The Museum of Innocence is a novel by Orhan Pamuk and a museum in Istanbul that displays the objects related to the story. The novel is a love story between Kemal, a wealthy businessman, and Füsun, a distant relative and a shop girl. The museum is a 19th-century house that contains more than a thousand objects that Kemal collected to remember Füsun.
If you want to visit the museum, you need to buy a ticket. The ticket price is 50 Turkish Lira (about 5.5 US dollars) for adults and 25 Turkish Lira (about 2.8 US dollars) for students. You can also use the novel as a ticket if you bring it with you. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on Thursdays, when it is open until 9:00 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
To get to the museum, you can take a bus, a tram, or a taxi to the Çukurcuma neighborhood of Beyoğlu district. The museum is located on the corner of Çukurcuma Street and Dalgıç Street. You can also walk from Taksim Square or Galata Tower, which are about 20 minutes away.
Some tips for visiting the museum are:
- Read the novel before or after your visit to appreciate the connection between the objects and the story.
- Listen to the audio guide, which is narrated by Orhan Pamuk himself, and provides additional information and insights about the exhibits.
- Take your time to explore each display, which corresponds to one of the 83 chapters of the novel. You will find many details and surprises that enrich your experience.
- Don’t miss the special exhibits, such as the collection of 4,213 cigarette butts that Füsun smoked, the salt shakers that Kemal stole from various restaurants, and the paintings and maps of Istanbul.
- Enjoy the view of the city from the top floor of the museum, where you can also see Kemal’s bedroom.
Some prohibitions for visiting the museum are:
- Do not take photos or videos inside the museum, as they are not allowed for copyright reasons.
- Do not touch or move any of the objects on display, as they are fragile and valuable.
- Do not smoke or eat inside the museum, as they may damage or stain the exhibits.
- Do not bring large bags or backpacks inside the museum, as they may obstruct the space or hit the displays. You can leave them at the cloakroom near the entrance.
The Museum of Innocence is a unique and fascinating place that invites you to immerse yourself in a fictional world and a real city. It is a must-see for anyone who loves literature, art, and history.
