Overview:

The Great Palace Mosaic Museum is located just inside the walls of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. It opened in 2006 to showcase some of the best original Byzantine era mosaic artwork in the world. The museum features a collection of 60 intricate Byzantine mosaics, most of which were recovered from the 5th-century Great Palace of Constantinople complex, the former imperial residence of Byzantine emperors. The museum also features an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and artwork that date back to the Byzantine era. Visitors to the museum can learn about the importance of mosaics in Byzantine art and culture, admire the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the mosaic masterpieces on display, and even take part in workshops and interactive exhibits. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. The Great Palace Mosaic Museum in Istanbul contains one of the world's largest collections of Roman mosaics. The museum houses almost 20,000 square meters of original floor mosaics from the 5th -7th centuries A.D. Most of these were actually discovered under the palace of Emperor Justinian located between the Hippodrome and the stunning Blue Mosque. 2. This museum has a incredible variety of colorful and elaborate mosaics, including symbols, portraits, landscapes and detailed depictions of rare historical events. It also houses exceptional artifacts from the Abbasid period, making it a standout example of Islamic art. 3. Visitors have easy access to different parts of the museum via its two-level atrium, which serves as the museum's main entrance. Along with the main gallery, it also has companion smaller galleries showcasing the historical journey of Istanbul through the ages. 4. All year long, this museum plays host to many events and educational activities like lectures, exhibitions and workshops. Therefore, visitors can not only enjoy its mosaic artwork, but also take part in cultural events. 5. In addition to the mosaics, the museum also has a wonderful outdoor garden cafe where guests can enjoy a meal while admiring the colorful mosaic art. Visitors will also find souvenir shops in the museum showcasing items from Turkish, Ottoman and Byzantine cultures. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Great Palace Mosaic Museum in Istanbul, Turkey is housed in the former imperial palace of the Byzantine Empire which dates back to the 4th century AD. The museum holds an outstanding collection of marble mosaics that were once part of the palace’s luxurious decor during the 6th and 7th centuries. In 1846, the palace area was declared a historical site by Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I. After the declaration, archaeological excavations revealed several mosaics which were carefully extracted and transferred elsewhere for protection. Since 1951, the mosaics have been on permanent display in the museum. It consists of two sections; the ground floor is a gallery for larger, room-sized mosaics of mythological and allegorical scenes as well as geometric designs, while the upper floor carries a multitude of smaller panels. The museum also offers interactive methods through which visitors can learn more about the history of the palace and the mosaics it holds. There are models and descriptions of the palace area up until its final destruction in the 15th century. Additionally, a replica of a mosaic workshop is available for visitors to explore, as are films and interactive tours. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The museum is home to the largest surviving Byzantine mosaic in the world – the 9th-century Istanbul Mosaic. 2. It is located in the former palace complex of Sarayiçi, which was once the residence of the Byzantine emperors during the 6th and 7th centuries. 3. The museum houses over a thousand ancient Byzantine-era mosaics, many of which are rarely seen outside Turkey. 4. The museum also features interactive displays and audio-visual presentations, providing visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of the art and history behind the great palace mosaics. 5. Some of the most famous mosaics at Great Palace Mosaic Museum include the Raven Mosaic and the Young Herakles Mosaic. 6. The museum also houses several rare Byzantine and Islamic artifacts, such as stone fountains and marble reliefs. 7. The museum was founded in 1987 and is managed by the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, a department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era