Audio GuideBeykoz Glass and Crystal Museum

In the quiet district of Beykoz, far from the bustle of central Istanbul, you will find a place where history and art meet—the Beykoz Glass and Crystal Museum. This museum sits on the grounds of a former nineteenth-century animal shelter, once a grand stable built by an influential Ottoman figure. In recent years, the building has been lovingly restored by the National Palaces Administration, giving new life to its elegant stonework and classic arches. Walk inside and you can feel the cool, tranquil air, surrounded by glass panels that shimmer softly in the daylight.

Иван Иванов

Outside, the museum is surrounded by a sprawling garden that stretches across several acres. The garden is home to more than one hundred different types of trees, which rustle gently above winding paths. Peafowl and rabbits appear among the greenery, adding a sense of peacefulness that reflects the relaxed lifestyle of the Beykoz district—a world away from Istanbul’s tourist crowds.

Bilal Sarwar

The heart of the museum is its glass collection. Beykoz has long been famous for glassmaking, thanks to the Beykoz Imperial Glass and Crystal Factory, founded two centuries ago. This factory led the Ottoman Empire toward modern industry, and its skilled artisans once crafted everything from tableware to lavish ornaments for palace interiors. Many of these elegant creations are on display here, sparkling with color and delicate detail. The museum also showcases rare European glass pieces, which once decorated the luxurious Ottoman palaces.

Mert Aydın

Each room offers insights into the craft’s heritage and the district’s unique position in Turkish history. Nearby, the historic Beykoz Pavilion—a royal hunting lodge built earlier than even the grand Dolmabahçe Palace—stands as another reminder of the area’s deep ties to culture and royalty. Together, the museum and its surroundings invite visitors to enjoy timeless beauty and peaceful tradition, rounding out the story of Ottoman grandeur in a setting full of natural grace.

Fatih Yuva