The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is Turkey’s first and only museum dedicated to industry and transportation. Opened in 1994, it sits along the Golden Horn, covering 27,000 square meters. The museum is a must-see for its massive collection of restored vehicles and machines, including classic cars, steam locomotives, submarines, aircraft, and even a Sultan’s railway carriage. Visitors can explore old trams, planes, and a WWII submarine.

Sections of Rahmi M. Koç Museum

The museum is divided into three main sections: Lengerhane Building, Hasköy Shipyard, and an open-air area.

1. Lengerhane Building

This was once a factory making chains and anchors, but now it’s a museum space. Inside, you’ll find everything from classic cars and old motorcycles to vintage radios and telephones. There are also scientific gadgets like old telegraph machines, typewriters, and even some early computers.

2. Hasköy Shipyard

This area was added in 2001 and is all about boats and ships. You can see the famous WWII submarine TCG Uluçalireis up close, and even go inside. There’s also the Fenerbahçe Ferry, which was once a regular passenger ship on the Bosphorus. This part of the museum shows Turkey’s maritime past, and you can walk through some of these huge vessels and see them from the inside.

3. Open-Air Exhibition

It’s an open space filled with classic cars, steam locomotives, and even aircraft. There’s a B-24 bomber, a 1961 amphibious car, and old steam engines that used to run on Turkish railways. You can walk through old train carriages and see how people traveled in the past. It’s like stepping back in time.

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What to See in the Museum

The museum’s displays take you on a journey through various eras of technology, industry, and everyday life. Here are some key highlights:

• Ataturk Collection: Personal items and artifacts that belonged to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, showing a glimpse of the founder of modern Turkey.
• Scientific Instruments: A collection of devices used for measuring and observing, from different points in history.
• Rail Transportation: Detailed models and real locomotives, trams, and railcars that highlight the evolution of railways.
• Maritime: Models, boats, yachts, and iconic vessels like the Fenerbahçe Ferry, giving a look at Turkey’s maritime heritage.
• Aviation: Aircraft on display include a Wright Brothers’ glider model, a Douglas DC-3, and the F104 S Starfighter bomber.
• Communication Devices: Old telegraphs, radios, gramophones, cameras, and early TV sets that trace the history of communication.
• Road Transportation: From 19th-century horse carriages to classic cars, bicycles, and even fire engines—showing how people traveled over the years.
• Engineering: Working models of steam and diesel engines, giving insight into how machinery powered industries.
• Models and Toys: Miniature models and handcrafted toys from the 18th century, perfect for kids and collectors alike.
• Living History Exhibits: Explore reconstructions of old workshops and spaces, like a bazaar, a ship’s bridge, a fishing port, and a motor repair shop, giving a taste of life and industry from the past.

How to Get to Rahmi Koç Museum

To get to the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, you have several convenient options, depending on where you’re starting:

1. Metrobus: Disembark at Halıcıoğlu station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk along the Golden Horn.
2. Ferry: Take a ferry to Eyüp from Üsküdar or Kadıköy. Some ferries make stops close to the museum’s Hasköy pier. It’s a scenic route that lets you enjoy the Bosphorus on your way.
3. Bus: From Eminönü, you can hop on buses 47, 47E, 47Ç, or 47N, all of which head toward the Hasköy area where the museum is located. Alternatively, buses from Taksim such as 36T and 54NT also drop you off nearby.

Quick Tips for Visiting the Rahmi Koç Museum

1. Plan Time: Set aside 3-4 hours to see everything.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: There’s a lot of walking between indoor and outdoor exhibits.
3. Break for Food: Enjoy tea on the Fenerbahçe Ferry Café or a meal at Halat with Golden Horn views.
4. Arrive Early on Weekends: It’s less crowded in the mornings.
5. Don’t forget that the museum is closed on Monday.

Cafés and Restaurants at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum

The Rahmi M. Koç Museum isn’t just about exhibits; it’s also a great spot to grab a bite. Here are a few options:

1. Arçelik Telve Café

Located inside the classic cars gallery, this café celebrates Turkey’s love for coffee. Sponsored by Arçelik, a leading appliance brand, it showcases the history of Turkish coffee-making through their iconic Telve machine.

2. Fenerbahçe Ferry Café

Situated on the restored Fenerbahçe Ferry, this café offers a classic Istanbul experience.

3. Nostalgic Coca-Cola Truck Snack Bar

This snack bar is built on a 1934 Dodge truck, bringing a retro vibe to the museum garden. It’s a casual spot for quick bites like sandwiches, popcorn, and, of course, Coca-Cola.

4. Halat Restaurant

Managed by Divan, Halat Restaurant is right on the waterfront of the Golden Horn. It’s a sit-down place offering a range of Turkish and international dishes, perfect for those who want a proper meal while visiting the museum.

5. Suzy’s Café du Levant

Inspired by Parisian cafés, Suzy’s Café offers a nostalgic, romantic atmosphere. It’s located near the Lengerhane building and is known for its elegant design and French-inspired menu. (Note: Closed from July to October)

What to See near the Rahmi M. Koç Museum?

• Miniaturk: Close to the museum, Miniaturk is a park with over 120 miniature replicas of Turkey’s famous landmarks.
• Balat and Fener: These colorful, historic neighborhoods along the Golden Horn are known for narrow streets, vibrant houses, and a mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Jewish architecture.
• Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Pierre Loti Hill: Visit the historic Eyüp Sultan Mosque, then take the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill for a great view of the Golden Horn.
• Kariye Museum (Chora Church): Famous for its intricate Byzantine mosaics, this mosque is a must for art and history fans.
• Golden Horn Metro Bridge: Walk across this modern bridge for impressive views of the Golden Horn and the surrounding historic areas.

Visitor Information

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  Entrance Fee: 700 TL

⌛Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 09:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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  Closed: Mondays

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  Location: Piri Paşa, Hasköy Cd. No:5, 34445 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

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