Audio GuidePelit Chocolate Museum
Pelit Çikolata Müzesi
Exhibition of hundreds of historical figures, artworks & landmarks intricately carved in chocolate.
Step into the Pelit Chocolate Museum in Istanbul and you are immediately greeted by the rich scent of cocoa mingling with the gentle sound of a chocolate waterfall. Set up alongside the Pelit Chocolate Factory in the late nineteen-fifties, the museum is only a short distance from the centre of Istanbul, yet it feels like stepping into another world. What began as a simple showcase for Pelit’s master chocolatiers—who have been producing Turkish chocolate for over sixty years—has grown into a must-visit destination, welcoming guests from all corners of the world.
Here, chocolate is transformed from a simple treat into a true art form. The museum is organised into five themed galleries. In the central hall, visitors can scoop up and savour warm, flowing chocolate directly from a waterfall using small cups, before admiring impressive chocolate sculptures, including a striking depiction of Noah’s Ark surrounded by delicately carved animals.
The Istanbul Hall showcases the city itself, with chocolate recreations of its iconic landmarks. Tawny and creamy chocolate towers stand as homages to the Hagia Sophia, the Maiden’s Tower, and the Galata Tower, each model crafted with meticulous detail.
The Hall of Giants is dedicated to influential figures from around the world. Here, you will find chocolate sculptures of notable personalities, including Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, among a host of other leaders, offering an unusual but memorable twist on history.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Arts Hall, where famous paintings and beloved storybook characters—such as Snow White—emerge in chocolate form. Meanwhile, the Civilisations Hall takes visitors on a journey through the ancient societies that have shaped Turkey, from the Byzantine to the Ottoman eras, each story retold on edible canvases.
Younger visitors have their own wonderland, with a lively area filled with fairy-tale characters, swings and play areas. Throughout your visit, you can watch skilled chocolatiers at work as they shape and decorate chocolate figures, allowing you to appreciate the artistry up close.
The experience concludes at a vibrant gift shop designed to resemble a small Egyptian market, where you can choose from beautifully handmade chocolates, and a comfortable restaurant decorated in Turkish and Ottoman style—an inviting spot to relax after your exploration.