The museum is a two-storey building divided into sections. More than 200 paintings are exhibited in 11 sections. These rich collections bring art lovers together with works from different periods and cultural origins.
Caliph Abdulmecid and Istanbul Views
The hall where this collection is located was the place that served as the library of Abdulmecid II. His deep interest in art and culture turned his library into a treasure. Abdulmecid Efendi was born as the last crown prince and caliph of the Ottoman dynasty and was interested in various fields of art. While he was known as an art lover who showed great interest, especially in calligraphy and music, he was among the leading names of Turkish painting.
Westernization in the Ottoman Empire
The museum's Westernization in the Ottoman Empire section examines the interaction between the Ottoman Empire and the West since the 18th century.
Paintings Purchased from the Goupil Gallery for the Palace
Two sections containing paintings purchased from the Goupil Gallery in Paris for the Dolmabahce Palace during the reign of Abdulaziz constitute this collection. These paintings reflect the artistic taste of Sultan Abdulaziz and his advisor, Seker Ahmed Pasha, and show how a collection of Western-style paintings was brought together in the Ottoman palace.
Ivan Konstantinovich Ayvazovsky Hall
The museum's most magnificent room, the Ceremonial Hall, is dedicated to Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky. This hall, whose walls are covered with plaster and decorated with composite caps, presents the artist's famous works with sea views to visitors.
Paintings of the Palace Painters
Paintings of the Palace Painters section includes works by Abdulaziz II, artists Stanislaw Chlebowski and Fausto Zonaro, who served as court painters during Abdulhamid's reign.
Orientalist Painters
An area where paintings reflect Western artists' perspectives on the East. This collection in the museum consists of works by orientalist painters of the 19th century. These artists, whose subjects are Eastern culture and landscapes, reflected the exotic and impressive atmosphere of the period in their paintings.
Aide-de-Camp Painters
The section where military-themed paintings are exhibited.
Turkish Painters
One remarkable feature of the museum is that it houses the works of Turkish painters focusing on the periods 1870-1890 and 1930-1980. This collection consists of works belonging to the second, third, and fourth generations of Western-style Turkish painting. Works of Ottoman and Turkish artists such as Seker Ahmed Pasha, Osman Hamdi Bey, Huseyin Zekai Pasha, and Hoca Ali Riza are exhibited in this section.
These collections offer visitors the opportunity to discover the art of the Ottoman period and the works of influential artists. Each chapter provides a unique perspective reflecting the period's aesthetic and cultural richness.