Izmir Art Galleries

(Izmir, Turkey)

The Culture Park of Izmir is home to two excellent art galleries. The Museum of Art and History is one of the city's leading galleries and is known in Izmir for its ancient art works and ceramics, while the neighbouring Museum of Arts and Sculpture offers a more modern flavour.

Named after one of the city's leading businessmen, Selcuk Yasar, the Selcuk Yasar Museum of Arts is another gallery of note in Izmir and dates from the mid-1980s, standing within the neighbourhood of Alsancak.

Museum of Art and History (Tarih ve Sanat Muzesi)

Address: Kultur Park, Izmir, Turkey, TR
Tel: +90 0232 489 7586
The Museum of Art and History is a relatively new addition to the Kultur Park, being opened as recently as 2004, and is divided into three main sections - ceramics, sculptures and also important artefacts. Offering a good insight into the region's rich artistic heritage, the museum is known for its stunning relief of Demeter and Poseidon, which dates as far back as the 2nd century. The Kadifekale hunting mosaic is also well worth a look, as is the popular book shop, which is brimming with books relating to the culture of Turkey.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museum of Arts and Sculpture

Address: Kultur Park, Izmir, Turkey, TR
Another leading art gallery located within the aptly named Culture Park (Kultur Park), the Museum of Arts and Sculpture first opened its doors in the early 1950s and is home to a wealth of paintings, sculptures, pottery and statues. A large number of the works on display have been created by Turkish artists from Izmir and throughout the country, and are grouped into various different themed areas. Other highlights include an extensive art-related library, as well as a number of courses and workshops.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Selcuk Yasar Museum of Arts

Address: Cumhuriyet Boulevard, Izmir, Turkey, TR
Many of the paintings hanging within the Selcuk Yasar Museum of Arts were actually part of Selcuk's private collection (some of which he actually painted himself) and are well laid out within this spacious mansion. The ground floor tends to be where ever changing temporary exhibitions are staged, while the permanent collection is situated upstairs, and includes award-winning works from the famous Turkish DYO painting competitions.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge