New diorama museum to open doors soon

A new museum in Istanbul is the first of its kind with dioramas and special items from all eras. Made possible by businessman Nejat Çuhadaroğlu, the Hisart Living History and Diorama Museum displays dioramas created by him over the past three decades The Hisart Living History and Diorama Museum, organized by businessman Nejat Çuhadaroğlu, will open to visitors on June 1 with a treasure trove of historical artifacts and items that bring the past to life.

“I have worked for many years to make this museum a reality. Now I am proud that all the efforts did not go for nothing. I hope our visitors will share my pride,” Çuhadaroğlu said at a press conference on May 27.

A unique museum in the world, the Hisart Living History and Diorama Museum was established in a building in Istanbul’s Çağlayan neighborhood.

Çuhadaroğlu’s interest in making paintings, sculptures and models began in childhood before becoming a professional hobby through the years. The businessman subsequently began making 3D models (dioramas) related to historical events and wars. Also working for the restoration and reproduction of historical objects and clothes, Çuhadaroğlu decided to establish a museum with the models he created and the antiques he collected.

Now, the museum is home to the world’s largest diorama collection thanks to his 30 years of labor in making models as well as 25 years of collecting.

The six-story museum, covering a display area of 1,500 square meters, was established at a cost of $25 million.

Military and ethnographic objects related to many civilizations and events that led to the formation of world history, such as the Ottoman...