Get ready to have your artistic horizons expanded and your senses dazzled! Istanbul, a city where ancient history gracefully intertwines with vibrant modernity, has once again raised the bar for cultural experiences. Standing proudly at the bustling Galataport, the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, a true architectural masterpiece by the legendary Renzo Piano, opened its doors in 2023 and has quickly cemented itself as an absolute must-visit. Prepare to be swept away by its extensive and beautifully curated collection, housed within a building that is, in itself, a work of art. This isn’t just a museum; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of contemporary creativity, conveniently located and ready to inspire. Don’t miss it!

Istanbul Modern wasn’t open when I visited the city for the first time in 2022, but I could see the new structure being built. Istanbul Modern opened in 2023, in a new building by Piano. It is a huge, airy wonderful space with variety of exhibition rooms, educational workshops, a movie theatre, a library, a design shop, event spaces, a café and a restaurant are all available in the new facility.

Though it does also feature some older pieces, the Istanbul Modern is essentially a gallery dedicated to Turkish art during the later half of the 20th century. The neighbouring Istanbul State Art and Sculpture Museum displays Turkish art from its earliest days to the 20th century. I haven’t been there yet but I will go.

The Eczacıbaşı family provides the core of Istanbul Modern’s permanent collection; long-term loans from the Istanbul State Art and Sculpture Museum and Deutsche Bank augment this collection. With its 2500 painting collection, Türkiye İş Bankası, a Turkish bank, is another major source.

I am very impressed with both the museum and the work on show. It is not easy to see Turkish art outside of Turkey, even rarer to glimpse its recent art history.  with this inviting new space Istanbul Modern has the opportunity to put Turkish art on the art world map.

I have written about Turkish art before,  in my piece on a Saatchi Gallery show of Turkish contemporary art. Once I finish my Istanbul trip I’ll have more to say about Turkish contemporary art and individual artists.

I’ll leave you with a taster of images.