Art in İstanbul Is The New Cool

Art in İstanbul Is The New Cool

With the length and breadth of culture, old and new, on both the European and Asian sides of İstanbul, the movement of art has found its home in the heart of Türkiye. Modern and contemporary artists and new art movements are presented and exhibited like never before.

As one of the first museums of modern and contemporary art in İstanbul, İstanbul Museum of Modern Art attracts art lovers and tourists from near and far. While its new home is being built in the beautiful Galataport district, the İstanbul Modern has been temporarily relocated to the Union Française, a historic building in Beyoğlu on Asmalımescit Mahallesi.

Stroll through the white-walled galleries to view the collection of abstract paintings, portraits, sculptures, digital art, installations and photographs by local artists as well as public and private collections. In addition, İstanbul Modern’s temporary location also offers a lovely library and a café to unwind in.

With an innovative programme of temporary exhibitions, there is also the must see permanent works by highly respected modern and contemporary Turkish artists. Highlights include the large-scale, colourful abstract canvases of Fahrelnissa Zeid and a selection of works by the artist Sarkis, who works with neon colours.

For a slightly different take on the art world, Pilevneli, located in İstanbul’s historic Dolapdere neighbourhood opened its doors in 2017. Founded by Murat Pilevneli, the gallery brings a fresh new spirit with an international perspective to the contemporary art scene of İstanbul and the region. Pilevneli focuses on contemporary art and houses a range of local and international artists who are unique and consistent in their practice.

Designed by renowned architect Emre Arolat, the large gallery and exhibition space is an exemplary display of revitalisation. The five-storey gallery, one of the first examples of cultural and art-oriented urban transformation in the Dolapdere region, the Pilevneli building was shortlisted in the cultural category at the World Architecture Festival.

Recently, the Pilevneli Gallery has exhibited the work of Refik Anadol and his data sculptures.

Those who seek adventure climbing Çamlıca Hill to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of İstanbul can enrich their trip with a visit to the nearby IMOGA Museum of Graphic Arts.

Since 1974, the collection has expanded to include artistic works from the fields of original etching, lithography, serigraphy, and linoleum prints. With over 1200 works by 80 Turkish and foreign artists, it is now one of the largest collections in the world. The museum beautifully shows how important İstanbul is as a centre for the existence and development of art with its artistic diversity and atmosphere.

National Palaces Paintings Museum

Established in the Dolmabahçe Palace, the National Palaces Painting Museum comprises 11 departments with 553 unique works of art by Turkish and international artists collected by the palace residents.

Located on the shore of the Bosphorus, the newly renovated rooms of the Crown Prince Apartments of Dolmabahçe Palace, the Museum is itself impressive; it has quickly become a centre for art and culture in İstanbul, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists with the fine art from the Ottoman period.

The Museum of Paintings is spread over two floors and is divided into several sections; Westernisation of the Ottomans, Caliph Abdulmecid / Views from İstanbul - Housed in the library of the last Ottoman Crown Prince and the caliphate of the Ottoman Empire, Abdulmecid Efendi. The paintings focus on İstanbul by local and foreign artists.

Paintings purchased for the palace by the Goupil Gallery, Ivan Konstantinovic Ayvazovski Hall - The works of the Russian painter Ivan Konstantinovic Ayvazovski are displayed in this impressively decorated room. Court Painters - This area displays the court painters who were favoured by various Sultans. Orientalist Painters / Attraction of the Orient - These paintings show views of the East by Western artists. Aide-de-Camp Painters, and finally, the Turkish Painters - A highlight of the museum, divided into two periods: 1870 to 1890 and 1980 to 1930. The works of several generations of Turkish painters are displayed here, including two works by Osman Hamdi Bey.