The Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Full of “boys’ toys” from old submarines, to classic cars, to early aviation, the Rahmi M Koc Museum (Rahmi Koc Muzesi) is an Istanbul museum with a difference. Dedicated to transport, industry, and communications and housed in industrial buildings on the banks of the Golden Horn, it’s a great option for adults and children alike.
Koc Museum is dedicated to transport, industry and communications
Founded by Rahmi Koc (a wealthy businessman with a passion for mechanical and industrial objects since childhood) in 1994, it contains an impressive collection of Turkish and international cars, planes, boats, buses, and other objects that tell a story of industrial and mechanical development.
What not to miss at the Rahmi M Koc Museum
On the first floor, the main exhibit is the Kalender steam ferry, which was built in Newcastle upon Tyne, England in 1911.
There are a number of bikes on the ground floor ranging from penny-farthings to an early Royal Enfield motorbike.
For an additional 10 TL, you can board a moored WWII-era submarine, built-in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the USA in 1944.
The self-propelled Rail Car "La Littorina" with its original 1930s fittings and accessories.
The Discovery Sphere is Istanbul’s first stationary planetarium, which shows educational films.
There are plenty of hands-on exhibits including a cut-away car, a Bellanca airplane, and various science experiments.
What else is there at the Rahmi Koc Museum, Turkey?
If you’ve worked up an appetite, there are some excellent Rahmi M Koc Museum restaurant choices available. Brought to you by the hospitality chain, Divan, there is Café du Levant (a Parisian-style bistro), Halat Restaurant (fine dining, Turkish-style), and Bar Bar Rossa (an English-style pub). All of which come complete with authentic décor and original antiques, setting the scene.
When is the Rahmi M Koc Museum Istanbul open?
Rahmi Koc Museum is open every day except Mondays and it is open between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm. Admission costs 190 Turkish Lira.
How can I get to the Rahmi Koc Museum?
The most enjoyable way to reach the museum is to take the Halic Hatti (Golden Horn Route) ferry from Eminonu, Karakoy or Uskudar to Haskoy.
What other Istanbul museums should I visit?
If you want to squeeze some other culture into your visit, you could try visiting the Sakip Sabanci Museum, the Istanbul Modern Museum, the Archaeology Museum or the Pera Museum.
Have you checked Sabancı Museum?
Closed on Mondays