The Victoria and Albert Museum is opening a major exhibition that explores the artistic history of one of the world’s most influential cities. Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires takes visitors on a journey through 1,600 years of creativity, culture and design.
The exhibition opens on 7 November 2026 at the V&A South Kensington in London. It brings together more than 200 objects that reveal how Byzantine and Ottoman traditions shaped the city’s identity. V&A+1
A journey through two powerful empires
The exhibition explores the period between AD 330 and 1922. During these centuries, Constantinople and later Istanbul served as major centres of political, religious and artistic life.
Visitors can discover how different rulers, communities and beliefs influenced the city’s creative development. The exhibition also highlights the connections between Byzantine and Ottoman art, showing how both traditions helped shape the wider Mediterranean region.
The collection includes textiles, ceramic tiles, mosaics, jewellery, metalwork, manuscripts, paintings and architectural objects. Together, these works offer a closer look at the materials, techniques and artistic ideas that defined each period. V&A+1
Four sections explore the city’s history
The exhibition follows four main themes. Each section looks at a different part of Constantinople and Istanbul’s development.
Roman Beginnings examines the city’s foundation as an imperial capital under Constantine the Great in AD 330. It explores the architecture and infrastructure that helped the city grow into a major centre of power.
Heaven and Earth focuses on Byzantine religious art and architecture. It looks at how Christian imagery shaped public spaces and reflected the authority of the empire.
Power and Reach turns to the Ottoman period. It explores how rulers used luxury materials, decorative objects and public ceremonies to express wealth and influence.
Finally, Life in the City presents Istanbul as a centre of different cultures, languages and religions. It explores everyday life through objects linked to fashion, music, leisure and social traditions. V&A
Art that connects cultures and generations
Beyond its historical focus, the exhibition highlights the lasting influence of Byzantine and Ottoman creativity. These artistic traditions helped shape visual culture across Europe and the wider world.
The V&A also explores how 19th-century European artists and designers responded to these influences. The exhibition includes examples from the museum’s own collection, including prints, textiles and mosaics connected to the work of William Morris.
By bringing together objects from different periods, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on Istanbul’s place in art history. It also shows how artistic traditions can cross borders and continue to inspire new generations.
Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires opens at the V&A South Kensington on 7 November 2026 and runs until 9 May 2027. V&A+1