Borusan Contemporary Perili Köşk is a historical building with Neo-Gothic architecture located on the Rumelihisarı coast, restored by Borusan Holding; known as Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion, it offers contemporary art exhibitions and Bosphorus views.
Standing on the shore of Rumelihisarı, overlooking the Istanbul Bosphorus, Perili Köşk (Haunted Mansion) is one of the city's most intriguing cultural venues. Also known as Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion, the building is considered among the leading examples of Istanbul's cultural heritage with its unique architecture. Acquired by Borusan Holding and re-purposed as both a company office and a contemporary art museum, the building is one of the rare venues that carries these two identities simultaneously.
The museum, under the umbrella of Borusan Contemporary, presents its permanent collection and periodic exhibitions to visitors. The Museum Cafe on the second floor, with its panoramic view opening to the Bosphorus, becomes a pleasant break point that completes the visit. It is also possible to gain in-depth knowledge about the history of the mansion and the stories of the artworks through guided tours.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Istanbul, Historical Places, Historical places in Istanbul, Bebek Coast.
Guide's Note
Borusan Contemporary, with its historic structure on the Bosphorus shore, attracts visitors both from the outside and inside. Many state that they knew the building from the outside before and later learned that its interior could be visited. It is emphasized that viewing contemporary art pieces against the Bosphorus view makes the visit especially valuable.
The quality of the exhibitions is positively received; it is reported that guided tours deepen the experience. The cafe is noted to be both delicious and reasonably priced. It is important to remember that the venue is open for visits on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 and 19:00.
While all existing comments are positive, a comprehensive evaluation is difficult due to the limited number of comments. We recommend verifying the current exhibition program and opening hours before your visit.
The Story of Perili Köşk
This structure rising on the Rumelihisarı coast went down in history as the Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion; over time, due to the legends circulating around it and its abandoned state, it began to be known as Perili Köşk (Haunted Mansion) among the public. With its unique Neo-Gothic architecture, pointed arches, and Bosphorus-facing facade, the building has become an integral part of Istanbul's skyline. Borusan Holding restored the mansion, bringing it back to life as both a company headquarters and a contemporary art venue. This transformation constitutes one of the most successful examples in Istanbul of how a historical building can meet contemporary needs.
When to Visit?
Since Borusan Contemporary is open to visitors only on Saturdays and Sundays, weekend planning is essential. Arriving early in the morning, especially to catch the 11:00 guided tour, is advantageous both to avoid crowds and to learn the mansion's story in the best way. In spring and autumn, the Bosphorus light is extremely suitable for photography. In summer, the terrace of the Museum Cafe becomes an ideal spot for a cool break in the afternoon. Checking the current exhibition calendar on the official website before your visit will make your planning more efficient.
How to Get There?
The most enjoyable way to reach the museum is by Bosphorus ferry; ferries departing from Beşiktaş pier stop near Rumelihisarı. For those wishing to come by road, buses 25E and 40, departing from Beşiktaş or Levent metro stations, alight at the Rumelihisarı stop; the museum is within walking distance from there. If you are considering coming by car, be aware that parking spaces in the vicinity are limited and can fill up, especially on summer weekends. Taxis or app-based ride services also offer a practical alternative.
Photo Spots
Perili Köşk is one of those rare places that offers photo opportunities at every corner. The exterior facade, especially the north face of the mansion overlooking the Bosphorus, provides impressive shots with its Neo-Gothic details. The wooden staircases and stained-glass windows inside the museum also provide a backdrop for interesting compositions. The Museum Cafe's terrace offers a perfect angle to capture Rumelihisarı and Anadoluhisarı on the opposite bank in the same frame. The light before sunset, known as the golden hour, illuminates the stone texture of the mansion and the Bosphorus water together, creating unforgettable images.
Museum Cafe and Surroundings
Located on the second floor of the mansion, the Museum Cafe offers light snacks and hot beverages to visitors with its commanding view of the Istanbul Bosphorus. For a more comprehensive dining experience, fish restaurants and tavern-style venues along the Rumelihisarı coastline can be preferred. Small cafes along the coast are quite suitable for relaxing after the tour. Moreover, thanks to its proximity to the Bebek district, it is possible to reach famous cafes and patisseries with a short journey.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The museum is open only on weekends, so weekday visits should not be planned. The last entry time is 18:00, and entry must be made by this time. Guided tours are conducted in groups of at least 5 and at most 15 people and are offered in Turkish; it is recommended to make a reservation in advance to catch the tour times. As the building is a historical structure, wheelchair and stroller access is limited. Since entrance fees may be updated periodically, it is advisable to check the official website or social media accounts before your visit.
Suggested Route: Rumelihisarı Itinerary
For those who want to turn their visit to Perili Köşk into a complete Bosphorus experience, the following route can be suggested: In the morning, take a ferry from Beşiktaş pier, cross to Rumelihisarı, and catch the 11:00 guided tour. After completing the tour, take a coffee break at the Museum Cafe with a Bosphorus view. In the afternoon, walk to visit Rumelihisarı Fortress; the fortress is within walking distance of the museum and can be visited with a separate entrance fee. You can complete the day with a walk along the Bebek coastline and a light dinner at one of the coastal cafes.
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