It was conceived as a project since the impact of the International Istanbul Biennial in 1987, when Dr. Nejat Eczacıbası decided to contribute to the city with a permanent space for contemporary art.
But it was not until 2004, after the Eighth Biennial, when Turkish Prime Minister approved the use of one of the Galata dock’s warehouses, that finally the project materialized. Eight thousand square metered, a former dry cargo warehouse was converted, with a minimalist style, in a modern building that serves as museum and other related functions.
The Istanbul Modern is the first private museum dedicated to modern art in Turkey. The museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions, galleries, educational and social programs, library, cinema, restaurant, shops, and offers a wide range of services in order to stimulate a passion for arts and active participation in all cultural spaces. With an interdisciplinary approach to the visual arts, the Istanbul Modern has also in its program some architecture and design projects.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 and 10:00 to 20:00 on Thursdays. The regular price of tickets is 15 TL, with discounts for students and seniors.
