The art scene continues to flourish in Istanbul and you will be delighted to see that there are quite a number of art museums and art galleries. These feature not just paintings but other mediums such as sculpture, mosaics, calligraphy and contemporary art. The eras are varied as well – modern art and Ottoman, Byzantine and Turkish arts. What’s more, you can even get t talk to the painters and artists.
Art Galleries: A number of the galleries can be found in the Taksim and Istiklal Caddesi area. Go out and embark on art gallery tours to see what Istanbul artists have to offer!
Borusan Center for Culture and Art (Address: 421 Istiklal Caddesi; Telephone 0212 292 0655; Website: www.borusansanat.com)
Art Galeri (Address: Sakayik Araligi Sok. 8/A Tesvikiye; Telephone: 0212 230 2007)
Bm Cagdas Sanat Merkezi (Address: Akkavak Sok. 1/1 Nisantasi; Telephone: 0212 231 1023)
Aksanat Resim Galerisi (Address: Istiklal Cad. Zambak Sok. 16/1 Beyoglu; Telephone: 0212 252 3500)
Antrepo No. 3 (Address: Antrepo No. 3, Karakoy; Telephone 0212 334 7300)
Atse Taki Sanat Galerisi (Address: Sakayik Sok. 62/5 Nisantasi; Telephone: 0212 241 7633)
Bilim Sanat Galerisi (Address: Muhurdar Cad. Akmar Pasaji 70/1 Kadikoy; Telephone: 0216 346 0276)
Galeri Bozatli (Address: 1 Cad. 97/A Arnavutkoy; Telephone: 0212 265 4556)
Galeri B (Address: Husrev Gerede Cad: Firin Sok. 2 Tesvikiye; Telephone: 0212 227 0363)
Galeri Vinci (Address: Tesvikiye Ihlamur Yolu 1 Tesvikiye; Telephone: 0212 233 0619)
Galeri Cerceve (Address: Galipdede Cad. Timarci Sok. 5 Tunel; Telephone: 0212 251 2651)
Galeri Nev (Address: Macka Cad. 33, Macka; Telephone 0212 231 6763)
Galeri Oda (Address: Husrev Gerede Cad. 102/B Tesvikiye; Telephone: 0212 259 2208)
Galerist (Istiklal Cad., Misir Apt 31 1/4, Beyoglu; Telephone: 0212 244 8230)
Gallery Apel (Hayriye Cad. 7, Galatasaray; Telephone: 0212 292 7236)
Mimar Sinan University of Art: This State University is dedicated towards the promotion of fine arts, as well as the education of Turkish artists. You can find this university in the Finkikli neighborhood. Founded by Osman Hamdi Bey, one of Turkey’s famous artists, it started its operations in 1883. Now, it provides courses in photography, handicrafts, sculpture, ceramics, glass art, graphic designs and even tile work restoration. You can also learn how to make rugs, stage clothes and calligraphy.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum: Or simply, Istanbul Modern, is a showcase of contemporary art in the city. Founded only in 2004, it shows the natural ability of local painters and artists. The second floor contains permanent exhibitions while the first floor is an ever-changing exhibit of works by up and coming local artists. There is also a library and cinema here.
Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Center This houses what are probably the best and most wide-ranging collections of art publications in Istanbul. It features exhibitions by artists not just locally but also various points of the world.