Top Art Galleries in Istanbul

Yasin Berkay

I am eager to leave my comfort zone and push myself to try new things. The best way to do it is by traveling. So I keep exploring the world and myself.

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Istanbul, as a point where historical and modern values combine, is a city rich in art and artistic activities. Modern art galleries in Istanbul, and halls where different branches of art can be exhibited at the same time allow for this. If you come to Istanbul at the right times you may have the chance to participate in these art activities almost every day. If you’re curious about the top 5 art galleries in Istanbul which will give you the chance to see the most up to date works of art then read on.

1. Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

This is the first modern art museum in Turkey. Established in one of the most prestigious and busiest areas of Istanbul, this art gallery and Istanbul museum, commonly known as the Istanbul Modern, will introduce you to impressive artworks. In this valuable art museum, where both institutional and individual historical archives are presented, events are held in different languages. The most prestigious and popular works of modern art that have been realised in countless fields from painting to cinema, from theatre to illustration are exhibited primarily at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.

Thematic photography exhibitions are popular with visitors to the gallery. In some of the photo exhibitions that have themes such as mountains, people, neighbourhoods or buildings, you’ll find some highly impressive works of art. In the special halls where experimental artworks are exhibited, you’ll notice a completely different ambiance. This gallery is located in a very central location and is easy to reach using public transport!

2. SALT Galata

SALT Galata is another prestigious venue among the modern art galleries in Istanbul. Located in the centre of the city, is involved in art history research projects and forms an archive with them. You can visit this archive online, where documents and information can be found in different languages. All events that take place here can be viewed on the calendar on the official website. The art gallery has a rich archive, especially in terms of photography and painting exhibitions. Moreover, the gallery has a blog page, which is actively used and is full of information and culture.

3. Pera Museum

The museum, which has a perfect view of the Bosphorus, has many exhibitions on at the same time thanks to its multi-storey structure. The art gallery, which works diligently to exhibit the work of a new generation of modern artists, exhibits different art installations in many languages. The art gallery, which attracts attention with its themed exhibitions, displays works with modern and oriental connotations. The halls used as active art galleries and museums, display important artworks and are used continuously. You can have a snack and a drink in the cafe on the bottom floor of the museum.

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4. IMOGA Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts

Serving also as a museum, this institution focuses especially on the exhibition of works of graphic arts and is used both as an art gallery and a large workshop at the same time. The most important feature of this institution is that it enables foreign tourists to produce artworks in workshops and display them. Therefore, the modern artworks you can see here may have a more original structure than you would see in other museums. Check out tourist attractions in Istanbul while you are here!

5. Borusan Contemporary

Here is another modern art gallery you can visit. Borusan Contemporary, is a private organisation boasting a rich collection of art. These collections are exhibited with great care in the museum part of the gallery. After visiting this part, you can go to the halls where temporary exhibitions are held. For information about the periodical activities, you should contact the gallery or check the website. There is also an art store where you can buy artistic products. Check out the places to drink Turkish coffee in Istanbul.

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