The museum is a two-storey house in Bodrum, where Zeki Müren, one of the most prominent artists of Turkey, lived from 1980 until his death in 1996. It was restored and turned into a museum by the Ministry of Culture and opened to visitors in 2000. The lower floor of the house is decorated in the original way as the artist lived, and the upper floor is organised as a museum. The museum exhibits information and documents relating to the artist's life and works, as well as photographs, stage costumes and personal belongings. Zeki Müren was born on 6 December 1931 in Bursa and is regarded as one of the most significant figures in classical Turkish music. He was awarded the title of State Artist in 1991 and the first Golden Record Award in Turkey. He composed more than three hundred songs throughout his musical life. Zeki Müren graduated from the Decorative Arts Department of the Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts (now Mimar Sinan University), and continued to study pattern design in addition to his music career. He designed many of his stage clothes himself. The artist, who also dabbled in painting, exhibited both his paintings and drawings in many cities. In 1996, he died as a result of a heart attack during a ceremony organised in his honour.
BODRUM ZEKİ MÜREN ART MUSEUM
