The Museum of Innocence Istanbul

Beauty of Storytelling

Zeynep from Istanbul

Engineer by degree, HR professional by heart, and artist by soul. I believe life is best lived in layers—some structured, some spontaneous, all meaningful. I’m the founder of ZepArt, a brand born from late-night sketches, street art inspiration, and a love for self-expression. Creativity is my compass, whether I’m curating designs or wandering through Istanbul’s hidden corners. ...
"This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’."

The Museum of Innocence is named after Orhan Pamuk's novel, where all the objects, people, and history are fiction, created only for this book. Or visa versa. In the museum's guide, the writer mentions that he wanted to collect and exhibit the ‘real’ objects of a fictional story in a museum and to write a novel based on those objects. Amazing, isn't it?

This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’. Wow! We shouldn’t be surprised that The Museum of Innocence was honored with the title of European Museum of the Year in 2014.

Pamuk's novel, "The Museum of Innocence," tells a passionate love affair of a wealthy man, Kemal, with a distant cousin named Füsun, who obsessively collects objects that evoke their relationship in 1970s Istanbul. At the novel's end, Kemal creates a museum using those objects and asks Orhan Pamuk to write his story.

This place is not just a museum; it's a living ode to the power of storytelling and the beauty found in the ordinary. Pamuk's vision has not only brought the novel to life but has also given us a rare glimpse into the soul of 20th-century Turkey. If you find yourself in Çukurcuma, this museum is an absolute must-visit, offering a unique and unforgettable journey through time and emotion.

Orhan Pamuk's books make you love Istanbul even more. I recommend purchasing one.

002-building
Art & culture

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Istanbul Spotter Zeynep

Engineer by degree, HR professional by heart, and artist by soul. I believe life is best lived in layers—some structured, some spontaneous, all meaningful. I’m the founder of ZepArt, a brand born from late-night sketches, street art inspiration, and a love for self-expression. Creativity is my compass, whether I’m curating designs or wandering through Istanbul’s hidden corners. You’ll often find me walking by the Bosphorus with my lovely dog, chasing moonrises, or admiring murals tucked into alleyways. I’m drawn to places that feel alive—where nature, art, and people ...

About this spot

Firuzağa, Çukurcuma Caddesi, Dalgıç Çk. No:2, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Admission:

TL

150

Oct 8, 2025

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 253 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Yeniköy

A peaceful escape

"Yeniköy" is one of my favourite neighbourhoods on the European side of Istanbul. It has a distinct beauty with its tree-lined road and lovely streets...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Dec 6, 2025

Rafine Espresso Bar

Fabulous creamy cheesecake

You should definitely go to "Rafine Espresso Bar" in Istanbul for their delicious 'Basque Cheesecake', or San Sebastian Cheesecake - thank me later...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Dec 6, 2025

MUÀ Gelatieri d'italia

Fresh Italian gelato

"MUÀ Gelatieri d'italia" in Yeniköy in Istanbul is an amazing ice cream shop! You should definitely try their pistacchio sortbet...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Dec 6, 2025

Şekerci Cafer Erol

Turkish coffee ritual

"Şekerci Cafer Erol" in Istanbul serves Turkish coffee with Turkish delights, marzipan & small glasses of water. Not many places do it like that anymore...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Dec 6, 2025

Yapı Kredi Bomontiada

Art, music and food space

"Bomontiada" in Istanbul was transformed into an art, music & food space when an old beer factory was renovated. Come if you're a party animal or foodie!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Dec 6, 2025

Beykoz Kundura

Magical experience for audience

"Beykoz Kundura" in Istanbul used to be a shoe factory - now it's an art and culture venue that preserves its historical heritage & nostalgia...

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Cemre

Sandal

Dec 6, 2025

Yell Coffee and Atelier

Cozy ambiance

"Yell Coffee and Atelier" in Istanbul has a relaxing vibe with its cozy, lovely ambiance. I love its smooth Ice Americano and tahini cookies!

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Dec 6, 2025

Kadıköy Produce Market

Marketplace in Kadıköy

Kadıköy Produce Market has all kinds of shops & food, but what stays with you is the feeling of the place, its own rhythm as the market moves around you.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ayşim

Genç

Dec 5, 2025

Taksim Tünel Tramvay

Nostalgic Red Tram Ride

My suggestion is to take the route from Taksim Square to Tünel and continue exploring nice neighborhoods like Çukurcuma, Asmalı Mescit, or Galata.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Dec 3, 2025

Nørre Coffee Shop

Nordic Style in Istanbul

This Scandivanian-style, two-floor café has a simple yet tastefully decorated interior. And the small open kitchen adds a touch of warmth and authenticity.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Dec 3, 2025

Karaköy Lokantası

Wow experience

"Karaköy Lokantası" in Istanbul is a beautiful, modern spin on the traditional Turkish restaurant. I like their hummus with pastrami -- it's a must taste!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Dec 3, 2025

Mediterranean

Monumental sculpture of a woman

"Mediterranean" or Akdeniz is a beautiful sculpture in Istanbul, in the Yapı Kredi Culture Art building. I fell in love with it on first sight...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Dec 3, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

253 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

253 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters