Top art galleries in Istanbul – A treat to culture mavens

Culture buffs are often on lookout for art galleries while exploring a city as these galleries offers a beautiful insight into socio-cultural milieu of the region concerned. Creativity of the artists of the region is best displayed during their visit to galleries. Most of the great world cities have enough spaces for art lovers but not every city can boasts about this. It is not building but artist that makes a gallery count. Istanbul, the Turkish capital has enough art galleries, scattered around the length and breadth of the city, to cater art lovers. It is one of the major things that make Istanbul vacationers’ delight. Here we list some of them. On your arrival you would be able to sample creation of old masters as well as emerging artists.

Arter

Beautifully situated in upmarket Istiklal Caddesi Arter’s subtitle “space for art” speaks volumes about this magnificent art gallery nestled in a recently restored mansion. Although not in business for long, the gallery is fast emerging as meeting point for creative souls. This exhibition house is more like a studio than a museum. The gallery thrives on its international connections.

SALT

Housed in two magnificent buildings, the gallery has several art concerns that include exhibitions, screenings, performances and concerts. The gallery also houses library and keep organising workshops. On their visit to the gallery the tourist will come across various exhibits that ranges from restoration of ottoman monuments, Russian Soviet architecture and contemporary Turkish art. The gallery keep organising exhibitions regularly.

artSümer

artSummer is a gallery with a difference. When other galleries are busy showcasing artist of fame, artSummer believes in identifying the young talent and nurturing them. Gallery director Asli Sümer has an eye for the artists of tomorrow. Situated in Karaköy district, by the Bosphorus, the gallery gives you a chance to spot indigenous talent.

Pilot Galeri

Enjoying a stunning location on Siraselviler Street, PILOT offers a platform for inter-disciplinary work and historic works that has influenced the history of contemporary art and other genres. The gallery also handles several contemporary projects. Renowned artists like Hamra Abbas, Burak Delier, Ali Miharbi and Tufan Baltalar are associated with this gallery.

Galerist

One of the fastest emerging contemporary art galleries in istanbul Galerist is enjoying a beautiful spaces in an old apartment in Pera. Opened in 2001 the gallery flaunts a vast collection of murals. Visitors can go to this gallery to see some indigenous art works.

Rodeo

One of the most happening art spaces in the city Rodeo focuses on high quality art works of local as well as international artists. Besides showcasing artworks from Turkey, Greece and Cyprus; the gallery is also involved with organsing regional as well as international shows.