Gallery sights in Istanbul
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A
İstanbul Modern
In recent years İstanbul’s contemporary-art scene has boomed. Facilitated by the active cultural philanthropy of the country’s industrial dynasties – many of which have built extraordinary arts collections – museum buildings are opening nearly as often as art exhibitions. İstanbul Modern, funded by the Eczcıbaşı family, is the big daddy of them all. Opened with great fanfare in 2005, this huge converted shipping terminal has a stunning location right on the shores of the Bosphorus at Tophane and is easily accessed by tram from Sultanahmet. The museum’s curatorial program is twofold: the 1st floor highlights the Eczcıbaşı family’s collection of Turkish 20th-century and con…
reviewed
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B
Sabancı Üniversitesi Kasa Galerı
Kasa Galeri is located in the basement vault of the Minerva Han, formerly the Greek-owned Bank of Athens. Karaköy was once the city’s main financial centre, full of handsome bank buildings, and this splendid Islamic Eclectic–style building dating from the early 20th century is one of the many impressive buildings along Voyvoda Caddesi/Bankalar Caddesi dating from this time. Part of Sabaci University’s Communication Centre, the gallery shows works by young Turkish and international artists.
reviewed
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C
Yapi Kredi Cultural Centre
This centre has a prominent location on İstiklal Caddesi and an eclectic exhibition program including everything from retrospectives of 20th-century Turkish painters to spotlights on contemporary photographers working in İstanbul. It’s funded by the Yapı Kredi bank, which has a long history of supporting Turkish literature and art.
reviewed
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D
Galerist
The most fashionable of the city’s commercial galleries, Galerist shows young Turkish artists living at home and abroad and working in a variety of media. It’s located on the 4th floor of the Mısır Apartmentı Building. Look out for its (excellent) free magazine, edited by cultural commentator Ferhan İstanbulu.
reviewed
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E
Schneidertempel Art Center
Housed in an old synagogue, the Schneidertempel exhibits work by local Jewish artists, as well as frequent exhibitions from abroad. Quality varies, but we’ve seen some excellent photographic exhibitions here, as well as extremely moving exhibitions of historical work from the Holocaust.
reviewed
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F
Galerı Apel
This long-established commercial gallery behind the Galatasaray Lycée has a large stable of Turkish artists working in a number of media. Its shows are always worth a visit.
reviewed
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G
Galerı Nev
A highly regarded commercial gallery on the 5th floor of the fashionable Mısır Apartmentı building.
reviewed
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H
Taksim Republic Art Gallery
The unassuming Taksim Republic Art Gallery is situated in busy Taskim Square.
reviewed
