What if we told you there's a place in Eskişehir where you can listen to the whisper of wood and meet the boldest colors of modern art? Imagine a structure nestled among the historic Odunpazarı houses, seemingly rising organically from the earth, a dance of timber and glass. This is the Odunpazarı Modern Museum, or as everyone knows it, OMM! If you're someone who says, "I want to do more than just visit a museum; I want to be part of a story," then you're in the right place. This guide, with its list of Things to Do in Odunpazarı Modern Museum, is designed to turn an ordinary trip into an unforgettable experience. OMM is not just a building; it's a modern soul beating in the heart of a district on the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List, redefining Eskişehir's skyline and cultural identity.   

Marvel at the impressive wooden architecture designed by world-renowned architects

Before you even step into OMM, something will stop you right at the beginning of the street: the building itself. This is no ordinary structure; it's a living, breathing work of art. The name behind this masterpiece is the world-renowned Japanese architectural firm, Kengo Kuma and Associates. This team, known for massive projects like the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Stadium, has a legendary connection with nature and natural materials. They've brought this philosophy right to the heart of Eskişehir.   

So, why wood? The answer is hidden in the name of the place you're standing: Odunpazarı. As the name suggests, this was once a place where wood was traded, where the spirit of timber seeped into the streets. Kengo Kuma pays homage to this historical memory by designing an incredible facade of interlocking wooden beams. This structure not only honors the past but also creates a gentle bridge between the modern urban fabric and the traditional Ottoman houses. The museum doesn't stand as a stranger challenging the historical texture; it feels like a wise, yet cool, new resident of the neighborhood that has been there for years. The designers' strategy of "stacking small boxes" to match the scale of the surrounding houses at street level, while rising towards the center to become a modern icon, is proof of the architecture's clever design.   

Once inside, the warmth of the wood envelops you. The massive central atrium is a magical space where wooden blocks spiral up to the sky like a vortex, and natural light filtering through the glass ceiling illuminates every floor. Here, light and shadow merge with solid wood to create an ever-changing, living atmosphere. As architect Yuki Ikeguchi hoped, visitors here truly feel "a bridge connecting to the future with the memory of the past".   

Tour the exhibitions featuring modern art from Turkey and around the world

When OMM's captivating architecture draws you in, the real adventure begins. The heart of the museum beats with the vision of its founder and art collector, Erol Tabanca. Tabanca's passion for offering a cultural gift to his hometown of Eskişehir and promoting Turkish art is palpable in every corner. OMM houses a rich collection that primarily features the most significant works of modern and contemporary Turkish art.   

The museum's curatorial approach masterfully blends the local with the universal. The inaugural exhibition, "Vuslat," clearly demonstrated its commitment to its roots by bringing together over 100 works from 60 pioneering Turkish artists like Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu and Canan Tolon. However, OMM is not afraid to cross borders. Under the same roof, you can see the largest and most breathtaking installation to date by Japanese bamboo master Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, or the immersive works of the British digital art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast that transport you to other worlds. This is a conscious choice. By exhibiting Turkish artists on the same platform as global giants, OMM makes their work part of a global dialogue. So, you're not just touring an exhibition here; you're witnessing how Turkey's contemporary art scene communicates with, is nourished by, and nourishes world art.   

The exhibitions at OMM are not just about beautiful pictures hanging on a wall. This is a space that asks you questions, that pushes you to think. With exhibitions like "Mourning and Pleasure," you delve into the depths of human contradictory emotions, while "Don't Look Back, the Matter is Deep" makes you question social norms and our perception of identity. The exhibition "Under Two Suns" invites you to reconsider your connection with the universe. When you leave OMM, you'll have not only beautiful images in your mind but also new questions to answer.   

Don't forget to check out our comprehensive Eskişehir travel guide to discover all the cultural riches the city has to offer.

Buy unique souvenirs from the museum's design shop

One of the most enjoyable moments of a museum visit is the shop at the exit, isn't it? The OMM Shop takes this pleasure to a whole new level. This isn't a place that sells ordinary souvenirs with the museum logo printed on them; it's a carefully curated design hub, conceived as an extension of the museum's artistic vision.   

In the shop, you'll find special collaborations with local Turkish artists and designers. You can find unique jewelry from names like Duygu Çöklü or GİKU, decorative objects that will turn your home into an art gallery, rugs, lighting, and ceramics. Additionally, OMM-exclusive clothing, art books, posters, and postcards offer great options to bring the memory of your visit home. Special collections like "OMM x Karl Monies" allow you to incorporate art into your life by turning it into wearable or usable objects.   

In fact, shopping at the OMM Shop is another way to support the museum's mission. Just as the museum aims to promote Turkish art, the shop supports Turkey's creative designers by providing them with a platform. With every item you buy here, you're not just getting a beautiful gift for yourself; you're also contributing to the local design ecosystem. The OMM Shop is like an interactive gallery, a continuation of the exhibitions you've just seen, where you can touch and purchase art.

After crowning your visit with a unique piece from OMM, discover other great stops for Odunpazari historical houses.

While You're Here...

When you step out of OMM's modern and inspiring atmosphere, you'll instantly find yourself in the historical texture of Odunpazarı. This transition between two worlds is one of the most special moments of the Eskişehir experience. Since you're here, you should combine your OMM visit with the other gems of this historic district:

Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex: An ideal stop to feel the elegance and tranquility of 16th-century Ottoman architecture. Be sure to visit the Meerschaum Museum located within the complex.   

Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar: The best address to watch how meerschaum is carved and to buy handmade, authentic souvenirs. You won't notice how time flies in this inn where traditional crafts are kept alive.   

Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum: If you want a fun break from OMM's contemporary art, you can take pictures with the wax figures of local and international celebrities at Turkey's first wax museum.   

Museum of Contemporary Glass Art: If your appetite for art has been whetted, you can witness how glass can be transformed into a fascinating art form in this museum, also located in a historic Odunpazarı house.   

Source: The historical texture of Odunpazarı is so special that it is on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List. For more information, you can visit (https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5786/).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much are the entrance fees for Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM)? Current ticket prices are Full: 150 TL, Discounted (students over 12, teachers, people over 65): 100 TL. Admission is free for OMM members, disabled individuals and one companion, children 12 and under, ICOM cardholders, and members of the press. Additionally, with the support of Paribu, admission to OMM is free for students every Wednesday.   

2. What are OMM's visiting hours? The museum is closed on Mondays. It is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. Note that ticket sales end half an hour before the museum closes.   

3. How can I get to OMM? OMM is located in the heart of Eskişehir, the historic Odunpazarı district, at Şarkiye Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 37. You can easily reach the museum with a short walk after getting off at the Odunpazarı stop on the tram or bus from the city center.