Istanbuls Best Art Galleries By Neighborhood

Like every major cosmopolitan city, Istanbul’s art scene is on a constant upward trajectory with new galleries, artists, and events injecting life into its artistic veins. With many galleries spread all over its various urban areas, we took on Istanbul’s most artistically inclined neighborhoods to break down the best galleries.

Nişantaşı

x-ist

Art Gallery

Founded by collector Daryo Beskinazi and art director Kerimcan Güleryüz, x-ist is a contemporary art gallery that features young artists on the rise who are bound to make their mark on the scene. The exhibitions are always on the more innovative side with a youthful spirit.

Dirimart

Working with both up and coming artists as well as the more established names, Dirimart made its mark in Istanbul’s art scene with its local and international focus. The gallery also publishes a bi-annual art magazine and just opened a second, larger branch in Dolapdere. https://instagram.com/p/BJwxlGJh3SB/

Galeri Ilayda

Innovative exhibitions with process apparent works (art that reveals its method of creation) are the main focus at Galeri İlayda. You’ll find works ranging from installations to digital displays that harbor an inventive use of materials as well as diverse forms from both local and international artists. https://instagram.com/p/BGTN8vnqdmD/

Beyoğlu

ALAN Istanbul

Art Gallery

Another contemporary art gallery that focuses on the work of young artists, ALAN Istanbul’s exhibitions are known for their cutting edge demeanor. Much more than a gallery, ALAN also supports the work of activists and hosts performances, films, and art classes.

Arter

Located right on bustling İstiklal Caddesi, Arter is an important name amongst Istanbul’s contemporary art scene. With innovative and conceptually demanding exhibitions with works such as installations, video, painting, and sculpture, you’ll always see something in the main window display that will entice you to enter. https://instagram.com/p/BJaAWddh8Gc/

Galerist Tepebaşı

Having represented Turkish contemporary art at international fairs, Galerist Tepebaşı is a serious force to be reckoned with in the local arts scene. Founded in 2001, the gallery focuses on introducing new local and international artists who share a unique vision of a contemporary aesthetic. https://instagram.com/p/BKvE6XVgn4x/

Mısır Apartmanı

Art Gallery

You definitely won’t overlook this stunning, historic apartment building, which was once home to important names from Turkey’s literary world such as Mehmet Akif Ersoy (poet and author of the Turkish national anthem). Nowadays, Mısır Apartmanı has become an art hub with the city’s most important art galleries occupying different floors. You’ll spend a few hours going up and down the gorgeous winding staircase to check out the exhibitions at Cda Projects, Galeri Zilberman, Galeri Nev, the Nesrin Esirtgen Collection, and Pi Artworks.

Karaköy

Depo

Art Gallery

Much more than an art gallery, Depo serves as a discussion platform for artists as well as cultural organizations from Turkey and abroad. Aiming to promote discussion on cultural, social, and political issues, the gallery hosts exhibitions, video screenings, conferences, panels, talks, and workshops.

Istanbul Modern

Museum

Certainly one of the city’s most important hubs for modern art, Istanbul Modern opened in 2004 in a converted warehouse. Known for its major exhibitions and events, the museum has also done its part in getting Turkish modern art on the map by exhibiting such artists as Kutluğ Ataman, Gülsün Karamustafa, Sarkis, Taner Ceylan, and Hussein Chalayan. Istanbul Modern also features a Cinema Center with a focus on world cinema and new talent in the Turkish film world.

artSümer

Representing the most innovative side of Turkish contemporary art, artSümer showcases the work of both established and newer names in the art world. From painting to sculpture and photography to new media, the gallery’s exhibitions have also been featured at important local and international fairs. https://instagram.com/p/BEdOZyOKubB/