Museum of Innocence

A Story Brought to Life at The Museum of Innocence

Much of Istanbul’s history and architecture is based on real life events which occurred over the many eras prior to the modern day. You can see Ottoman nods everywhere you look, as well as Byzantine and everything else in-between. This is a city where history oozes from every single cobble, stone, and brick. The reason why the Museum of Innocence is so popular however, is because it is totally different from everything else. The Museum of Innocence isn’t based on real history, it is based on a much loved novel.

Perhaps it is the escapism, or perhaps it is the story behind the whole concept, but The Museum of Innocence has been charming visitors since it opened its doors in 2012.

The Story Behind The Museum of Innocence

The Museum of Innocence is based on a novel of the same name, by author Orhan Pamuk. It tells the story of life in Istanbul during the 1970s, and follows the story of a man named Kemal, who belongs to the upper class, rich society of Istanbul at the time. Kemal falls in love with a young shop girl, named Fusun, who is in a lower society class, and therefore deemed an unacceptable match for Kemal to court and later marry.

The story follows Kemal’s obsessive love for Fusun, as he attempts to involve himself in her life without her knowledge, and the knowledge of her family. The novel has won several awards and is much loved in Turkish fiction. The idea behind the Museum of Innocence itself is to bring the book to life, through objects which belong in the book, such as the view from the room, taken from the book, and dresses which would have belonged to Fusun. The museum itself depicts Fusun’s family home.

In order to really understand the Museum of Innocence itself, you should certainly read the book. You will be able to find an English translation if you shop online, and it will definitely enhance your experience. Many consider it to be a Romeo and Juliet tale with a definite twist, and tells the story of class differences and what was considered ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ at the time. Of course, it is likely to leave you sniffling with a few tears by the end!

Aside from being based on a novel story, the museum itself will give you a glimpse into life in Istanbul during the 1970s, with the room being set up as many family homes were at the time.

Visiting the Museum of Innocence

The Museum of Innocence is actually hidden away a little, so you definitely have to be on the lookout for it, or you bump into it without really understanding what it is. This is a hidden gem for sure, and one which you should have on your must visit list. The museum is in the Beyoglu neighbourhood, which is literally just behind Istiklal Street in Taksim. You can taken the Metro to very close by, with the nearest stop being Tophane, or you can walk from Istiklal itself, if you happen to be out shopping!

The Museum of Innocence is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays, from 10am until 6pm. On Thursdays, the museum is open from 10am until 9pm. Do check ahead of time if there is a public holiday coming up, as the museum is likely to be closed.

There is an entrance fee of 40TL to enter the museum, and students can visit for 15TL on a discounted entry ticket. You can take advantage of the audio guide for an extra 5TL, and this is a great option if you haven’t read the book, or you have a loose grasp on it. The audio guide will fill you in on the small details that you might have missed, and will also point out the particular items and artefacts, helping you to understand what you’re seeing in greater detail. The audio guide is available in both Turkish and English, and you should make it clear at the entrance desk which option you require.

Of course, after you have spent time exploring the Museum of Innocence, you’re going to be spoilt for choice in terms of what else to do in the area. Nearby Taksim is packed with entertainment options, and a good idea would be to head off to a coffee shop and relax, really taking in what you have just experienced. The Museum of Innocence has a knack of really making you think, and hits you right in the heart in terms of sentimentality.