Panorama 1453 Museum of History, established by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2009 in the Topkapı Culture Park, proudly holds the title of “the world’s first full-panoramic museum”. This unique museum, located in the heart of Istanbul, offers visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to relive the historic conquest of the city.
About the Museum
Opened on January 31, 2009, the Panorama 1453 Museum of History has become a symbol of Istanbul’s resilience and historical significance. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan himself participated in the inauguration, and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality proudly gained this remarkable museum for the city.
Positioned strategically across the city walls of Topkapı-Edirnekapı, where the historic siege unfolded, the museum serves as a gateway that opens up the city of Istanbul to its illustrious past.
Operated by Kültür AŞ, Panorama 1453 Museum of History freezes a pivotal historical moment, shedding light on the city’s past and present, and presenting it as a valuable gift to the future.
The chosen location for the construction of the Panorama 1453 Museum of History holds significant historical resonance. Positioned in what was once the Thrace Terminal in Topkapı and now situated within Topkapı Culture Park, the museum stands on ground that witnessed the initial entry points of soldiers into the city.
From its vantage point, the museum provides a panoramic view, with the city walls of Edirnekapı on the left, the city walls of Topkapı—marking the gateway where Ottoman Empire soldiers first entered the city, leading to the renaming of Konstantiniyy to Islambol and finally Istanbul—directly across, and the city walls of Silivrikapı on the right.
This strategic location allows visitors of all ages, from the young to the elderly, to immerse themselves in the phenomenon of the conquest as they explore the city walls at an intimate “three to five steps of distance.”
Beyond the historical exploration, visitors can enjoy the refreshing air of the areas where quarters were once set up and find recreation and relaxation within the scenic surroundings of Topkapı Culture Park, embracing the unique atmosphere where history comes alive.
What to See Inside?
Panorama 1453 Museum of History is divided into two main sections, with the first section leading visitors from the entrance to the panoramic picture. The permanent exhibition, named Panorama 1453, has been meticulously curated in this section. Associate Professor Dr. Erhan Afyoncu and Assistant Professor Doctor Coşkun Yılmaz contributed to the content, while Architect M. Hilmi Şenalp served as the exhibition consultant, and Özkul Eren as the designer.
The exhibition showcases modern miniature works that narrate the founding of Istanbul, the siege and conquest of the city, the life of Fatih Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the laws, arts, civilization, culture, and construction works of the city. Supported by original miniatures, engravings, and pictures of the wars, the exhibition offers a present-day perspective on these historical events.
No Regrets Booking Advice
As visitors conclude the exhibition, they enter the platform where the panoramic picture is located. Passing through a short and dark corridor, visitors find themselves transported to the dawn of May 29, 1453, witnessing the historic moment of the city’s conquest.
The panoramic picture, led by Haşim Vatandaş and created by a group of talented artists including Ramazan Erkut, Ahmet Kaya, Oksana Legka, Yaşar Zeynalov, Hasan H. Dinçer, Atilla Tunca, and Murat Efe, is an impressive masterpiece applied to a hemisphere with a diameter of 38 meters.
Covering the interior of the hemisphere, the picture spans 2350 cubic meters. The distance between the picture and the visitors’ platform is an expansive 650 square meters, providing a captivating experience from all angles and directions.
What sets Panorama 1453 Museum of History apart from other panoramic museums is the absence of visible boundaries. Unlike traditional panoramic pictures that have frames or boundaries, this work at the museum has no discernible endpoint. Visitors, accustomed to perceiving depth and 3D effects based on visible frames, find themselves in a unique space where the picture seamlessly blends into the surroundings.
Stepping onto the platform, visitors experience a momentary shock, as the lack of references challenges their usual optical perceptions. It creates the illusion of stepping into a 3D outdoor space while remaining indoors. As a full panoramic picture, Panorama 1453 Museum of History allows visitors to witness the heart and soul of thousands of soldiers of Sultan Mehmed III as they echo the Janissary March with shouts of Allahuakbar.
This awe-inspiring picture boasts an impressive 10,000 figures and captivates visitors by eliminating traditional boundaries, offering an immersive experience that defies conventional optical expectations.
Visiting Information
Openin Hours
Panorama 1453 History Museum is open every day between 08.00-18.30.
Tickets
Tickets are sold in cash. Foreign exchange is not accepted.
You can also visit the museum via 360 Degree Virtual Tour >>
Accessibility
- Panorama 1453 History Museum is wheelchair accessible. However, there is no wheelchair service available on the site. You need to provide your own wheelchair if needed.
- There are ramps on both at the entrance and exit.
- You can access to the visiting platform by elevator.
- The visiting area is designed to be accessible by wheelchair.
- Entrance is FREE of charge for disabled visitors, including one companion.
Visiting Hours
The museum is open every day between 08:00 – 18:30.
How to Get There
Location
You’ll find the Panorama 1453 Museum of History in the Topkapı Culture Park.
Contact Info
Address: Merkez Efendi Mah., Topkapı Kültür Park İçi Yolu, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 222 28 82
