Istanbul’s contemporary art galleries and art scene are a vibrant and dynamic reflection of the city’s unique position as a bridge between East and West. It’s a space where diverse artistic expressions converge, showcasing established and emerging artists from Türkiye and around the globe. The city hosts numerous art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions, contributing to this thriving environment. Notable among these are Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum, and Borusan Contemporary, each offering distinct perspectives on contemporary art. Events like Contemporary Istanbul and the Istanbul Biennial further solidify the city’s standing as a key player in the international art world.
A significant concentration of Istanbul’s art galleries is in the Beyoğlu district, a historically rich and culturally diverse area. This concentration can be attributed to several factors. Beyoğlu has long been a hub for artistic and intellectual activity, attracting artists, writers, and thinkers for decades. Its central location, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere create an ideal setting for art galleries. Furthermore, the district’s evolution as a centre for cultural expression has fostered a supportive ecosystem for contemporary art, making it a natural home for galleries seeking to engage with a broad and culturally engaged audience.
Istanbul Art Galleries – Table of Contents
Istanbul’s Top 10 Art Galleries
Pera Museum (Pera, Beyoğlu)
Location: Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:65, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00, Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00. Friday, the museum is open until 22:00 with free entry from 18:00 to 22:00. Entrance Fee: The full-price adult entrance fee in February 2025 was the TL equivalent of €5.50.
The Pera Museum is a private museum in a historic former hotel building on Meşrutiyet Avenue in Beyoğlu, near İstiklal Street. It is known for its rich collection of Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kütahya tiles and ceramics. The museum and art galleries opened on 8 June 2005 and were established by the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, a prominent Turkish philanthropic organisation focused on art, culture, and education. The museum is housed in the former Bristol Hotel, an elegant Neoclassical building dating back to 1893 that was restored and transformed into a museum by the architect Sinan Genim. Pera Museum is known for its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions focusing on Orientalist art, Turkish history, and contemporary works.
The permanent collections include the Orientalist Paintings Collection, Anatolian Weights and Measures Collection, and the Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics Collection. The Orientalist Paintings Collection features European artists’ depictions of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The most famous piece is “The Tortoise Trainer” (1906) by Osman Hamdi Bey, one of Türkiye’s most iconic paintings. The Anatolian Weights and Measures Collection displays ancient measuring instruments used in trade, science, and daily life from the Hittite, Roman, and Ottoman periods. The Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics Collection is a rich collection of traditional Ottoman and Anatolian ceramics showcasing the craftsmanship of Kütahya, a famous ceramic-producing region in Turkey.
From the temporary exhibition collections September 2024-February 2025 – “In Search of Vera Molnár” and “Calculations and Coincidences” from the Algorithmic Art from the Central Bank of Hungary Collection.
Pera Museum frequently hosts international and domestic temporary & contemporary exhibitions. Themes often include photography, cinema, urban culture, and historical retrospectives. It collaborates with art galleries and institutions like the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Louvre. Additionally, the museum has Pera Film, a program that screens classic, independent, and experimental films. Educational Programs: Workshops, guided tours, and lectures. The Café and Museum Shop offer art books and gifts.
In the centre of the café is a piano owned by Maria Callas that inspired the book by Yigit Okur’s book “The Piano”.
Click here to read the heartwarming story of the piano.
STORY OF THE PIANO AT PERA MUSEUM
This piano was bought for Maria Callas (Cecilia Sophia Anna Maria Kalogeropolou) by her father. In 1939, father and daughter travelled by liner across the Atlantic, through the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean to the Aegean. The piano landed at Piraeus and was transported to Athens.
The second protagonist in the story, Elvira de Hidalgo, the daughter of an old Spanish family who studied at the Conservatory in Vienna and became a prima donna at a young age. After a brilliant singing career ranging from the Paris Opera to La Scala in Milan, she became a singing teacher at the Athens Conservatory in 1939. Maria Callas was one of her students. When Greece was liberated at the close of the Second World War, Maria Callas and her father decided to return to New York, but they did not want to take the piano with them. Maria Callas presented it to her teacher, Elvira de Hidalgo, as an expression of gratitude. At that time, Carl Ebert was the director of the Ankara Conservatory, established years earlier at the wish of Atatürk, and he invited Elvira de Hidalgo to Ankara as a singing teacher. The piano was transported from Athens to Piraeus, shipped to Istanbul, carried across the Bosphorus from Karaköy to Haydarpaşa, and taken by train to Ankara.
The third protagonist in the story was Mordo Dinar, whose passion for music had begun at Galatasaray High School. Dinar’s life had been devoted to music, music lovers and musicians, and while Elvira de Hidalgo was teaching at Ankara Conservatory, it was inevitable that they should become friends. When Elvira de Hidalgo fell seriously ill, she gave her piano to Mordo Dinar. This time, the piano was transported from Ankara back to Haydarpaşa, across the Bosphorus to Karaköy Quay, and then to the home of Mordo Dinar. One evening, Yiğit Okur listened to Mordo Dinar’s account of the piano’s story at a dinner given by Suna and İnan Kıraç, and this inspired him to write his novel The Piano.
When Mordo Dinar died in 2002, his daughter, who was living in Madrid, wrote to Yigit Okur, saying, “The piano became your novel. I leave it in your charge.” Yigit Okur gave this news to İnan Kıraç, and Mordo Dinar’s daughter was asked how much she wanted for it. She replied, “One day when I visit Istanbul, take me to one of those shabby taverns on the Bosphorus. A glass of raki and a fresh bluefish are the price of the piano. Just let it not be lost and have an owner who appreciates its worth.” Inan Kıraç did not let her down.
This piano at Pera Museum now belongs to all of us.
Türkiye İş Bankası Painting & Sculpture Museum **Free**
Location: Türkiye İş Bankası Resim Heykel Müzesi, Asmalı Mescit, İstiklal Cd. No:144, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 – 19:00, Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 – 19:00, closed Mondays. Entrance Fee: As of April 2025, entrance to the museum was free, though the official website notes a fee schedule.
The Türkiye İş Bankası Painting and Sculpture Museum (Türkiye İş Bankası Resim Heykel Müzesi), located on İstiklal Avenue in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, is a significant cultural institution dedicated to Turkish art. Housed in a restored historic building, the museum spans five floors, featuring exhibition areas on the second through fifth floors, a museum shop, bookstore, café, and multi-purpose hall on the ground floor, and a restaurant on the sixth floor. The architectural design incorporates atria that create visual connections between floors, enhancing the visitor experience.
The museum’s collection comprises over 2,700 works by more than 900 artists, including prominent figures such as Osman Hamdi Bey, Şeker Ahmet Pasha, İbrahim Çallı, and Hikmet Onat. This extensive collection reflects the development of Turkish painting and sculpture from the early years of the Republic to the present day. The museum’s inaugural temporary exhibition, İstanbul’un Resmi (The Portrait of Istanbul), showcased over 300 Istanbul-themed works from the bank’s collection, offering a visual journey through the city’s neighbourhoods, seasons, and daily life. The temporary (September 2024 to September 2025) exhibition Tat ve Sanat: Lezzetli Resimler (Taste and Art: Delicious Paintings) focused on food and dining. It featured over 200 works, including still lifes and scenes of markets and eateries, by 90 artists from the bank’s collection and other institutions.
Salt Beyoğlu & Salt Galata (Pera & Galata, Beyoğlu) **Free**
Location Salt Beyoğlu: Asmalı Mescit, İstiklal Cd. No:136, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 – 19:00, Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
Location Salt Galata: Arap Cami, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 – 19:00, Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
Salt Beyoğlu is a contemporary art space in Istanbul on İstiklal Avenue in the Beyoğlu district, close to several other Istanbul art galleries, such as the Pera Museum and the Yapı Kredi Museum. It is part of Salt, a cultural institution that includes Salt Galata. The space is housed in a historic building, once the Siniossoglou Apartment. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was originally a residential and commercial building belonging to the Siniossoglou family, a Greek-Ottoman merchant family. Salt is a non-profit institution founded by Garanti BBVA and operated by the Salt Research and Programs team. It focuses on contemporary art, visual culture, design, and social issues.
The space was redesigned by the Architectural Design Studio Mimarlar Tasarım, led by Han Tümertekin. Salt Beyoğlu first opened in 2011 but closed for renovations in 2018. It reopened in May 2021 with a renewed focus on exhibitions, film screenings, performances, and discussions. Salt Beyoğlu mainly hosts contemporary art exhibitions, strongly emphasising social issues, urban studies, and cultural research. It also houses the Walk-in Cinema, a free-access screening area for films, performances, and talks. The space often features:
- Experimental and conceptual art
- Video installations and new media art
- Architectural and design exhibitions
- Film screenings and public talks
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Tophane, Beyoğlu)
Location: İstanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi, Kılıçali Paşa, Tophane İskele Cd. No:1/1, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00. Friday, the museum is open until 22:00. Entrance Fee: The full-price adult entrance fee in February 2025 was the TL equivalent of €18.50. Free entry to Turkish residents under 25 on Tuesday from 10:00 to 14:00, and Turkish residents are free on Thursday from 10:00 to 14:00.
Türkiye’s first museum of modern and contemporary art, Istanbul Modern, mediates the sharing of Türkiye’s artistic heritage globally and brings together creative productions from various geographies in Istanbul. The museum collects, preserves, exhibits, documents, and studies modern and contemporary artworks to create a space for diverse artistic expressions. It supports art production, access to art, and collaborations through exhibitions, programs, and events. With a vision to build a sustainable art ecosystem and inclusivity, the museum fosters dialogue with art for audiences of all ages and walks of life, inviting people to wonder and think together. Istanbul Modern’s exhibitions and educational programs strengthen the dialogue between artists and audiences by using technological tools and enabling a multifaceted museum experience.
The museum collection, combining works by artists from Türkiye and different regions, examines the interactions and transformations in art history through thematic or chronological selections. The Temporary Exhibition Gallery hosts retrospectives and thematic group exhibitions featuring modern and contemporary artists. The Pop-Up Gallery provides space for projects across various disciplines or commissions to up-and-coming artists. The Photography Gallery showcases the historical evolution of photography and the reflections of art movements within the medium. Istanbul Modern broadens its scope through educational and social projects, film programs, and interdisciplinary activities within the museum library, cinema, and shop.
For thousands of years, the Golden Horn area served as an inlet port of the Bosphorus, and this natural port united Istanbul with other centres of commerce and culture around the world. In the 13th century, various Italian trading colonies in Istanbul began to build harbours in the area. One was the Genoese port in Galata, which includes the Tophane district. By the 17th century, the Karaköy-Tophane waterfront had become the main arrival point for ships coming from Europe. In 1879, the construction of piers all along the shore began. Warehouses were built on the piers in 1910.
With the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the piers were turned over to the Maritime Lines and Docks Administration, which became the Turkish Maritime Administration in 1984. From the 1980s onwards, the dock started to host cruise ships and cargo ships and was used as the main port of Istanbul until 1990. In 1990, plans for a new passenger port on the coastline between Karaköy and Salıpazarı were developed. Following the transfer agreement with the Turkish Maritime Administration, the port area was renamed Galataport Istanbul Port Management and Investments Inc. in February 2018.
Arter (Dolapdere, Beyoğlu)
Location: Arter, Yenişehir, Irmak Cd. No:13, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 – 19:00, Thursday open until 20:00. Entrance Fee: The full-price adult entrance fee in April 2025 was the TL equivalent of €8.00. Free entry to under 25s. On Thursday, the art galleries and exhibitions are free to all.
Founded in 2010 as a subsidiary of the Vehbi Koç Foundation, Arter is a sustainable, vibrant cultural hub that offers a wide range of programmes that are accessible to everyone. From 2010 to 2018, Arter presented 35 exhibitions at its building on Istiklal Street. In September 2019, it moved to its new building in Istanbul’s Dolapdere district, designed by Grimshaw Architects. At its new building, Arter continues expanding the range of its activities beyond exhibitions to performances and events across many disciplines. Arter’s building has 18,000 square metres of indoor area and features exhibition art galleries, performance halls, learning areas, a library, an art bookstore, and a bistro.
The Arter Collection comprises more than 1,400 works by around 400 artists and combines contemporary expressions, positions, and practices worldwide. The collection includes works from the 1960s to the present. It covers multiple media disciplines, from painting, drawing, sculpture, print, photography, film, video, and installation to sound, light, and performance-based practices.
Arter’s multidisciplinary Events Programme features outstanding and innovative examples of performing arts, classical, contemporary, and electronic music, film, performance, and digital arts. The events are placed in dialogue with the collection and exhibitions where possible. They are not limited to Arter’s two performance halls, the Sevgi Gönül Auditorium and Karbon, but are also held in different parts/spaces of the building.
Dirimart (Dolapdere & Pera, Beyoğlu) **Free**
Location Dirimart Dolapdere: Hacıahmet Mahallesi Irmak Caddesi No: 1-9 34440 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00, Sunday 12:00 – 19:00. Entrance Fee: Free to enter. Note that the gallery has no permanent exhibits and only one temporary exhibit, usually on a 4-6 week cycle with approximately two weeks off between exhibits, so it is advisable to check the gallery’s website for exhibit dates before visiting.
Location Dirimart Pera: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No: 99 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00, Sunday 12:00 – 19:00. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
Founded in 2002 by Hazer Özil with the intent of exhibiting established and emerging artists both from Türkiye and around the world in a context conducive to critical dialogue and cross-pollination, the pivotal concern of the gallery’s program is individual and regional differences while fostering cosmopolitanism and collaboration. Located in two distinct locations in Beyoğlu (Dolapdere and Pera), Dirimart divides its program between established and emerging artists.
Dirimart cultivates a program premised on conceptualism, political resistance and intellectual rigour. The gallery extends its influence beyond exhibitions through active participation in international art fairs and publishing art-related materials via RES Publications. The gallery has been instrumental in introducing internationally renowned artists to the Turkish art scene while promoting Turkish contemporary artists globally.
Galerist (Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu) **Free**
Location: Galerist, Passage Petits-Champs, Meşrutiyet Cad. 67/1, Tepebaşı, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 – 19:00, Closed Sunday & Monday. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
Galerist, founded in 2001, is a pioneering contemporary art gallery in Türkiye. Since its early years, the gallery has established a reputation for nurturing the careers of distinguished Turkish contemporary artists and introducing their work to a global audience. Since 2011, Galerist has been located in Passage Petits-Champs, Pera, to provide visibility to Turkish artists living in Türkiye and elsewhere. In addition to its central space, which dates back to the 18th century and provides 250 sqm of exhibition space, Galerist is present in different spaces on a project basis.
Galerist is also eager for a broad spectrum of collaborative work, such as co-curating exhibitions off-site with other institutions and welcoming other art galleries/institutions to the gallery’s space for projects. Galerist attaches importance to equal gender representation in the visibility it provides through its represented artists and exhibitions. The gallery’s roster portrays this equal representation and the vast array of careers the gallery encompasses. Founded within Galerist to support and promote Turkey’s growing art scene, ArtUnlimited magazine has been one of Turkey’s leading culture and arts publications since 2006.
Zilberman Gallery (İstiklal, Beyoğlu) **Free**
Location: Zilberman Gallery, İstiklal Cad. Mısır Apartmanı No.163 K.3 D.10, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 – 19:00, Closed Sunday & Monday. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
Zilberman Gallery, founded in Istanbul in 2008 by Moiz Zilberman, has become significant in contemporary art. The gallery showcases diverse artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, video art, and installations, emphasising fostering dialogue between Turkish and international artists. Its presence within the historic Mısır Apartmanı in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district provides a compelling backdrop for its exhibitions. Expanding its reach, Zilberman Gallery has strategically established locations in Berlin and Miami, enabling it to engage with a broader audience and participate actively in the global art scene.
Istanbul Art Galleries – Zilberman Gallery: From the Şeylerin Ailesinde 2025 exhibition “In the Family of Things”. NB: Picture Reindeer Cyclone also includes “43 Tools for the Revolution”, and “Landscapes (Fingerprints) Series”.
This international presence facilitates cultural exchange, bringing international artists to Türkiye and promoting Turkish artists abroad. The gallery’s commitment to fostering artistic growth extends beyond exhibitions, with initiatives such as artist-in-residency programs and the organisation of artist talks and lectures. Zilberman Gallery actively participates in prominent international art fairs and publishes catalogues and artist books, contributing to disseminating contemporary art knowledge. By combining its dedication to artistic excellence with a commitment to cultural exchange and education, Zilberman Gallery plays a vital role in shaping the modern art landscape in Türkiye.
Meşher Art Gallery **Free**
Location: Meşher Art Gallery, Tomtom, İstiklal Cd. No: 211, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. Website: The museum website (English). Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 – 19:00, Closed Monday. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
Meşher is a contemporary exhibition space on Istanbul’s İstiklal Street, established in 2019 by the Vehbi Koç Foundation. Housed in the historic Meymenet Han building, formerly home to Arter, Meşher derives its name from the Ottoman Turkish word for “exhibition space.” It offers a multidisciplinary program that spans historical research, contemporary art, and cultural heritage, supported by publications, workshops, and public events.
The exhibits pictured above are literature and popular culture media referencing Istanbul as part of the exhibition “The Story Unfolds in Istanbul (January–July 2025).“
Recent exhibitions at Meşher include The Story Unfolds in Istanbul (January–July 2025), which explores depictions of Istanbul in Western literature across genres like science fiction, graphic novels, and spy thrillers. Another notable exhibition, I-You-They: A Century of Artist Women (2021–2022), showcased over 200 works by 117 women artists active in Türkiye between the 1850s and 1950s, highlighting their contributions to art history.
Burusan Contemporary (Sarıyer)
Location: Burusan Contemporary, Rumeli Hisarı, Balta Limanı Hisar Cd. No:5, 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 18:00. Entrance Fee: The full-price adult entrance fee in February 2025 was the TL equivalent of €6.50.
Borusan Contemporary is a unique art institution in the historic Havuzlu Mansion in Sarıyer, Istanbul. It distinguishes itself by showcasing new media art collections from the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, owned by Borusan Holding. Founded in 2011, it blends historical architecture with cutting-edge contemporary art, creating a distinctive and immersive experience for visitors. The gallery operates during weekends, allowing visitors to explore the exhibitions while enjoying the panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
The Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, which forms the core of the exhibitions, focuses on new media art, including video art, sound installations, light-based works, and digital media. This emphasis reflects Borusan Holding’s commitment to innovation and its interest in exploring the intersection of art and technology. The exhibitions are curated to engage visitors with thought-provoking and visually stimulating artworks, often incorporating interactive elements that encourage active participation.
Beyond its exhibitions, Borusan Contemporary also hosts a variety of educational programs, workshops, and events, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of contemporary art. These initiatives contribute to the institution’s role as a cultural hub, promoting dialogue and exchange within the Istanbul art scene and beyond. By combining its unique location, innovative collection, and commitment to education, Borusan Contemporary contributes to the city’s artistic landscape.
Other Istanbul Art Galleries
Yapı Kredi Museum (İstiklal, Beyoğlu) **Free**
Location: Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat, İstiklal Cd. No: 161, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 – 19:00, Saturday 11:00 – 19:00, Sunday 12:00 – 19:00. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
The Yapı Kredi Museum, situated on İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu, is a significant cultural and artistic hub in Istanbul. In the 1950s, when there were no laws regarding the protection of historical artefacts and cultural assets, Yapı Kredi brought together a wide variety of numismatic and ethnographic objects, including coins, medals, decorations, embroideries, tombacs, rosaries, clocks, and shadow theatre figures. Since then, Yapı Kredi has hosted many important cultural and art projects. The museum and its art galleries were established in 1992, enriching the city’s cultural landscape through its extensive collections and diverse events.
Beyond its numismatic treasures, the museum’s holdings encompass many artefacts, including ethnographic pieces from Turkish-Islamic culture, historical documents, manuscripts, and artworks. This diversity caters to a broad spectrum of visitor interests. The Yapı Kredi Museum extends its cultural impact beyond its permanent displays by hosting temporary exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and publications. It functions as a dynamic cultural platform, offering visitors a blend of historical and artistic experiences and providing an opportunity to explore Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Due to its prominent central location and comprehensive collections, the Yapı Kredi Museum has become a vital destination for local and international visitors.
x-ist (Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu) **Free**
Location: x-ist, Süren Apartmanı, Gümüşsuyu, Mete Cd. No:8 Kat:1, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 – 19:00, Closed Sunday & Monday. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
x-ist is a pioneering art gallery founded in Istanbul in 2004 by collector Daryo Beskinazi. It aims to host and support young, contemporary Turkish artists who produce works based on original ideas and mentor them throughout their careers. The gallery, which regularly participates in important art fairs in Turkey and abroad and cooperates with international institutions, continues its work to strengthen the careers of the artists it represents and expand its borders.
PİLOT Gallery (Cihangir, Beyoğlu) **Free**
Location: PİLOT Gallery, Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Sıraselviler Cd. No:85/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. The museum website link. Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 – 18:00, Closed Sunday & Monday. Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
PİLOT Gallery is a notable contemporary art space in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. Its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary projects and showcasing established and emerging artists distinguishes itself. The gallery’s unique physical space has been transformed from a former nightclub, contributing to its distinct atmosphere. This transformation has created an ample, versatile space for various exhibitions and artistic expressions.
Azra Tüzünoğlu is the founder and director of PİLOT Gallery in Istanbul, building upon her previous experience with a gallery called Outlet and has a background in the art world, including experience as an art critic. A key feature of PİLOT Gallery is its dedication to providing a platform for diverse creative endeavours. Beyond traditional exhibitions, the gallery actively supports research and projects pushing contemporary art’s boundaries. This is further exemplified by “Co-PİLOT,” an adjacent space designed to host various events such as talks, discussions, screenings, performances, and workshops. This auxiliary space reinforces PİLOT’s role as a dynamic hub for cultural and artistic exchange within Istanbul.
Orjin Meşrutiyet Art Galleries (Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu) **Free**
Location: Minoa Pera, Orjin Meşrutiyet, Evliya Çelebi, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:99, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 08:00 – 23:00, Friday and Saturday 08:00 – 00:00 (Book shop times – gallery times may vary depending on exhibitions, typically 10:00-19:00 and 12:00-19:00 at weekends). Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
Dirimart (Pera) Meşrutiyet: Gallery Website.
Öktem Aykut: Gallery Website.
MeshRu: Gallery Website.
Located in a historic late 19th-century old “Union Française” building on Meşrutiyet Street in Istanbul’s Tepebaşı neighbourhood, Orjin Meşrutiyet is home to some of the city’s most dynamic contemporary art galleries. The building has become a creative hub where art, design, and dialogue converge, anchored by institutions championing bold and experimental work. On the ground and first floors is the Minoa Pera, an independent bookstore and cultural venue, offering a curated selection of over 60,000 Turkish and English books across various genres, alongside a café, bar, restaurant, event space, and co-working area.
Dirimart (Pera) Meşrutiyet on the basement (-1) floor is one of Istanbul’s most established galleries, featuring a broad roster of internationally acclaimed and local artists such as Sarkis, Ayşe Erkmen, and Shirin Neshat. It regularly stages thought-provoking exhibitions that span painting, sculpture, installation, and conceptual practices. Sharing the building is Oktem Aykut, on the second floor, is a younger but widely respected gallery known for its edgy, politically nuanced programming. It often spotlights emerging Turkish artists working across diverse media and ideas, from digital aesthetics to socio-political critique. MeshRu on the third floor is a vibrant, interdisciplinary art space in Istanbul that fosters an egalitarian and pluralistic environment.
Galeri Nev İstanbul
Location: Galeri Nev İstanbul, Mısır Apt. İstiklal Cad. No: 163 Kat:4, 34433 Beyoğlu. Website: Official Website (English). Opening hours: 11:00-18:30 Tuesday-Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:00-18:30, closed Mondays. Free to enter.
Founded in 1987 by Haldun Dostoğlu, Galeri Nev İstanbul is a cornerstone of Türkiye’s contemporary art scene, initially spotlighting 20th-century modern Turkish artists and later embracing emerging talents who have significantly influenced the evolution of contemporary art in the country. The gallery is renowned for its diverse exhibitions, ranging from retrospectives to solo and group shows. It is committed to publishing over a hundred monographs, artist books, and catalogues, contributing substantially to art history and archival awareness.
Located on İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu, Galeri Nev İstanbul has showcased works by prominent artists such as Hale Tenger, who held her first solo exhibition there in 1990, and Ali Kazma, known for his video art exploring human labour and social organisation. The gallery continues to be a vital platform for contemporary artists, hosting exhibitions that reflect various artistic expressions and fostering a dynamic dialogue between Turkish art and the international art community.
Casa Botter Art and Design Center **Free**
Location: İBB Casa Botter, Şahkulu, İstiklal Cd. No:235, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. Website: Official Website (Turkish). Opening hours: 10:00-19:00 Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Free to enter.
Casa Botter, also known as the Botter Apartment, is a landmark of Art Nouveau architecture in Istanbul, situated on İstiklal Avenue in the Beyoğlu district. Commissioned by Sultan Abdülhamid II in the early 1900s for his court tailor, Jean Botter, the building was designed by Italian architect Raimondo D’Aronco. It originally functioned as a fashion house and the Botter family’s residence. Notably, it was the first building in Istanbul constructed in the Art Nouveau style. It featured ornate ironwork and a distinctive female head sculpture on its façade, which is believed to represent a woman D’Aronco admired.
The pictures above feature exhibited works by Burhan Uygur (1940–1992), a Turkish painter renowned for his poetic and expressive works that defied academic conventions. He blended figurative and abstract elements to capture the emotional depth of everyday life.
After decades of neglect, Casa Botter underwent a comprehensive restoration led by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and reopened in April 2023 as the Casa Botter Art and Design Centre. The revitalised building now hosts an exhibition hall on the ground floor, with plans to include a screening centre, the Istanbul Documentary Film Archive, a conference hall, design workshops, and artist studios on the upper floors. Since its reopening, Casa Botter has featured several notable exhibitions. The inaugural exhibition, “Dreams, Truths,” curated by Melike Bayık, showcased contemporary artworks exploring abstract concepts. Subsequently, the “Solo Botter: Komet” exhibition presented a retrospective of Gürkan Coşkun, known as Komet, highlighting his early works and minimalist paintings from the 1960s.
Municipality Art Galleries **Free**
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Directorate of Libraries and Museums enriches Istanbul’s cultural life by supporting and operating numerous art galleries and exhibition spaces across the city. With a mission to make art accessible to all, İBB curates diverse contemporary and historical art exhibitions that reflect Istanbul’s dynamic identity, social issues, and cultural heritage.
Their venues, such as Cendere Art Museum, Mecidiyeköy Art Gallery, and Kağıthane Sanat Galerisi, host solo and group exhibitions, retrospectives, and interdisciplinary projects, often featuring both emerging and established artists. İBB also maintains a growing municipal art collection, which includes works of painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media, regularly exhibited in thematic displays. The Directorate fosters community engagement with the arts through these initiatives and supports the city’s creative economy.
İstanbul Art Gallery (Golden Horn Shipyard)
Location: İstanbul Sanat (Haliç Tersanesi), Emekyemez, Refik Saydam Cd. No:45, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul. Website: Official Website (Turkish). Opening hours: Depends on the current exhibition. Typically 10:00-19:00 Tuesday-Sunday. Free to enter.
İstanbul Sanat, opened in 2024 by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, is the city’s first public contemporary art museum and cultural centre. It is located within the historic Haliç Shipyard (Haliç Tersanesi). Initially founded in 1455 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the shipyard is one of the oldest continuously operating shipyards in the world. Through an ambitious restoration project, this historic industrial site has been transformed into a vibrant cultural venue while preserving its architectural heritage.
The venue’s centrepiece is the Istanbul Art Museum, launched with the exhibition Ah Güzel İstanbul (Ah Beautiful Istanbul), showcasing over 300 works reflecting the city’s rich artistic legacy that brought together pieces from various periods and collections, including notable works like the portrait of Sultan Mehmed II from the workshop of Gentile Bellini. In addition to its exhibitions, İstanbul Sanat also includes a festival area, performance spaces, children’s art workshops, a restaurant, and a museum shop, positioning it as a dynamic hub for cultural life on the Golden Horn.
Cendere Art Museum (Cendere Sanat Müzesi)
Location: Cendere Sanat Müzesi, Ayazağa, Cendere Cad. No: 128, 34396 Sarıyer/İstanbul. Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 Tuesday-Friday, 10:00-17:00 Saturday-Sunday. Free to enter.
Located in Sarıyer, the Cendere Art Museum is housed in the restored Cendere Hamidiye Pumping Station, an industrial heritage site dating back to 1902. Transformed into a contemporary art venue, the museum features a main exhibition hall, a library, and a Beltur café, creating a vibrant cultural hub. The museum’s design emphasises preserving the historical essence while integrating modern functionalities, offering a space for interdisciplinary art exhibitions, panels, and performances.
Mecidiyeköy Art Gallery (Mecidiyeköy Sanat)
Location: İBB Mecidiyeköy Sanat ve Ödünç Kütüphane, Mecidiyeköy, Büyükdere Cd., 34381 Şişli/İstanbul. Opening hours: 10:00-19:00 Tuesday-Sunday. Free to enter.
Situated beneath the viaduct in Mecidiyeköy Square, this gallery is part of İBB’s initiative to revitalise underutilised urban spaces. The structure boasts a 360-degree glass façade with pivot doors, fostering transparency and inviting public engagement. The square features the Istanbul Bookstore and other cultural amenities alongside the gallery, transforming the area into a dynamic public space for art and community interaction.
The Aydın Doğan International Cartoon Competition, organised by the Aydın Doğan Foundation, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. The competition, which is known as the “Oscars of Cartoons” and in which artists from all over the world participate, draws attention as an international platform where 9,300 artists from 137 countries have taken part with more than 90,000 works. See below:
Kağıthane Art Gallery (Kağıthane Sanat Galerisi)
Location: Kağıthane Sanat Galerisi, Merkez, 34406 Kağıthane/İstanbul. Opening hours: 09:00-19:00. Free to enter.
Located at the entrance of the Kağıthane Metro Station on Sadabad Street, this gallery offers visitors a journey through time with its exhibition “Kağıthane’ye Zaman Yolculuğu” (A Journey Through Time in Kağıthane). The exhibition showcases 19th-century photographs from the İBB Atatürk Library and the Istanbul Research Institute archives, highlighting the district’s rich history and cultural significance during the Ottoman era and beyond.
Other art galleries operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Directorate of Libraries and Museums include Bakırköy Sanat Galerisi, Habitat Sanat (Habitat Yeni Nesil Yaşam Merkezi Şişli), and Maltepe Sanat Galerisi.
Major Contemporary Art Events in Istanbul
Contemporary Istanbul
Contemporary Istanbul Website – Next Dates: 24-28 September 2025
Contemporary Istanbul is a leading international art fair that brings together contemporary art galleries from Türkiye and worldwide. It serves as a platform for showcasing and selling contemporary art, fostering connections between artists, galleries, collectors, and enthusiasts. The event features diverse artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and new media art. It is an annual event. In 2024, the 19th edition took place from 24 to 27 October, with a preview day on 23 October. The 20th edition of Contemporary Istanbul will take place from 24 to 28 September 2025.
The Istanbul Biennial
Istanbul Biennial Website Next Dates 20 September – 23 November 2025
The Istanbul Biennial is a prestigious international contemporary art exhibition organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV). It is known for its curatorial focus on exploring contemporary social, political, and cultural issues through art. The Biennial features works by artists from diverse backgrounds, often presented in various venues across Istanbul. It is a biennial event. The 18th Istanbul Biennial will unfold in three distinct legs. The first leg will run from 20 September to 23 November 2025.
See also: LikeTürkiye.com: Best of Istanbul – Top 10 Istanbul Museums