T.R. CSO1826 Exhibition Area, which serves under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, sheds light on the nearly 200-year history of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO). CSO1826 Exhibition Area; It contains a large number of works, including extensive information, documents, photographs and examples of instruments used by the CSO throughout its history. Knowing the historical adventure of the CSO means knowing the polyphonic music culture history of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey. CSO, one of the most rooted art institutions in the world, is one of the rare collective art institutions that has preserved its continuity without interruption throughout its 200-year history.

In 1826, to serve the Ottoman Empire Palace, Sultan II. Founded by Mahmud under the name "Muzika-i Hümâyûn", the ensemble moved to Ankara in 1924 by the order of Gazi Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk) and was named the "Riyaset-i Cumhur Philharmonic Orchestra". The orchestra has an important mission as it forms the core of the newly established art institutions of the young republic. CSO has been the orchestra of Turkey with its folk concerts, Anatolian tours, first performances and radio recordings of Turkish composers' works, educational concerts for young people and children, and has successfully represented our country in international tours it has participated in since 1924.

Exhibited in the CSO1826 display area; The bell used by the musicians of the 1838 Muzika-i Hümâyûn; Violin from the period of Osman Zeki Üngör, our first violin soloist and composer of our National Anthem; Harpsichord used by the first Turkish harpsichordist Ayşe Savaşır; The 19th century Crest Bag used by the Muzika-i Hümâyûn; The bell, which was used by the CSO for many years, and the Harp, which was produced in the early 1900s, are among the most important instruments in the inventory of the CSO1826 Exhibition Area. The first record of our National Anthem, which can be considered as the most valuable work of the CSO1826 Exhibition Area, belonging to 1933, is among the works of historical and national importance on display.

The CSO1826 Exhibition Area, where many instruments used by the CSO throughout its 200-year history and Turkish polyphonic music culture are conveyed, not only reflects the historical adventure of the CSO, but also offers visitors a visual history that they cannot get out of their minds. The presence of a large number of instruments in the CSO1826 Exhibition Area can play an important role especially for our children and young people to get to know the instruments, and it aims to increase the orientation and interest of people of all ages in music. CSO1826 shares the impressive history of CSO with you with modern presentation techniques in the CSO concert hall, which is one of the most special architectural works of the world and complies with international standards.

Individual visits to the CSO1826 Exhibition Area can be made free of charge, as well as group visits by appointment.