Istanbul Art Galleries

(Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey, TR

Art lovers won't want to miss the city's impressive art museums. The Fine Arts Museum was the very first to appear in Istanbul and continues to provide an enjoyable selection of exhibits.

The Modern Arts Museum is a new showcase of Istanbul's most innovative new art. Opened in 2004, this museum is the only one of its kind in Istanbul. Here you will find work by local artists ranging from sculptures and paintings to less conventional creations. The Modern Arts Museum is also serviced by an extensive library, as well as a café, a cinema and a gift shop.

Modern Arts Museum

Address: 4 Meclisi Mebusan Caddesi Liman Sahasy Antrepo, Karakoy, Istanbul, Turkey, TR
Tel: +90 212 334 7300
Located within the historical district of Karakoy (Galata) and alongside the Sea of Marmara, the Istanbul Modern is actually the very first art museum in the whole of Turkey that is solely dedicated to contemporary art works. This is a simply huge museum and resides within a restored warehouse, where all kinds of modern paintings, sculptures and photos are displayed, often successfully combining both Western and Turkey influences. Managed by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, the museum attracts literally thousands of visitors each day, with many coming to marvel at the well-known masterpieces on display and the paintings by local up-and-coming Malaysian artists, or to attend one of the regular workshops and classes.
Open hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, Friday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday - 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, free on Thursdays between 10:00 to 14:00

Fine Arts Museum

Address: Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, Turkey, TR
Tel: +90 212 261 4298
The doors to the Fine Arts Museum opened in 1937, making this Turkey's first (and for quite a while, only) art museum. The exhibits cover a broad range of work by internationally renowned masters, including outstanding collections of Impressionist paintings, paintings by military artists and a multitude of sculptures. The permanent exhibits are mostly sourced from within Turkey and date to the previous two centuries.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 12:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Galeri Apel (Apel Gallery)

Address: 7 Hayriye Caddesi, Galatasaray, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey, TR
Tel: +90 212 292 7236
The Galeri Apel can be found within the European-style Beyoglu district of Istanbul, on the northern bank of the Golden Horn waterfront, close to Taksim Square. With a total of five separate themed floors displaying art works from around the world, the Apel is certainly of note, being known for its Turkish paintings and Ottoman pieces. Prominent artists exhibiting here include both Azade Koker and Yucel Kale, amongst others.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 11:30 to 18:30
Admission: charge

Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art (Proje 4L)

Address: Meydan Sokak, Beybi Giz Plaza B Blok, Maslak,Istanbul, 34398, Turkey, TR
Tel: +90 212 290 2525
Established in 2001 as a not-for-profit institution, the Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to all aspects of Turkish modern art, including its development. Spread around some 2,000 square metres / 21,525 square feet, the extensive collection comprises pieces by both Turkish and international artists, including the likes of Tracey Emin, Gilbert and George, and Andy Warhol, amongst many others. 'Project Rooms' provide further interest, being full of paintings by up-and-coming regional artists, many of whom have never actually exhibited their paintings and sculptures before. An 'Archive Room' is also on hand with various portfolios of more established artists being available for browsing through, while a conference room provides the occasional lecture and related functions.
Open hours: Wednesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday - appointments only
Admission: free