Art galleries in Istanbul host exhibitions of all kinds, especially visual arts, and are a vital part of the city’s cultural and artistic life. These galleries are spread across many locations on both the Anatolian and European sides. Featuring works by prominent contemporary Turkish artists and world-famous foreign artists, Istanbul’s art galleries are a treasure trove of creativity and inspiration. With so many galleries to explore, it can be overwhelming to visit them all. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 15 must-visit art galleries in Istanbul. Here are 15 best art galleries in Istanbul that you can enjoy with pleasure!
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1. Arter
Arter, which set out with the slogan ‘Space for art’, was founded in 2010 by the Vehbi Koç Foundation. Arter, which was opened to support and exhibit new productions and to bring visibility to its artists and works, also hosts exhibitions created from the private collection and archive of the Vehbi Koç Foundation. Hosting the works of local and international artists, Arter’s exhibition program changes frequently.
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2. Borusan Contemporary
Borusan Contemporary is a multi-platform contemporary art institution that includes exhibitions, events, and educational programs informed by the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, and supports new art production and art writing through commissions.
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3. Hope Alkazar
If the old Alkazar Cinema, one of the places with a deep-rooted history in Istanbul, which keeps countless memories in its memory, had a dream, what would this dream contain? Using artificial neural networks and the latest artificial intelligence technologies, Refik Anadol Studio’s new project Alkazar Dream, consisting of two parts, is waiting for you at HOPE Alkazar.
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4. Istanbul Modern
Founded in Karaköy in 2004 as Turkey’s first modern and contemporary art museum, Istanbul Modern shares our country’s artistic creativity and cultural identity with the national and international art scene. The museum, which has hosted 8 million 500 thousand visitors since its establishment, has also provided free art education to 850 thousand children and young people. Focusing on the audience as a museum building of international standards, Istanbul Modern’s new building welcome art lovers with its exhibition halls, training workshops, cinema, library, design store, event areas, cafe, and restaurant.
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5. Sabarca University Kasa Gallery
The gallery located in Minerva Han, one of the historical buildings of Istanbul, was opened in 1999. The gallery, opened under Sabancı University, hosts exhibitions, conferences, and cultural activities.
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6. Pilevneli Gallery
Founded by Turkish gallerist Murat Pilevneli to make a difference in exhibitions, this venue has special touches for art lovers. Pilevneli Gallery, located in Mecidiyeköy and Dolapdere, is one of the frequent destinations of art lovers. Pilevneli brings together many internationally renowned artists from Turkey. In addition, it aims to promote artists in Turkey in the international arena.
7. Zilberman Gallery
Founded in Istanbul in 2008, Zilberman hosts 12 exhibitions every year in Berlin and Istanbul venues. Located on two separate floors of Mısır Apartmanı, this gallery has close relations with collectors, curators, and cultural thinkers. That’s why book launches, artist talks, conferences, and many other events take place here.
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8. Art On
Located in Pera, Art On is an interdisciplinary art platform. Founded in 2011, this gallery is very creative and innovative. Among the artists he represents are names such as Oddviz, Canan Dağdelen, and Onur Mansız. Founded by collectors Nil and Oktay Duran, Art On hosts unique contemporary approaches with its exhibition and event program.
9. PG Art Gallery
Founded by Pırıl Güleşçi Arıkonmaz in Bebek in 1993, Pg Art Gallery hosted hundreds of exhibitions with leading names of Turkish art in its first years. Pg Art Gallery, one of the first galleries of the contemporary art scene in Turkey, pioneered the exhibition of the first works of artists who would become known names of art in Turkey throughout the 1990s.
10. Ark Gallery
Cemil Topuzlu Street, which is a candidate to be the heart of art on the Anatolian Side, has a new art gallery. Cultural and artistic activities in Istanbul have recently continued to become widespread on the Kadıköy side. Galeri ARK joined the galleries that opened one after the other on Cemil Topuzlu Street. Cemil Topuzlu, which has started to host many galleries within walking distance of each other, is on its way to becoming the new meeting point for art lovers.
11. Gallery Mixer
Contemporary art venue Mixer focuses on uncovering local talent and particularly appeals to independent artists and innovative collectors. The venue consists of two main sections which are large and multi-purpose. Mixer, where solo and group exhibitions are held, also allows young curators to realize their projects. The gallery, which supports young artists in the country and abroad, draws attention with its major art projects.
12. CAM Gallery
CAM Gallery, which has been alive since 1992, is one of the oldest galleries where Turkish and international artists meet. While innovative and original works are the focal point of the gallery, supporting young artists is one of its most important priorities. The gallery, which hosts new and vital works, reaches a wider audience in its location in Çukurcuma.
13. Galerist
Founded in 2001, Galerist continues its existence to discover young talents and provide unique expression areas for artists. At the same time, ArtUnlimited magazine, established by the gallery with the aim and vision of supporting Turkey’s developing art scene, continues its life as one of the leading culture and art publications.
14. Anna Laudel Contemporary
With a five-story exhibition space, Anna Laudel is located in an inspiring historical building, further enhancing the feeling of visiting this place. The gallery, which contains the works of Turkish and foreign artists, also hosts various events such as interdisciplinary readings and artist conversations. The gallery, which has a dynamic exhibition program, also includes an art store. Located in Karaköy, Bankalar Street, Anna Laudel opened its second gallery in Düsseldorf in 2019 to further expand its scope.
15. Labirent Sanat
Labirent is based on the idea that everyone should have equal opportunities to access art; It is an organization dedicated to creating a fair space for audiences, artists, and independent curators. Labirent aims to provide sustainable support to artists in structuring an environment where they can meet the material requirements of life only through their creative activities, and in creating production, promotion, and presentation opportunities for original and creative ideas.
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