The Museum of Contemporary Art in Istanbul (commonly shortened to Istanbul Modern) is the first privately owned museum in Turkey to focus on new and modern art. It’s a must-see for any fan of contemporary art in Istanbul. The museum has quickly established itself as Turkey’s most renowned and well-known contemporary art museum in recent years.
One of the important activities of this museum is to pay attention to the general education of the visitors to better introduce contemporary art to the general public. Any age group, from any social class, can touch a branch of contemporary art in a friendly group and enjoy this experience.
History of Istanbul Modern Museum
Modern Turkish art in Istanbul started with the first international exhibition of contemporary art in 1987 under the current name of the Istanbul Biennial International Exhibition, but this project became famous with the eighth Istanbul Biennial Exhibition in 2003.
As you know, the Ä°stanbul Modern Museum of Modern Art was established in 2004 with the aim of familiarizing and expanding the culture and art of Turkey at the national and international level, and it is considered the first contemporary art museum of this country. This collection of contemporary artworks by various domestic and foreign artists is displayed for art enthusiasts and friends.
The interior of the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
You can see books on the ceiling in parts of the Modern Art Museum of Istanbul, which represent the modern and creative thoughts of Turkish artists. Also, the space designed in the form of white walls and floor cleverly encourages you to pay attention to the artists’ works; because in this white space you only see the works of artists in different colors. The plumbing inside the museum can be seen on its roof, and maybe this is due to the modern design and it is a part of contemporary art.
Different parts of the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
The museum is split up into many distinct sections, including a gallery (with paintings and photographs), Movie Theater, a café, a gift shop, and a library. This location plays host to a wide variety of artistic and cultural gatherings on an annual basis. Additionally, the nation’s highest-ranking educational authorities have been contemplating the implementation of significant instructional initiatives that would require schoolchildren from all around the country to visit the museum.
1. Istanbul Modern Museum Library
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art provides researchers with important resources in the field of fine and contemporary art. The library of the museum is regularly expanding and now with more than 11,500,000 copies of books in Turkish and foreign languages, it is considered one of the largest library collections in the country. The library develops its own book list through cooperation and exchange of books, magazines, and catalogs with individuals, galleries, and art museums inside and outside the country.
2. The movie theater in Istanbul Modern Museum
Saturdays, Sundays, and Thursdays are the days for movie screenings or the performance of various cultural programs in the museum’s cinema hall. The films screened and the programs performed in this hall, in addition to focusing on local works, have an international perspective. Film screenings and reviews are part of the museum’s programs.
Every year in January, the program “Oscar Foreign Films” shows a selection of foreign films nominated for that year’s Oscar.
3. Museum Café
You are welcome to take a breather and unwind at the Coffee Manifesto located inside the museum. Freshly ground coffee beans may be used to create a wide range of coffee tastes, which can be enjoyed by consumers.
4. Museum Store
There is a range of presents available for purchase, including art publications, items for the home and workplace, books and entertainment things for children, as well as jewelry, stationery, and accessories designed by renowned fashion designers.
5. Temporary exhibition of the Museum of Modern Art
Periodically, various exhibitions of modern and valuable works of art in the field of photography, architecture, visual arts, etc. are held in this museum. The view of these exhibitions is not only on domestic works but also on international works of art.
This international perspective on the works of modern art will cause a close connection between Turkish culture with other nations. This link, in addition to the advancement of contemporary art in Turkey and the privilege of holding important world festivals, will cause the tourism industry to flourish more and more and the arrival of foreign tourists to this country.
6. Permanent exhibition of the Museum of Modern Art
There is a large hall on the ground floor of the museum. In this hall, you can see various works of art that have been produced in Turkey since the beginning of the century.
How to Get to the Modern Art Museum of Istanbul
- Location:
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Istanbul is located in the Asmalimecit neighborhood of the Beyoglu district, at the very end of the Istiklal Street shopping area. 1, 3 kilometers away is Taksim Square, whereas Tunel Square is about 600 meters away.
- Transportation:
The Asmalimecit neighborhood may be reached by walking up from Tunel Square or down from Istiklal Street. This is the most convenient route to use to get there. It is highly recommended that you go to either Taksim or Tunel plaza.
Nearby attractions
In museums, you normally get a sense of a country’s or the world’s history, but not at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. This museum focuses on modern concepts and inventions. If you’re planning a visit, you may also see neighboring attractions.
Some of the most important places of interest near this museum include Istanbul Staircases, Galata Tower, Delma Garden Palace, Madame Tussauds Museum, Galata House Molvi Museum, Taksim Square, Galata Bridge, Istanbul Grand Bazaar, Bokuleon Palace, Sulaymaniyah Baths, Istanbul Dolphinarium, Pera Museum, Museum of Innocence or Innocence, Artillery Palace, Qiliç Ali Pasha Mosque, Museum of Illusions, Sultan Mehmed III Tower, Sultan Mehmet Fountain, Zeinab Sultan Mosque, Turkish Souvenir Shop, Basilica Cistern, Sultan Ahmed Park, Hammam Khorram Sultan, Blue Mosque and Sultan Ahmed Square.
Nearby hotels
You can’t possibly see all there is to see at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Istanbul in a single day, since the museum itself, in addition to showcasing numerous works of art and ideas, also has a library and a movie theater. That’s why it’s preferable to stay in close proximity to the museum so that you won’t have to waste time and energy traveling back and forth over the course of two or three days. Nearby lodging options include the Nidia hotels, Istanbul Marriott Hotel, Karakoy Hotel, Opal Hotel, Marion Hotel, Windrose Hotel, Metropolitan Hotel, etc.
Finally, Istanbul’s Museum of Modern Art is committed to showcasing Turkish and international contemporary art to the international art community. This museum plays a crucial role in promoting the identity and rich history, culture, and art of Turkey at the worldwide level and developing the tourist sector of this country.
