Description

The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, known as Istanbul Modern, is Turkey’s first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Established in 2004, it was founded by Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı and Oya Eczacıbaşı, following the public interest generated by the 1st International Istanbul Contemporary Art Exhibition in 1987. Initially housed in a converted customs warehouse on the Galata pier, the museum moved to a new purpose-built building in the Galataport district in 2023. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, the new structure spans 15,000 square meters across five levels and serves as a vibrant cultural hub for both local and international audiences .

Istanbul Modern's collection brings together works by artists from Turkey and around the world, examining interactions and transformations in art history through thematic or chronological selections. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions, retrospectives, and thematic group shows featuring modern and contemporary artists. It also provides space for projects across various disciplines or commissions to up-and-coming artists. Beyond exhibitions, Istanbul Modern offers educational programs, cinema screenings, and a library, fostering a deeper engagement with contemporary art.

A notable feature of the museum is the "Runner" sculpture by British artist Tony Cragg, installed outside the building. Standing 6 meters tall, the white artwork is on long-term loan to the museum and symbolizes the inner life beneath a rigid surface, making energy and motion perceivable . The museum's location along the Bosphorus waterfront adds to its appeal, offering visitors a unique blend of art, architecture, and scenic views.

Location
  • Kılıçali Paşa, Tophane İskele Cd. no 1/1, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Region
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