Museum of Innocence

Overview

The Museum of Innocence is a unique literary museum created by Nobel Prize-winning novelist Orhan Pamuk. Every display case corresponds to a chapter of his novel of the same name, blending fiction with real objects from Istanbul life.

Highlights

• 4,213 Cigarette Butts: A display of individual cigarettes representing the heroine's emotional state throughout the novel.
• Narrative Object Displays: 83 display cases, each a carefully composed still life linking objects to chapters.
• Free Entry with the Novel: Bring your copy of the book with a special coupon for free admission.

History

Pamuk conceived the museum and novel simultaneously, spending a decade collecting everyday objects from Istanbul's districts. The museum opened in 2012 in a repainted Ottoman house in Çukurcuma and won the European Museum of the Year award in 2014.

Visitor Tips

• Read the Novel First: The experience is infinitely richer if you've read the book.
• Small and Intimate: The museum is compact — allow about an hour.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.