Are you a fan of modern and contemporary art? Do you want to explore one of the most exciting and innovative art museums in the world? If yes, then you should definitely visit Istanbul Modern, Turkey’s first modern art museum, which reopened in 2022 after five years of renovation. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about visiting Istanbul Modern, from its history and design to its exhibitions and tickets.
The History and Design of Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern was founded in 2004 with the aim of promoting the artistic and cultural development of Turkey and fostering a dialogue between local and international art scenes. The museum was originally located in a former warehouse in Karakoy, a historic district on the shores of the Bosphorus. The warehouse was transformed into a spacious and minimalist exhibition space by the Turkish architect Emre Arolat.
However, in 2017, Istanbul Modern had to relocate temporarily to a smaller venue in Beyoglu, another cultural hub of the city, due to the construction of a new subway line under the Bosphorus. The original location in Karakoy was closed and demolished, and a new building was designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, who is famous for his works such as the Pompidou Center in Paris, the Shard in London, and the Whitney Museum in New York.
The new Istanbul Modern is expected to reopen in 2022, and it will be a stunning masterpiece of architecture and engineering. The building will have a total area of 18,000 square meters, and it will consist of four floors that will house exhibition halls, education rooms, a library, a cinema, a restaurant, a cafe, and a museum shop. The building will also have a rooftop terrace that will offer panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline. The building will be made of glass, steel, and wood, and it will blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and the historical heritage of Karakoy.
How to Get to Istanbul Modern
The new Istanbul Modern will be located in the same spot as the old one, in Karakoy, which is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas of Istanbul. Karakoy is easily accessible by public transportation, such as metro, tram, bus, ferry, or taxi. You can also walk from the nearby attractions, such as the Galata Tower, the Galata Bridge, or the Spice Bazaar. The address of Istanbul Modern is as follows:
Istanbul Modern Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. Liman İşletmeleri Sahası Antrepo No: 4 34433 Karaköy - İstanbul
What to See and Do at Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern will offer a rich and diverse collection of artworks that will showcase the artistic creativity and diversity of Turkey and the world. The museum will feature permanent and temporary exhibitions that will cover various genres, periods, and themes of modern and contemporary art. Some of the exhibitions that are or will be on display at Istanbul Modern are:
Artists in Their Time: This is the main permanent exhibition of Istanbul Modern, which presents a selection of works from the museum’s collection that reflect the social, cultural, and political contexts of their time. The exhibition spans from the late 19th century to the present day, and it includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and installations by Turkish and international artists.
Guests: Artists and Craftspeople: This is a temporary exhibition that explores the relationship between artists and craftspeople, and how they collaborate, exchange, and inspire each other. The exhibition features works by contemporary artists who work with traditional crafts, such as ceramics, textiles, metalwork, or woodwork, and who reinterpret them in innovative and creative ways.
In Pursuit of the Present: This is a temporary exhibition that examines the concept of the present and how it is perceived, experienced, and represented by artists. The exhibition features works by contemporary artists who use various media, such as painting, sculpture, photography, video, or sound, to capture the essence, the complexity, and the contradictions of the present moment.
The Sea Beneath Our Eyes: This is a temporary exhibition that celebrates the sea as a source of inspiration, beauty, and life for artists and humanity. The exhibition features works by contemporary artists who explore the sea from different perspectives, such as its history, its culture, its ecology, or its spirituality.
In addition to the exhibitions, Istanbul Modern will also offer educational programs, such as workshops, lectures, or film screenings, that will enrich the visitors’ experience and knowledge of art.
The museum will also have an outdoor sculpture garden and a waterfront walkway, where visitors can enjoy the fresh air and the stunning views of the Bosphorus and the city. The museum will also have a museum shop and a museum cafe, where visitors can buy souvenirs, books, or artworks, or have a snack, a drink, or a meal.
How to Plan Your Visit to Istanbul Modern
If you are planning to visit Istanbul Modern, here are some useful information that you should know:
Tickets and Hours:
The admission fee for Istanbul Modern is 80 TL for adults, 40 TL for students, and free for children under 12, museum members, and visitors with disabilities. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Mondays and on national holidays. You can buy your tickets online from the official website of Istanbul Modern, or at the ticket office at the entrance of the museum.
Free Admission and Discounts:
Istanbul Modern offers free admission to all visitors on the first day of every month, and on May 18, which is the International Museum Day. The museum also offers discounts to groups of 10 or more people, to senior citizens over 65, and to teachers. You can also get a discount if you buy a combined ticket for Istanbul Modern and the nearby Pera Museum, which is another great museum that showcases Turkish and international art and culture.
Accessibility and Security:
Istanbul Modern is accessible to visitors with disabilities, and it provides wheelchairs, ramps, elevators, and audio guides for them. The museum also has lockers, where you can store your belongings, such as bags, coats, or umbrellas. However, you should note that the museum has a strict security policy, and you may be asked to go through a metal detector or a bag check before entering the museum. You should also follow the museum’s rules, such as not smoking, eating, drinking, or touching the artworks inside the museum.
Photography and Video Recording:
Istanbul Modern allows photography and video recording for personal and non-commercial use, as long as you do not use flash, tripod, or selfie stick. However, you should respect the wishes of the artists and the museum staff, and refrain from taking photos or videos of the artworks that have a “no photography” sign on them. You should also be considerate of other visitors, and not disturb or obstruct them while taking photos or videos.
Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Istanbul Modern
To make the most of your visit to Istanbul Modern, here are some tips and recommendations that you should follow:
- Check the official website of Istanbul Modern for the latest updates on the reopening date, the exhibitions, the events, and the tickets. You can also follow the museum’s social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, for more news and information.
- Book your tickets in advance online, especially if you are visiting on a weekend or a holiday, to avoid the long queues and the possible sold-out situations. You can also buy a combined ticket for Istanbul Modern and the Pera Museum, which will save you money and time.
- Plan your visit according to your interests and preferences. You can spend as much time as you want at Istanbul Modern, but if you want to see everything, you will need at least two to three hours. You can also choose to focus on one or two exhibitions that interest you the most, or to explore the museum at your own pace and discover new artworks along the way.
- Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden and the waterfront walkway, which are among the highlights of Istanbul Modern. You can enjoy the fresh air and the stunning views of the Bosphorus and the city, and admire the sculptures by Turkish and international artists. You can also take a break and relax at the museum cafe, which serves delicious snacks, drinks, and meals, with a view of the sea and the sky.
- Explore the nearby attractions of Karakoy, which is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas of Istanbul. You can visit the Galata Tower, which is a medieval landmark that offers panoramic views of the city, the Galata Bridge, which is a lively spot where you can see fishermen, vendors, and pedestrians, or the Spice Bazaar, which is a colorful and fragrant market where you can buy spices, sweets, and souvenirs.
- Share your thoughts and questions about Istanbul Modern in the comments below, or on Tripoto, which is a platform where you can discover and share your travel stories, tips, and recommendations with other travelers. You can also find more articles, guides, and itineraries for Istanbul and other destinations on Tripoto.
- Book your tickets to Istanbul Modern now and enjoy a unique and unforgettable art experience in Istanbul. Istanbul Modern is one of the must-see attractions for art lovers and anyone who wants to explore the cultural and creative side of the city.
Istanbul Modern is more than just a museum. It is a place where you can discover the artistic creativity and diversity of Turkey and the world, and where you can enjoy the beauty and the life of the Bosphorus and the city. Istanbul Modern is reopening in 2022, and it will be a stunning masterpiece of architecture and engineering, as well as a rich and diverse collection of artworks.
If you are planning to visit Istanbul, you should definitely include Istanbul Modern in your itinerary, and experience the new and improved version of Turkey’s first modern art museum.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you soon at Istanbul Modern.
