The Air Force Museum is located in the Yeşilköy district of Istanbul, Türkiye, adjacent to the military airport. The museum is one of the main institutions documenting the history of Turkish aviation. Its collection includes various aircraft models as well as materials related to the historical development of the Turkish Air Force and the evolution of aviation science.

The museum complex includes both open-air exhibition areas and indoor exhibition halls. With this structure, it offers visitors a comprehensive and educational exploration of aviation history.

^{Air Force Museum (Kültür Portalı)}

History and Establishment

The museum has a closed exhibition area of 2,365 square meters and an open exhibition area of 12,000 square meters. Documents, archive photographs, and military uniforms related to aviation history are displayed in the closed exhibition areas. The outdoor area features large-scale aircraft such as jet planes, fighter jets, helicopters, and radar systems.

The museum's interior architecture and exhibition layout were designed in collaboration with experts from the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Mimar Sinan University.

^{A promotional video about the Air Force Museum - (T.C. Milli Savunma Bakanlığı)}

Architectural Structure and Layout

The Air Force Museum is built on a total area of 65,000 square meters. The museum consists of open-air and indoor exhibition areas, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Turkish aviation history. The museum building attracts attention with both its functional structure and aesthetic design.

In the indoor exhibition areas, the historical development of Turkish aviation is presented chronologically through documents, archival photographs, military uniforms, and period materials. In the outdoor exhibition area, jet aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters, and other large-scale aircraft are displayed in a thematic arrangement. This arrangement provides visitors with the opportunity to examine the exhibits in both a visual and historical context.

The museum's collection includes various technological equipment such as aircraft, helicopters, radar systems, and air defense vehicles used by the Turkish Air Force. In addition, military uniforms, archival documents, and aviation inventory used from the Ottoman period to the present day are also on display. Aircraft from World War I and air vehicles from the War of Independence are among the highlights of the collection.

^{Works on Display at the Museum (Müzeler.org)}

The Air Force Museum contributes to visitors not only with its exhibition areas but also with the educational and cultural activities it offers. Seminars, workshops, and educational programs organized within the museum provide opportunities for individuals interested in aviation history and science to gain knowledge and deepen their understanding.

Additionally, the museum aims to spark an early interest in aviation among children through activities tailored for them and to raise awareness among individuals aspiring to pursue careers in this field. Such activities serve as complementary initiatives that support the museum's educational functions.

^{A video about the Air Force Museum - (TRT2)}

Visit Information

The Istanbul Air Force Museum is open year-round, with free admission on certain days and for certain groups. Admission is free for the following dates and groups:

• April 15–22 (Tourism Week) and November 18–24 (Teachers' Week): Teachers.
• April 23 (Children's Festivals Week): All children.
• May 18–24 (Museums Week): All visitors.
• March 18 (Çanakkale Victory), June 1, August 30 (Victory Day), October 29 (Republic Day), November 10 (Atatürk Commemoration Day): All visitors.
• Anytime: Press card holders, veterans, and visitors over the age of 60.

Transportation

The Istanbul Air Force Museum can be reached by private car and public transportation.

Transportation by private car: Follow the E-5 Highway towards Atatürk Airport, pass the airport, turn onto the coastal road, and turn right past the Air Force Academy to reach the museum.

Transportation by public transportation: Take the Sirkeci–Halkalı Suburban Train Line, get off at the Yeşilköy station, and walk to the museum. Visitors arriving from the Anatolian Side can transfer to Sirkeci Station via Marmaray and transfer to the suburban train. Alternatively, connect by sea via land from the Eminönü or Karaköy piers.

The museum offers visitors a more in-depth exploration of aviation history through guided tours and interactive exhibits. Open to both domestic and international tourists, the museum stands out as one of Istanbul's most important cultural sites.

The museum also plays a crucial role in preserving Türkiye's aviation heritage by documenting the Turkish Air Force's historical trajectory and its national and international achievements.