Erzurum Painting and Sculpture Museum and Gallery, located on Kongre Street in a historic 1864 building, exhibits works of Turkish painting and the historical venues of the Erzurum Congress.
This building is actually the original structure where the Erzurum Congress was held. Built in 1864 by Mıgırdiç Sanasaryan, it was first used as Sanasaryan College, an Armenian Girls' Boarding School. In a fire in 1924, the wooden section was completely destroyed. It was later repaired and became Gazi Primary School, then the Fine Arts High School. Between 2011 and 2013, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey restored the building, and at the end of 2014, it was transferred to the General Directorate of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The museum's own story is also convoluted. It was established in 1963 in the Public Education Center building, moved to the Cultural Center in 1986, then due to a city square project, it first moved to Kazım Karabekir Public Library, and finally, in 2016, to the current Congress Building. Works by pioneering artists such as Şeref Akdik, Bahattin Akay, Mustafa Aslıer, Halis Üstündağ, and Hüseyin Yüce constitute the 52 paintings permanently exhibited in the painting hall. 15-17 temporary exhibitions are also organized annually.
The main attraction is the Congress Hall. Atatürk's presidential seat, where he sat with a copy of his ID card, is preserved there. Tables with the names of 56 delegates from Trabzon, Erzurum, Sivas, Bitlis, and Van, and portraits depicting the lives of the delegates adorn the walls. Considered an example of Ottoman civil architecture, the building houses history and art under the same roof.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Since the museum is an indoor venue, there is almost no seasonal limitation. As snow and cold last long in Erzurum, it makes sense to include the museum in your itinerary while exploring the city center. The Congress Hall and painting halls look similar in terms of light at all times of the day, so planning your visit time according to the ticket office closing time is more important.
How to Get There
The building is located on Kongre Street in the center of Erzurum. It is within walking distance for those going to Erzurum Castle or Çifte Minareli Medrese. It can also be reached by dolmuş or municipal bus lines passing through the city center, or a short taxi ride.
Location in the City
The museum is located close to Erzurum's historic center. Erzurum Castle, Çifte Minareli Medrese, and the Turkish-Islamic Arts and Ethnography Museum are in the same vicinity. It can easily be included in a one-day city tour.
How Much Time to Allocate
Visiting the Congress Hall and painting halls takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour. If there is a temporary exhibition, the duration may be slightly longer. It can be included in a half-day tour program along with other historical structures in Erzurum.
Suggested Route
A walking route starting from Erzurum Castle, passing through Çifte Minareli Medrese to the Congress Building, and then extending to the Turkish-Islamic Arts and Ethnography Museum, is a practical option for those who want to see the city's historical fabric in a single day.
Things to Note
Since the building has undergone multiple relocations and restorations, some visitor comments mention a lack of visual material from the congress period. The ticket office closes approximately 15 minutes before the museum's general closing time. It is advisable not to leave it until the last minute.
Photo Spots
The presidential seat and delegate tables in the Congress Hall are the most photographed corners. The exterior facade of the building, showcasing details of Ottoman civil architecture, also attracts attention for photos taken from the courtyard.
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