine in an authentically Parisian brasserie atmosphere. Halat Restaurant serves outstanding Mediterranean food, complemented by a wide choice of local and imported wines. Barbarossa is a re-created English Pub and furnished with authentic antiques from the personal collection of Mr. Rahmi Koç. They are closed on Mondays. It is the day the museum is also closed.

Café du Levant
Hasköy Caddesi 27, Sütlüce, Haliç
Tel: (212) 235 63 28, Fax: (212) 256 95 67

Halat Restaurant
Hasköy Caddesi 27, Sütlüce, Haliç
Tel: (212) 297 66 40/148

Barbarossa Pub
Hasköy Caddesi, 27, Sütlüce, Haliç
Tel: (212) 297 66 39-40

Would you like to add your comment about this article? Click here!

• For more information..

Business Pages

• Museums

Editor's Picks

Classic Car Museum The Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum, is among the most interesting museums in Istanbul. more...

Balyan Family Four generations of architects from the Balyan family served six Ottoman Sultans over the course of 100 years. more...

Documents to Carry with Always carry proof of identity and your stay document with you. You will frequently have to present them to enter various.. more...

Transportation in Izmir Izmir, has a good network of transport system utilizing possibilities at sea and on land. more...

Ruins and Monuments - Ankara The city now you are living in has many stories dating well back. Don’t forget you are in Anatolia, the cradle of civilizations… more...

Siirt in Istanbul Meral Üstün’s amazing discoveries at Siirt Pazar in Fatih. more...

Latest Articles