The mosaics that adorned the floors and walls of magnificent ancient structures are far more than decorative elements. These works are silent chronicles that bring myths and reality to life through the harmony of stone and colour, bringing the spirit of their era into the present. A fascinating abundance of masterpieces of this art can be found in Anatolia, which has been home to the remnants of great civilisations for thousands of years. Today, one of these unique collections is on display at the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum, in the heart of İstanbul, in a serene yet awe-inspiring setting.
Visiting the museum in Zeytinburnu, on İstanbul’s European shore along the Sea of Marmara, is not merely a journey into antiquity but also an opportunity to engage with the history of kindred people against the backdrop of the global metropolis of İstanbul.
The museum is in the Kazlıçeşme Arts Centre, a former military hospital. During restoration work in 2015, ancient mosaic layers were accidentally discovered at a depth of approximately 1.5 metres. Experts were shocked by this discovery, which led to the immediate state protection of the historical decorations and the start of extensive archaeological research.
The İstanbul Archaeology Museums oversaw additional excavations in 2019, which revealed that the mosaic panel extended well beyond the building's boundaries. A marble sarcophagus that held the remains of two people was also discovered. This finding demonstrated that the region's rich burial culture is just as valuable as its decorative art.
In addition to being an archaeological site, the Zeytinburnu Mosaic Museum is a contemporary cultural hub with exhibition halls and a library. The museum is open every day except Mondays, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.