Insider’s guide: art museums to see in Istanbul

Istanbul is a lively city full of history and culture. The fact that it connects West and East, literally and metaphorically, makes it unique in both geography and culture. Every culture it contains blends together to create Istanbul's authentic yet modern landscape. Art plays a big part of that. There are many art museums galleries and street installations which can inspire you. Here is our guide, written by a local, to make the most of the city.

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Opened in 2004, it is Turkey's first modern and contemporary art gallery. As the name gives it away, it brings modern art to the city, mainly focusing on Turkish artists. Recently, the museum got a new building in the Karakoy district of Istanbul, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, making it one of the most famous museums in the world.

Impressive enough, it is the first museum to be featured in BBC's "Inside Museums" series. Produced by art critic Alastair Sooke, the 24-minute documentary explores Istanbul Modern's new building in the company of architect Renzo Piano. It takes viewers on a journey of Turkish art through interviews.

Opened to the public in its new building in May 2023, its waterfront building offers spaces for temporary exhibitions, interdisciplinary educational programs, film screenings, and an extensive art collection. The viewing terrace on the third floor has a reflection pool which melts into the cityscape as the seagulls fly over. The adult entrance price is 12 euros, and 8 euros for students, and 65+.

Pera Museum

Named after its location in the Pera neighbourhood, the museum was founded by Suna and Inan Kırac Foundation, a foundation in Turkey that engages in educational, cultural, artistic and healthcare initiatives.

Its neoclassical building was originally opened as the Bristol Hotel in 1893, designed by architect Achille Manoussos. It was a popular, high-rated hotel until the 1980s. After it became incompetent compared to other hotels, the building was bought by the Kırac Foundation and turned into the art museum it is today. After its renovation in 2003, the museum opened its doors to the public in 2005.

Photo 1 - Portrait of Charles Gravier Count of Vergennes and French Ambassador, in Turkish Attire by Antoine de Favray, 18th century; Photo 2 - Lady from the Ottoman Court playing the Def by Pierre-Désiré Guillemet, 1875. Orientalist Painting Collection, Pera Museum

There are three permanent collections in the museum granted by the Kırac Foundation named “Orientalist Paintings”, “Anatolian Weights and Measures”, and “Kutahya Tiles and Ceramics”. Besides permanent collections, this 5-floor museum hosts works of art from all over the world, while organizing joint projects with leading international museums, collections, and foundations such as Tate Britain, Victoria and Albert Museum. The adult entrance price is 3 euros, and 2 euros for students, and 60+.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Known as the first regular museum in the Ottoman Empire and now in Türkiye, the museum consists of three parts: the Archaeology Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum.

Located on the Osman Hamdi Bey slope in the historical Fatih district, which is named after the museum’s first director, a famous painter and archaeologist, the museum brings you back in time with its building and the pieces displayed inside.

As you enter the garden of the museum, on the left you will see the Tiled Kiosk which was built in 1472 by Mehmet the Conqueror as a pleasure palace.  In the kiosk, beautiful examples of Turkish tiles and ceramics from the Ottoman and Selcuk periods are displayed.

On the right, the Museum of Ancient Orient building which was first established as the Academy of Fine Arts in the Ottoman Empire in 1883, displays magnificent pieces such as the tomb of Alexander the Great. The entrance price is 12 euros.

Sabancı Museum 

You enter the gates of the museum garden and find yourself in a lush garden, by the sea, in the Emirgan district. You come across a koi pond, different types of plants and art pieces as you walk towards the entrance of the museum building, which instantly makes you feel like you are surrounded by beauty.

The building was first constructed in 1925 by Italian architect Edouard De Nari and it was used as a summer house until 1951 by Prince Mehmet Ali Hasan and his family. In 1951 Omer Sabancı, a wealthy Turkish businessman bought the villa and in 1998 it was donated to Sabancı University to be turned into a museum.

Today it is one of the museums with the most beautiful views in the world as it is located by the Bosphorus. It has a permanent collection of calligraphy and temporary modern art exhibitions such as works of David Hockney. The adult entrance price is 3 euros, and 2 euros for students, and 60+.

Borusan Contemporary