
Tophane-I Amire Culture and Art Center, Istanbul
Although architecturally this fine structure resembles a mosque, it has nothing to do with religion, having been originally commissioned by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror to manufacture artillery equipment for the Ottoman army – cannons and cannonballs, more specifically. As time went by, it became a center of the arms industry and trade in the Empire, and for a period in the 1900s, was used as an educational center. In 1958 it became the home of the Military Museum, and in 1992, it was turned over to the Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts.
Following restoration, the very historic building now hosts important contemporary art exhibitions in three different exhibition halls, which you can easily visit free of charge. While exploring the building's architecture, you may be reminded of some of Mimar Sinan's mosques whose domes are interrupted by rows of windows. Symmetrical, well balanced, harmonious and elegant, the structure itself is a real masterpiece.
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am–5pm
Following restoration, the very historic building now hosts important contemporary art exhibitions in three different exhibition halls, which you can easily visit free of charge. While exploring the building's architecture, you may be reminded of some of Mimar Sinan's mosques whose domes are interrupted by rows of windows. Symmetrical, well balanced, harmonious and elegant, the structure itself is a real masterpiece.
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am–5pm
This sight is featured in a self-guided walking tour of Istanbul, Turkey within the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" which can be downloaded from iTunes App Store or Google Play. Please download the app to your mobile phone or tablet for travel directions for visiting this sight. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Tophane-I Amire Culture and Art Center on Map
Sight Name: Tophane-I Amire Culture and Art Center
Sight Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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