Sultan's Pavilion in Tophane (Tophâne Kasr-ı Hümâyunu)

The mansion, surrounded by Topkapi Park, was built near the Armory by order of Sultan Abdul Mejid I in 1852 and was used by the ruler and his officials when visiting the armories and naval shipyards located in this area. Initially, the pavilion was located on the shore of the Bosphorus, and distinguished guests arrived here by galleys. Later, the shoreline was changed, and the pavilion ended up deeper in the park. The building was designed by English architect William James Smith in the European Neoclassical style with floral reliefs and medallions.

Currently, the building belongs to the Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts (Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar Üniversitesi) and is used as a cultural and exhibition center, where temporary exhibitions of contemporary and classical art, academic events, lectures, and presentations are regularly held. For a long time, the pavilion was completely closed to the general public, but at the end of 2024 it was solemnly opened to visitors. The exhibitions are open on weekdays, and admission is free. If you’re lucky enough to get inside, you’ll see magnificent hand‑painted ceiling frescoes, original marble fireplaces, and a luxurious grand staircase. In the garden next to the pavilion, there’s a cozy café called Letafet Kafe, where you can have a cup of coffee with a view of the historic Topkapi walls and the Bosphorus.