The Heart of Art: The Pera Museum

In Pera, one of Istanbul's most historic and modern districts, the pulse of art and culture beats within an elegant building: the Pera Museum. Housed in the historic Bristol Hotel, built at the end of the 19th century, the museum impresses not only with its world-class collections but also with its stunning architecture.

Established by the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, the Pera Museum serves as a cultural bridge, with its rich collections ranging from Orientalist painting to Anatolian weights and measures, and Kütahya tiles and ceramics. The museum's permanent exhibitions offer visitors a rich artistic journey from the late Ottoman period to the early years of the Turkish Republic.

The Pera Museum's main highlight is its masterwork by the legendary painter Osman Hamdi Bey, "The Tortoise Trainer". This iconic piece is considered one of the most valuable works in Turkish art history, as well as a major draw for the museum.

In addition to its permanent collections, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions by world-renowned artists and movements. This ensures you can have a different artistic experience on every visit. So, while wandering through Istanbul's art-filled streets, be sure to give yourself a cultural break by visiting the Pera Museum.