The Great Palace Mosaics Museum is one of Istanbul’s lesser-known yet fascinating historical sites, offering a glimpse into the artistic grandeur of the Byzantine era.
Located near the Blue Mosque, this museum houses stunning floor mosaics that once adorned the Great Palace of Constantinople, the imperial residence of the Byzantine emperors.
In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand experience, along with practical tips on tickets, entry fees, must-see sections, and how to avoid long queues. If you’re planning a visit to the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, this is everything you need to know!
Fascinating Facts About the Great Palace Mosaics Museum
✔ Preserves ancient Byzantine mosaics – The museum houses stunning floor mosaics that once decorated the Great Palace of Constantinople.
✔ Dating back to the 5th-6th centuries – These mosaics were created during the Byzantine era, showcasing mythological figures, hunting scenes, and daily life.
✔ Discovered in the 20th century – The mosaics were uncovered in the 1930s, buried beneath Sultanahmet Square for centuries.
✔ Over 250 square meters of mosaics – The museum features some of the largest and most detailed Byzantine floor mosaics in the world.
✔ Depicts animals, gods, and nature – Unique scenes include griffins, elephants, peacocks, and pastoral life, giving insight into Byzantine artistry.
✔ Located next to the Blue Mosque – This hidden gem is just a few steps away from Sultanahmet’s main attractions.
Tip: Visit in combination with Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern for a full Byzantine history experience!
General Info & History
During the East Roman period, artists who have come from the various regions of the country have made a huge mosaic with 40,000 pieces to the ground that covers 1,870 square meters.
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And afterwards, during the 7th and 8th century, when the painting was forbidden, the ground mosaics have been covered with huge marble panels and they were forgotten until they were revealed in 1921. And that also shows the reason that why those mosaics are in good condition today.
During the era of the Ottoman Empire, due the possible danger that may come from the sea, the Ottoman palaces were moved to Golden Horn region and a residential district were established over the area of the mosaics (having no idea that they were there), with the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, the conqueror of Istanbul.
And after a big fire on this Ottoman residential area, those hidden mosaics have showed up.
Diggings and excavation works started in the year 1921 and and continued in between 1935-1951, and finally the mosaics and the remnants of the Byzantium palaces have been revealed. And so the site was declared as Great Palace Mosaics Museum in 1997.
Our Great Palace Mosaics Museum Experience
Visiting the Great Palace Mosaics Museum felt like stepping into a forgotten chapter of Byzantine Constantinople.
Nestled in Sultanahmet, right behind the Blue Mosque, this small yet fascinating museum showcases stunning mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople, which once served as the imperial residence of Byzantine emperors.
While many tourists rush past this site on their way to Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace, we found it to be a quiet and immersive escape into Byzantine art and history.
With its exquisitely preserved floor mosaics, mythological themes, and historical insights, the museum offers a rare opportunity to see what once adorned the floors of one of the most magnificent palaces of the ancient world.
Getting Into the Museum
✔ The museum entrance is tucked behind the Blue Mosque, making it easy to walk past without noticing—but don’t!
✔ No long queues—we entered quickly, unlike at Istanbul’s bigger attractions.
✔ Entry is affordable, and combo tickets with nearby sites make it even more convenient.
💡 Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are busiest for a quieter experience.
Is Mosaics Museum Included in Istanbul City Passes?
Yes! Grand Palace Mosaics Museum is included in most Istanbul tourist passes, allowing you to explore more sites for less money.
✔ Istanbul E-Pass – Includes Mosaics Museum, along with Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Basilica Cistern.
Our Recommendation: If you plan to visit multiple attractions, Istanbul E-Pass can help you save time and money.
Exploring the Ancient Byzantine Mosaics
Inside the museum, the atmosphere is calm and reflective, perfect for appreciating the artistic mastery of the Byzantine era. The mosaics date back to the 5th-6th centuries, once covering the floors of the Great Palace of Constantinople.
The Stunning Mosaics & Their Stories
✔ The mosaics are made from thousands of tiny colored stone and glass pieces, arranged with incredible precision.
✔ They depict mythological creatures, hunting scenes, and daily Byzantine life, offering a glimpse into imperial luxury.
✔ One of the most famous pieces is the “Mosaic of the Four Seasons”, symbolizing the passage of time in stunning detail.
Tip: Look closely at the shading and three-dimensional effects—these techniques were highly advanced for their time!
Learning About the Great Palace of Constantinople
While the mosaics themselves are breathtaking, the museum also offers insights into the history of the Byzantine Great Palace.
✔ The exhibits explain how the palace was built, its lavish rooms and courtyards, and its role in imperial ceremonies.
✔ You’ll learn how the mosaics were buried for centuries and rediscovered during 20th-century excavations.
✔ Displays show historical maps and models, helping visitors visualize the grandeur of the Great Palace before its destruction.
Tip: If you’re visiting with a guide, ask about how the mosaics compare to those in Chora Church and Hagia Sophia.
Visiting the Great Palace Mosaics Museum with Kids – What to Know
✔ Children under 6 enter for free, making it an affordable family-friendly attraction.
✔ Strollers are allowed, but the museum is small, so keep movement easy.
✔ The mosaics are eye-catching and colorful, making it an engaging experience for kids.
✔ Interactive displays help explain Byzantine history in a way that’s easy to understand.
Family Tip: Point out the animals and mythical creatures in the mosaics—kids will love spotting elephants, griffins, and lions!
Visitor Information & Tips
Location
The Great Palace Mosaics Museum is located in Sultanahmet, within the historic Arasta Bazaar, just a short walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. 📍 View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
✔ Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✔ Closed on Mondays
✔ Last entry at 4:30 PM
Tip: Visit in the late morning or early afternoon to enjoy the best lighting for photos and a quieter experience.
Tickets
Please double check hours and admissions from muze.gen.tr
Visiting Tips
✔ Take your time admiring the mosaics—they are some of the best-preserved Byzantine artworks in Istanbul.
✔ Look for hidden details—the mosaics feature mythological creatures, hunting scenes, and stories from daily life.
✔ Visit with a guide or an audio guide to get deeper historical insights into the mosaics and the Great Palace of Constantinople.
✔ Wear comfortable shoes—the museum is small, but the cobblestone paths around Sultanahmet can be uneven.
✔ Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited to preserve the delicate artwork.
Accessibility
✔ The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and easy-to-navigate pathways inside.
✔ Seating areas are available inside the museum for visitors who need a break.
Nearby Attractions
The Great Palace Mosaics Museum is located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic district, making it easy to visit alongside other famous sites:
✔ Hagia Sophia – One of the most famous landmarks in the world, just a 3-minute walk away.
✔ Blue Mosque – Located right next to the museum, showcasing stunning Ottoman architecture.
✔ Basilica Cistern – A mystical underground water reservoir featuring Medusa head columns.
✔ Topkapi Palace – The former imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, filled with treasures and history.
✔ Arasta Bazaar – A historic market filled with handmade Turkish crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, located next to the museum.
Tip: Plan your visit to include Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern for a full day of Byzantine history!
How to Get to Istanbul Mosaics Museum – Travel Tips
Here’s how to reach it from different parts of the city:
From Taksim, Galata, or Beşiktaş
- Take the Kabataş–Bağcılar T1 tram line from Kabataş or Karaköy.
- Get off at Sultanahmet station—Topkapi Palace is just a short walk away.
From the Asian Side (Kadıköy or Üsküdar)
- Take a ferry to Eminönü OR ride the Marmaray Line from Üsküdar to Sirkeci.
- From Eminönü or Sirkeci, transfer to the T1 tram line toward Kabataş.
- Get off at Sultanahmet station and walk to the palace entrance.
Tip: The T1 tram is the easiest way to reach museum—it runs frequently and connects many major tourist areas in Istanbul.
Check our Sultanahmet page to see how to get to Sultanahmet in details.
Contact Details
Address: Arasta Çarşısı, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 518 12 05
Is the Great Palace Mosaics Museum Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The Great Palace Mosaics Museum Istanbul is a hidden gem that offers a unique glimpse into Byzantine art and history.
✔ If you love history and ancient art, this is a must-visit.
✔ If you want to escape the tourist crowds, this museum offers a peaceful and intimate experience.
✔ If you’re already visiting Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, it’s a perfect quick stop to complete your Byzantine history tour.
💡 Best Case? Combine your visit with Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern for a full day of Byzantine history!