The Museum of Fine Arts which occupies the section reserved for crown princes in the
Dolmabahçe Palace which is one of the most beautiful architectural buildings of
Istanbul is established in the year 1937. The entrance is from
Beşiktaş. The museum which is managed by the
Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts is a three storey building. In its garden there is a section called “
Motion Pavilions” where special exhibitions take place. The first exhibition units of the museum comprised works which were displayed at the
Dolmabahçe Palace, at the
Ministries, in
Halil Edhem Erdem’s collection called “
Elvah-ı Naşiye” and the works displayed at the
Turkish Fine Arts Exhibition which took place in the year 1936. At the present day the collection of the museum has been enhanced with paintings and specific imprints of worldwide known artists such as
Bonnard,
Pablo Picasso,
Albert Marquet,
Andre Derain,
Raoul Dufy,
Maurice Utrillo,
Henri Matisse and
Dunoyer de Sagonsac. Approximately 2500 original paintings, 250 reproductions and 400 sculptures constitute the museums collection. In the ground floor of the museum exhibitions of different characteristic take place and in the upper floors the pieces constituting the collection are displayed. Besides, a painting repair workshop and painting courses opened from time to time are also among the activities of the museum. The museum of fine arts can be visited between 09:00 and 17:00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
