Kordon & Alsancak
Step directly from the museum onto İzmir's famous waterfront and continue through historic Alsancak, cafés, restaurants and lively neighbourhood streets.
Explore Kordon & Alsancak
İzmir Atatürk Museum – A Historic House on the First Kordon
Standing directly on İzmir's celebrated First Kordon, the İzmir Atatürk Museum — İzmir Atatürk Müzesi occupies a late-19th-century residence whose history became closely connected with several important moments in the city's 20th-century story.
Built between 1875 and 1880 as a private residence for carpet merchant Takfor, the building later served as a military headquarters following September 1922.
During the period of the İzmir Economic Congress in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk conducted personal work in the building. It was subsequently converted into a hotel known as Naim Palas, where Atatürk and İsmet Paşa stayed during a visit to İzmir in June 1926.
Later that year, the İzmir Municipality purchased the building and presented it to Atatürk. During his visits to İzmir between 1930 and 1934, he used the residence as his place of stay.
Today the museum preserves rooms associated with those visits together with period furniture, carpets, decorative objects and personal-use items displayed within their historic architectural setting.
Atatürk's İzmir Residence
Explore the rooms associated with Atatürk's stays in İzmir during the early years of the Turkish Republic.
İzmir Economic Congress
Discover the building's connection with the important economic congress held in İzmir in 1923.
Historic Interiors
See preserved reception rooms, a study, bedroom, dining room, library and other period spaces.
First Kordon
Visit the museum directly on İzmir's historic waterfront and combine it easily with Alsancak and Kordon.
Know Before You Go
İzmir Atatürk Museum – Quick Facts
Essential information about the historic residence, its museum collection and its connection with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's visits to İzmir.
Museum
İzmir Atatürk Museum — İzmir Atatürk Müzesi.
Location
First Kordon, Alsancak, in central İzmir.
Original Function
Constructed as a private residence for carpet merchant Takfor.
Built
Approximately 1875–1880.
Architecture
Neoclassical architecture incorporating Ottoman and Levantine elements.
1923
Atatürk used the building for personal work during the period of the İzmir Economic Congress.
Naim Palas
The building later operated as a hotel and was known as Naim Palas.
Presented to Atatürk
İzmir Municipality purchased the building on 13 October 1926 and presented it to Atatürk.
1930–1934
Atatürk stayed here during his visits to İzmir in this period.
Museum Since
The building first opened to the public as a museum on 11 September 1941.
Admission
Current official museum information lists admission as free.
Time Needed
Allow approximately 45–75 minutes for a comfortable visit.
Atatürk, İzmir, First Kordon, İzmir Economic Congress, Historic Interiors & Early Republican History
Why Visit İzmir Atatürk Museum?
The museum allows visitors to encounter the history of early 20th-century İzmir through an actual residence connected with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's time in the city.
Unlike a conventional museum built specifically for exhibitions, this is a historic house museum.
The architecture, marble floors, fireplaces, staircases, carpets, furniture and individual rooms all contribute to understanding how the building functioned during the period in which Atatürk used it.
The house is also connected with the political and economic transformation taking place in Türkiye during the early 1920s.
When the İzmir Economic Congress met in 1923, Atatürk carried out personal work in this building. Several years later, İzmir Municipality acquired the residence and presented it to him.
Its later transformation into a museum preserved that relationship between the building, Atatürk and İzmir.
For visitors exploring the city's archaeology, Ottoman heritage and cosmopolitan port history, the museum adds a very different layer: İzmir during the transition into the Republican period.
1875–1880 Residence, 1922 Headquarters, 1923 Economic Congress, Naim Palas, 1926 Gift & 1941 Museum
The History of İzmir Atatürk Museum
The story of the building begins several decades before the establishment of the museum.
Between approximately 1875 and 1880, a carpet merchant known as Takfor commissioned the building as a private residence on İzmir's waterfront.
Its position on the First Kordon placed it within one of the most prominent districts of the late Ottoman port city.
On 9 September 1922, the property was abandoned by its owner and subsequently passed into the ownership of the Treasury.
The Turkish army then used the building as a headquarters.
When the İzmir Economic Congress convened in February 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk conducted personal work in the building.
Following the congress, the headquarters moved elsewhere and the Treasury leased the property to Naim Bey, who operated it as a hotel called Naim Palas.
On 16 June 1926, Atatürk visited İzmir and stayed at Naim Palas together with İsmet Paşa.
A few months later, on 13 October 1926, İzmir Municipality purchased the property, furnished it and presented it to Atatürk.
During his later visits to İzmir between 1930 and 1934, Atatürk stayed in this residence.
Late Ottoman İzmir, 1922, İzmir Economic Congress, Naim Palas, 1926, Museum Foundation & Restoration
İzmir Atatürk Museum Through Time
1875–1880
The building is constructed as a private residence for carpet merchant Takfor.
9 September 1922
The property is abandoned by its owner and subsequently passes to the Treasury.
1922
The building is used as a headquarters by the Turkish army.
February 1923
During the İzmir Economic Congress period, Atatürk carries out personal work in the building.
After the Congress
The Treasury leases the building to Naim Bey and it becomes the Naim Palas hotel.
16 June 1926
Atatürk and İsmet Paşa stay at Naim Palas during a visit to İzmir.
13 October 1926
İzmir Municipality purchases the residence, furnishes it and presents it to Atatürk.
1930–1934
Atatürk uses the residence during his visits to İzmir.
10 November 1938
Following Atatürk's death, ownership passes by inheritance to his sister Makbule Baysan.
25 September 1940
İzmir Municipality expropriates the property for conversion into a museum.
11 September 1941
The museum opens to the public.
5 October 1962
The institution becomes known as the Atatürk Provincial Public Library and İzmir City Atatürk Museum.
1972
Ownership of the property is transferred to İzmir Archaeology Museum administration.
29 October 1978
After restoration and reorganisation, it opens as the Atatürk and Ethnography Museum.
13 May 1988
The ethnographic collections are transferred to İzmir's new Ethnography Museum and the building continues as Atatürk Museum.
1999–2001
The historic building undergoes another restoration programme.
2002
The restored museum reopens to visitors.
Today
The residence preserves rooms, furniture and objects associated with Atatürk's use of the house and its wider historical period.
Neoclassical Architecture, Ottoman İzmir, Levantine Architecture, First Kordon, Bay Windows, Marble & Historic Mansion
The Architecture of İzmir Atatürk Museum
The building itself is an important part of the museum experience.
Official descriptions classify it as a Neoclassical structure combining Ottoman and Levantine architectural characteristics.
It contains a basement, ground floor, first floor and attic and occupies an approximately 852-square-metre site.
The rectangular building includes a rear courtyard and an arcaded section, while the waterfront façade is distinguished by its symmetrical arrangement, tall windows, balconies and projecting upper-floor bay window.
Neoclassical Façade
Balanced proportions, stonework and formal window arrangements give the waterfront elevation its distinctive appearance.
Ottoman Elements
The building belongs to the architectural environment of late Ottoman İzmir and incorporates features familiar from urban residences of the period.
Levantine Influence
Its design reflects the architectural interaction that characterised cosmopolitan late-19th-century İzmir.
Bay Window
The projecting central section of the upper façade is one of the most recognisable architectural features of the house.
Marble Interior
Large marble slabs cover the floor of the principal ground-floor hall.
Historic Fireplaces
Several rooms preserve decorative fireplaces dating stylistically from the 19th century.
Rear Courtyard
The plan extends beyond the formal Kordon façade into a courtyard area at the rear.
Period Interiors
Furniture, carpets, chandeliers, sculpture and decorative objects complement the architecture of the residence.
İzmir Economic Congress, 1923, Economic Policy, İzmir, Early Republican Period & Historic Headquarters
The House and the 1923 İzmir Economic Congress
One of the most significant chapters in the building's history is its connection with the İzmir Economic Congress.
The congress took place in İzmir in early 1923, during the period between the end of the Turkish War of Independence and the proclamation of the Republic later that year.
Representatives from different economic sectors gathered to discuss questions concerning the country's future economic direction.
The Atatürk Museum building was not the principal congress venue.
Its connection comes from its use as part of the military headquarters infrastructure and from Atatürk carrying out personal work here during the congress period.
What Happened Here?
Atatürk used the building for personal work during the period in which the İzmir Economic Congress was being held.
Was the Congress Held Inside This House?
The building should not be confused with the principal congress venue; its significance lies in Atatürk's documented use of the residence during that period.
What Happened Afterwards?
After the headquarters moved away, the Treasury leased the property for use as a hotel.
Later Connection
The building eventually became Atatürk's İzmir residence after the municipality purchased and presented it to him in 1926.
Naim Palas, 1926 İzmir Visit, Historic Hotel, İsmet Paşa, İzmir Municipality & Atatürk Residence
From Naim Palas Hotel to Atatürk's İzmir Residence
After the military headquarters left the building, its function changed once again.
The Treasury leased the property to Naim Bey, who operated it as a hotel under the name Naim Palas.
On 16 June 1926, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk came to İzmir and stayed at Naim Palas together with İsmet Paşa.
Only a few months later, İzmir Municipality acquired the property.
On 13 October 1926, the municipality purchased the building, added new furnishings and presented it to Atatürk.
This changed the house from a temporary place of accommodation into his official residence when staying in İzmir.
Official museum records state that Atatürk subsequently used the house whenever he visited the city between 1930 and 1934.
1940 Expropriation, 1941 Museum, 1962 Library, 1978 Ethnography Museum, 1988 Atatürk Museum & Restoration
How the Residence Became a Museum
After Atatürk's death on 10 November 1938, the property passed by inheritance to his sister, Makbule Baysan.
İzmir Municipality later decided to preserve the building as a museum.
The municipality expropriated the property on 25 September 1940, and the museum officially opened to the public on 11 September 1941.
Its institutional identity continued to evolve.
From 5 October 1962, it was known as the Atatürk Provincial Public Library and İzmir City Atatürk Museum.
The building was reorganised and restored again during the 1970s and reopened on 29 October 1978 as the Atatürk and Ethnography Museum.
When the ethnographic collections were transferred to the new İzmir Ethnography Museum in 1988, the historic residence continued under the simpler name Atatürk Museum.
A further restoration campaign was carried out between 1999 and 2001, after which the museum reopened in 2002.
Entrance Hall, Marble Floors, Uşak Carpet, Crystal Mirror, Sculptures, Fireplaces & Historic Interior
Exploring the Ground Floor
The ground floor provides the first impression of the residence and introduces visitors to its late-19th and early-20th-century decorative environment.
The central hall is paved with large marble slabs and contains several of the building's most immediately noticeable interior features.
Uşak Carpet
A large Uşak carpet measuring approximately 34.5 square metres forms an important part of the entrance-hall display.
Crystal Mirror
A large crystal mirror contributes to the formal residential character of the hall.
Marble Sculpture
Decorative marble statues occupy niches within the interior.
Atatürk Bust
A bust of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk forms part of the museum's introductory display.
Historic Fireplaces
Several rooms preserve decorative fireplaces characteristic of 19th-century interior design.
Bronze Knight Figures
Two bronze figures positioned near the staircase function as decorative wall lights.
Historic Staircase
The staircase leads toward the upper floor containing the rooms principally associated with Atatürk's use of the residence.
Large Portrait
A prominent portrait of Atatürk is displayed around the stair landing.
Study, Bedroom, Meeting Room, Dining Room, Library, Guest Room, Bathroom, Barber Room & Reception Rooms
The Upper Floor – Rooms Used by Atatürk
The upper floor is the central part of the museum visit because it contains the rooms directly associated with Atatürk's stays in the residence.
Official museum descriptions identify spaces including a meeting room, study, bedroom, guest room, barber room, guard or aide room, reception area, library, dining room and bathroom.
Study
The work room preserves a substantial desk together with a writing set associated with Atatürk's use of the house.
Meeting Room
A formal meeting space contains an unusual green-covered roulette table surrounded by period chairs.
Bedroom
The bedroom retains period furniture including a mahogany bed, seating and wardrobes.
Dining Room
A large dining table and formal seating evoke the residential and official functions of the house.
Library
The library includes French-language reference works together with historic furniture and decorative pieces.
Guest Room
The guest accommodation forms part of the preserved domestic arrangement of the upper floor.
Bathroom
The bathroom preserves period fixtures and personal-use objects associated with the historical residence.
Reception Spaces
Waiting and reception rooms demonstrate how the house combined private residence with official hospitality.
Atatürk's Study, Writing Desk, Writing Set, Telephone, Working Room & Historic Furniture
Atatürk's Study
Among the most historically evocative rooms is the study.
The room contains an oak-veneered work desk together with objects associated with Atatürk's use of the residence.
Official descriptions record a writing set displayed on the desk, while more detailed museum inventories also identify items such as a telephone and ashtray.
The surrounding furniture includes chairs, guest seating and storage cabinets.
Rather than viewing the room simply as a display of antique furniture, consider its practical role.
This was a working environment within a residence that also accommodated official meetings, visitors and social occasions.
Meeting Room, Roulette Table, Cosmos Chairs, Shakespeare Panels, Decorative Arts & Historic Interiors
The Meeting Room & Its Unusual Furniture
The meeting room contains some of the most distinctive furniture in the museum.
At its centre stands a roulette table covered with green cloth, surrounded by twelve Cosmos-brand chairs.
Another unusual group consists of small mahogany chairs positioned along the room.
Ceramic panels incorporated into the backs of these chairs depict scenes inspired by works of William Shakespeare.
Central Furniture
Green-covered roulette table.
Surrounding Seating
Twelve Cosmos-brand chairs.
Decorative Chairs
Mahogany chairs incorporating ceramic back panels.
Panel Subjects
Scenes based on Shakespeare's works.
Why Notice Them?
The furnishings provide a revealing example of the internationally influenced decorative culture found in elite interiors of the period.
Atatürk's Bedroom, Mahogany Furniture, Period Interior, Wardrobes, Chaise Longue & Historic Residence
The Bedroom & Private Rooms
The bedroom offers a more personal view of the residence than its reception and meeting spaces.
Official museum descriptions identify a substantial group of surviving period furnishings.
Mahogany Bed
The principal bed is made from mahogany and forms the central piece of the bedroom arrangement.
Bedside Furniture
Nightstands and other smaller furnishings remain part of the reconstructed period interior.
Velvet Armchairs
Upholstered seating demonstrates the domestic character of the room.
Chaise Longue
A chaise longue forms part of the bedroom's early-20th-century furniture ensemble.
Wardrobes
Large wardrobes complete the room's functional domestic arrangement.
Period Style
The room is furnished according to the decorative fashion of its historical period.
Library, French Encyclopedia, Dining Room, Period Furniture, Isparta Carpets, Uşak Carpets & Decorative Arts
The Library & Dining Room
The library and dining room reveal the intellectual and social functions of the residence.
Official descriptions of the library mention a substantial French-language encyclopedia collection, alongside works connected with Atatürk's life and period.
The dining area contains a formal table and period seating, while decorative objects, mirrors, sculpture and paintings continue throughout the upper floor.
Traditional Isparta and Uşak carpets provide another important element of the interiors.
French Reference Works
The library preserves French-language encyclopedic material reflecting the intellectual environment of the period.
Mahogany Furniture
Dark hardwood furniture appears repeatedly throughout the upper-floor interiors.
Dining Table
The formal dining arrangement illustrates the house's role in receiving guests as well as accommodating its resident.
Decorative Sculpture
Bronze and cast figures appear alongside other European-influenced decorative objects.
Oil Paintings
Paintings contribute to the richly furnished character of the principal rooms.
Anatolian Carpets
Isparta and Uşak carpets provide a contrasting local textile tradition within the European-influenced interiors.
Museum Highlights, Historic Rooms, Atatürk, Furniture, Architecture, Carpets, Decorative Objects & İzmir History
What Should You Look For Inside the Museum?
The Waterfront Façade
Before entering, study the symmetry, balconies, stonework and projecting upper-floor bay window.
Marble Entrance Hall
The ground-floor marble surfaces immediately establish the formal character of the residence.
Large Uşak Carpet
Look closely at the scale and textile craftsmanship of the approximately 34.5-square-metre carpet.
Crystal Mirror
The large mirror is one of the decorative focal points of the ground-floor interior.
Historic Fireplaces
Notice the ornamental fireplaces preserved within several rooms.
Bronze Knight Lights
The sculptural light fittings near the staircase are easy to overlook but particularly distinctive.
Atatürk's Study
Pay attention to the relationship between the desk, writing objects and the room's practical working arrangement.
Roulette Table
The green-covered table in the meeting room is one of the museum's most unusual surviving furnishings.
Shakespeare Chairs
Look carefully at the ceramic panels incorporated into the backs of the mahogany chairs.
Bedroom
The preserved private furnishings contrast with the more formal reception and meeting spaces.
Library
The French-language reference collection provides another perspective on the intellectual culture represented by the house.
Carpets & Textiles
Do not overlook the Isparta and Uşak carpets when concentrating on the furniture and historic rooms.
Suggested Museum Route, Ground Floor, Staircase, Study, Meeting Room, Bedroom, Library & Efficient Visit
A Suggested Route Through İzmir Atatürk Museum
1 – Begin Outside
Spend a moment looking at the Neoclassical waterfront façade before entering.
2 – Entrance Hall
Notice the marble floor, large Uşak carpet, crystal mirror, sculpture and Atatürk bust.
3 – Ground-Floor Rooms
Look for the 19th-century-style fireplaces and decorative details that reveal the original residential character.
4 – Historic Staircase
Observe the bronze knight figures and the large portrait around the stair landing.
5 – Study
Spend time with the work desk and objects associated with Atatürk's use of the residence.
6 – Meeting Room
Look closely at the roulette table, Cosmos chairs and decorative mahogany seating.
7 – Bedroom & Private Rooms
Compare the intimate domestic furnishings with the more formal rooms of the house.
8 – Dining Room & Library
Finish with the formal dining arrangement, reference collection, carpets and decorative arts.
30 Minutes, One Hour, History Lovers, Architecture, Kordon & İzmir Itinerary Planning
How Long Do You Need at İzmir Atatürk Museum?
30 Minutes
Enough for a quick walk through the principal rooms and major displays.
45 Minutes
A comfortable highlights visit for travellers combining the museum with Kordon and Alsancak.
1 Hour
Recommended if you want time to examine the architecture, furnishings and historical interpretation.
75 Minutes
Suitable for visitors who enjoy historic interiors and wish to look carefully at individual objects.
90 Minutes
Allow this if you prefer reading most available interpretation and studying the rooms in detail.
Half Day
Combine the museum with Kordon, Alsancak, Cumhuriyet Square and nearby cultural attractions.
Opening Hours, Free Admission, First Kordon, Alsancak, Museum Access & Visitor Information
Opening Hours, Admission & Visitor Information
İzmir Atatürk Museum is administered within the Ministry of Culture and Tourism museum system.
Opening hours can change seasonally or during public holidays, so visitors making a special journey should always confirm the latest official information shortly before arrival.
Current Opening Time
08:30
Current Closing Time
19:00 under the current 2026 seasonal schedule
Last Admission / Ticket Desk
Currently 18:30
Closed Day
Current official information lists the museum as open every day
Admission
Currently listed as free
Address
Atatürk Caddesi (Birinci Kordon) No: 248, Alsancak, İzmir
Recommended Visit
Approximately 45–75 minutes
Important
Opening hours are seasonal and may change, so verify the official museum listing before visiting
First Kordon, Alsancak, İzmir Tram, Walking, Public Transport, Waterfront & Central İzmir
How to Reach İzmir Atatürk Museum
The museum's position directly on First Kordon in Alsancak makes it easy to include in a day exploring central İzmir.
On Foot
The museum is conveniently reached while walking along Kordon and through central Alsancak.
By Tram
İzmir's tram network provides useful access to the Alsancak and waterfront area, followed by a walk to the museum.
By İZBAN
Visitors arriving through Alsancak Railway Station can continue through Alsancak toward the First Kordon.
By Bus
Numerous municipal routes serve central Alsancak and surrounding neighbourhoods.
By Taxi
Ask for İzmir Atatürk Müzesi on Birinci Kordon or Atatürk Caddesi in Alsancak.
By Car
Central Alsancak can be busy, so public transport and walking are often more convenient for a museum-and-Kordon itinerary.
Neighbourhood
Alsancak
Waterfront
First Kordon
Street
Atatürk Caddesi
Building Number
No: 248
Best Combined With
Kordon, Alsancak, Cumhuriyet Square and nearby museums
Morning Visit, Afternoon, Summer, Winter, Kordon, Sunset & İzmir Museum Planning
Best Time to Visit İzmir Atatürk Museum
Morning
A practical choice if you want to explore the historic rooms before continuing through Alsancak.
Late Morning
Works well before lunch in Alsancak or a longer walk along Kordon.
Afternoon
The museum provides an indoor historical stop during the warmer part of the day.
Before Sunset
Visit the museum first and continue directly onto Kordon for İzmir's waterfront atmosphere later in the day.
Summer
An indoor museum visit can be combined effectively with outdoor sightseeing earlier or later in the day.
Winter
The museum is a useful central İzmir option during cooler or rainy weather.
Weekdays
Often convenient for visitors who prefer exploring central museums outside peak weekend activity.
History-Focused Day
Combine the museum with other sites connected with İzmir's late Ottoman and early Republican urban history.
Museum Photography, Historic Interiors, Architecture, Furniture, Kordon Façade & Visitor Etiquette
Photography at İzmir Atatürk Museum
Exterior Façade
The symmetrical Kordon façade works especially well when photographed directly from the waterfront side.
Architectural Details
Look for balconies, shutters, stone details and the central projecting upper-floor section.
Historic Rooms
Wide compositions can show how furniture, carpets and decorative objects relate to the architecture.
Furniture Details
When permitted, closer photographs can document craftsmanship that is easy to miss in a wider room view.
Avoid Flash
Flash can disturb visitors and may be restricted around historic objects and interiors.
Avoid Barriers
Do not cross ropes or protective boundaries to obtain a photograph.
Respect Other Visitors
Historic house museums contain relatively compact rooms, so avoid blocking circulation while taking photographs.
Follow Current Rules
Photography and video regulations can change, so follow museum signage and staff instructions during your visit.
Kordon, Alsancak, Cumhuriyet Square, Kültür Sanat Fabrikası, Museums, Churches & Central İzmir
Places to Combine with İzmir Atatürk Museum
Kordon & Alsancak
The museum stands directly on İzmir's famous waterfront, making Kordon the natural continuation of your visit.
Gündoğdu Square
Continue along the waterfront toward one of the principal public spaces of modern Alsancak.
Cumhuriyet Square
Walk south along Kordon toward one of central İzmir's prominent Republican-era urban spaces.
İzmir Kültür Sanat Fabrikası
Explore the restored former Tekel Factory complex with museums, exhibitions, libraries and cultural spaces.
İzmir Painting & Sculpture Museum
Continue into the development of modern Turkish painting, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking.
İzmir Archaeology Museum
Move from modern history into the much longer archaeological story of İzmir and western Anatolia.
Saint Polycarp Church
Add another layer of İzmir's religious and urban history through one of the city's historic churches.
Kültürpark
Combine the waterfront with one of central İzmir's largest green spaces and an important part of the modern city's cultural history.
Atatürk Museum, Kordon, Alsancak, Modern Art, Archaeology, Culture Factory & İzmir Itineraries
Best Combinations with İzmir Atatürk Museum
Museum + Kordon
Visit the historic house and continue immediately onto İzmir's waterfront promenade.
Museum + Alsancak
Combine history with the streets, cafés and urban atmosphere of central Alsancak.
Museum + Culture Factory
Move from early Republican history into archaeology, ethnography, visual art and restored industrial heritage.
Museum + Modern Turkish Art
Pair the residence with İzmir Painting and Sculpture Museum for a broader view of 20th-century Turkish cultural history.
Museum + Cumhuriyet Square
Follow the waterfront south and connect the house with another important urban space associated with Republican İzmir.
Rainy-Day İzmir
Combine several central museums for an itinerary that requires relatively little outdoor sightseeing.
Atatürk Museum, First Kordon, Gündoğdu Square, Alsancak, Culture Factory & İzmir Walking Route
Suggested Half-Day History & Kordon Route
09:00 – İzmir Atatürk Museum
Begin with the historic residence and allow approximately one hour for the principal rooms.
10:00 – First Kordon
Step directly from the museum onto İzmir's waterfront promenade.
10:30 – Gündoğdu Square
Continue through the open waterfront spaces of Alsancak.
11:00 – Alsancak
Explore the surrounding streets and stop for coffee if desired.
11:45 – İzmir Kültür Sanat Fabrikası
Continue to the restored industrial complex for archaeology, ethnography or modern Turkish art.
13:30 – Lunch in Alsancak
Finish the cultural route with lunch before continuing your exploration of central İzmir.
Museum Planning, Historic House, Free Admission, Opening Hours, Architecture, Kordon & Visitor Tips
Practical Tips for Visiting İzmir Atatürk Museum
Check Seasonal Hours
Visiting hours can change according to season, holidays or administrative decisions.
Admission Is Currently Free
The official museum listing currently identifies admission to İzmir Atatürk Museum as free.
Look at the Building First
Spend a minute with the exterior before entering so the original residential architecture is easier to understand.
Read the Timeline
The sequence from private residence to headquarters, hotel, Atatürk residence and museum makes the rooms much easier to interpret.
Do Not Rush the Study
The working room is particularly useful for understanding the building as a functioning residence rather than only a memorial display.
Look Beyond Personal Objects
The carpets, fireplaces, mirrors and furniture are also important evidence for the domestic culture of the period.
Notice the Shakespeare Chairs
The ceramic-backed mahogany chairs are among the museum's more unusual decorative furnishings.
Historic House Etiquette
Keep behind barriers and avoid touching furniture, textiles or displayed objects.
Combine with Kordon
The location makes it unnecessary to treat the museum as an isolated sightseeing stop.
Allow About an Hour
Most visitors should have enough time to understand the house without rushing in approximately 45–75 minutes.
Families
Younger visitors can focus on unusual furniture, architectural details and differences between modern homes and historical interiors.
Verify Photography Rules
Always follow current museum instructions concerning photography, video, flash and professional equipment.
İzmir Atatürk Museum, First Kordon, Atatürk Residence, Opening Hours, Free Admission, History & Visitor Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About İzmir Atatürk Museum
What is İzmir Atatürk Museum?
It is a historic house museum in Alsancak preserving a residence used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visits to İzmir.
Where is İzmir Atatürk Museum?
The museum is located on First Kordon at Atatürk Caddesi No: 248 in Alsancak, İzmir.
When was the building constructed?
The residence was built between approximately 1875 and 1880.
Who originally built the house?
Official museum records state that it was built as a residence for a carpet merchant named Takfor.
What architectural style is the museum?
Official descriptions identify it as Neoclassical architecture combining Ottoman and Levantine characteristics.
What happened to the building in 1922?
It was abandoned by its owner on 9 September 1922, passed into Treasury ownership and was subsequently used as a military headquarters.
What is the connection with the İzmir Economic Congress?
Atatürk carried out personal work in the building during the period of the İzmir Economic Congress in 1923.
Was the İzmir Economic Congress itself held inside the museum?
The house should not be confused with the principal congress venue. Its importance lies in Atatürk's documented use of the building during the congress period.
What was Naim Palas?
After its headquarters function ended, the building was leased to Naim Bey and operated as a hotel known as Naim Palas.
Did Atatürk stay at Naim Palas?
Yes. Official records state that Atatürk and İsmet Paşa stayed there during a visit to İzmir on 16 June 1926.
When did the house become Atatürk's residence?
İzmir Municipality purchased the property on 13 October 1926, furnished it and presented it to Atatürk.
Did Atatürk stay here often?
Official museum information states that he stayed in the house during his visits to İzmir between 1930 and 1934.
When did İzmir Atatürk Museum open?
The building first opened to the public as a museum on 11 September 1941.
Was it always called Atatürk Museum?
No. Its institutional names and functions changed several times, including periods as a public library and as the Atatürk and Ethnography Museum.
When did it become simply Atatürk Museum?
After the ethnographic collections were transferred to İzmir's new Ethnography Museum in 1988, the residence continued as Atatürk Museum.
What can I see inside?
Visitors can see historic reception spaces, Atatürk's study, bedroom, meeting room, dining room, library, bathroom and other preserved rooms.
Are original furnishings preserved?
The museum displays period furnishings and objects associated with Atatürk's use of the residence, together with carpets, sculpture, paintings and decorative objects.
What is special about the meeting room?
It contains a green-covered roulette table, twelve Cosmos-brand chairs and mahogany chairs decorated with ceramic panels depicting scenes from Shakespeare's works.
What is preserved in Atatürk's study?
The study contains an oak-veneered desk and a writing set associated with his use of the house, together with other period furniture.
What can I see in the bedroom?
The room includes a mahogany bed and a collection of period furniture such as armchairs, a chaise longue and wardrobes.
Are there books in the museum?
Yes. The library includes French-language encyclopedic material and books connected with Atatürk and the historical period.
What are the current opening hours?
The current 2026 seasonal official listing shows visiting hours of 08:30–19:00, with last admission or ticket-desk service at 18:30. Hours can change seasonally.
Is İzmir Atatürk Museum open on Mondays?
Yes. Current official information lists the museum as open every day of the week.
Is İzmir Atatürk Museum free?
Yes. The current official museum listing identifies admission as free.
How long should I spend at İzmir Atatürk Museum?
Approximately 45–75 minutes is suitable for most visitors, while architecture and history enthusiasts may prefer longer.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. Historic rooms, unusual furniture, large mirrors, carpets and architectural details can make the house accessible to younger visitors.
Can I take photographs?
Photography arrangements can change, so visitors should follow current museum signage and staff instructions regarding photography, video and flash.
Can I combine the museum with Kordon?
Yes. The museum stands directly on First Kordon, making the waterfront the easiest continuation of a visit.
What else can I visit nearby?
Kordon, Alsancak, Gündoğdu Square, Cumhuriyet Square and İzmir Kültür Sanat Fabrikası can all be incorporated into the same central İzmir itinerary.
Why is the museum historically significant?
The building connects late Ottoman İzmir architecture with the events of 1922–1923, Atatürk's later visits to the city and the preservation of an early Republican-period residence.
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