Great Palace Mosaic Museum

Great Palace Mosaic Museum is a small archaeological museum in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district that displays floor mosaics recovered from the Byzantine Great Palace of Constantinople. The museum opened to the public in the mid 20th century and presents mosaics uncovered during 20th-century excavations beneath the historic Hippodrome area.

The collection consists mainly of large mosaic floor panels showing animals, hunting scenes and geometric motifs set into indoor exhibition rooms. Panels are displayed in situ on low platforms so viewers can see composition and detail up close.

The mosaics were uncovered during archaeological work beneath the medieval and Ottoman layers of Sultanahmet in the 20th century and were conserved for display. The museum was established to protect and present these fragments of the Great Palace complex.

The museum sits within the Sultanahmet historic core of Istanbul, a short walk from the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the old Hippodrome. It is accessible on foot from central tourist routes in the area.

• Location tip: Located at street level beneath parts of the old Hippodrome area, within easy walking distance of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.