The purpose of the “New Arches” which are still visible in the building (later called the Galata District) was to perform the fitting of galleys or to remove  vessels from the water for repair. The ground floor of the Museum houses a full size reconstruction of a galley dating  from1622. It is possible to board the galley hrough the access ladder and as a “crew member”, the visitor is called by one of the shipbuilders to clarify his identity - slave, forced worker or paid labourer? - and is free to explore the cramped interior which is full of goods and equipment.