Cunda Taksiyarhis Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Taksiyarhis Church, one of Cunda Island's most important historical structures, remained in ruins for many years. Through the initiative of Rahmi M. Koç Museums, the building underwent extensive restoration and was brought back to life in 2014 as Ayvalık's first private museum. Since there was no church community, the way to carry the structure into the future was to convert it into a museum; this decision allowed for both the preservation of the historical architecture and the exhibition of the collection.

The museum's collection consists of carefully selected works from the inventory of the Rahmi M. Koç museums in Istanbul and Ankara. On the ground floor, maritime instruments, objects related to transportation history, and various nostalgic artifacts are displayed, while tin toys and steam engine models are exhibited on the upper floor. Visitors generally appreciate the diversity of the collection; some occasionally express that the space could be a bit larger.

Cunda Island gets quite crowded in the summer months; queues may form to enter the museum during this period. April-June and September-October offer a much more comfortable experience in terms of both weather conditions and visitor density. The island is quiet in winter; it is advisable to confirm in advance whether the museum is open during that time.

If you plan to include Aşıklar Tepesi (Lovers' Hill) in your itinerary, climbing the hill first and then walking down to the museum is both a practical and enjoyable option. Since there is little shade on the narrow streets of the island at midday, choosing the morning or late afternoon hours makes the walk much more comfortable.

The easiest way to reach Cunda Island is by using the strait bridge from Ayvalık center; it's approximately a 7 km and 15-minute journey. If you are coming from Istanbul, you can reach Bandırma by İDO ferries and then Cunda by road. The sea journey is about 2 hours, and the road journey from Bandırma to Cunda is approximately 3 hours. From Izmir, the road distance is around 165 km.

The museum is a five-minute walk from Cunda center. Since the museum does not have its own parking lot, you need to leave your car in the open areas of the island and walk. It is also possible to reach the museum directly by walking down from the Sevim and Necdet Kent Library on Aşıklar Tepesi.

Since the museum is a private institution, there is an entrance fee, and the Museum Pass is not valid here. Adult admission is 200 ₺, and student admission is 100 ₺. If you also want to visit the other Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Ayvalık, you can purchase a combined ticket at the entrance; this option covers both museums. Since prices may have been updated, it is recommended to confirm with official sources before visiting.

The restored exterior of Taksiyarhis Church offers a very impressive frame among Cunda's narrow streets. Inside, the high church ceilings and colorful stained-glass details create a beautiful backdrop for photos. The toy collection on the upper floor is also an interesting area for nostalgic shots. Don't forget to capture Cunda's cobblestone streets in your frame when going to and returning from the museum.

Since the museum is centrally located in Cunda, there are many cafes and restaurants nearby. The island is known for its olive oil dishes and seafood; especially the establishments around Cunda pier offer fresh fish and meze options. Ayvalık toast and local olive oil products are also among the prominent flavors of the region. For those who want to combine their museum visit with lunch, there are many options within walking distance in the island's center.

The Museum Pass is not accepted at this venue; you need to pay with cash or card. The museum does not have its own parking lot, so you need to leave your car in a suitable spot in Cunda center. As the building is a historic church, some areas inside may be narrow or stepped; wheelchair access is limited. Since the museum's opening hours and days may vary by season, it is recommended to check the official website before your visit.