Turkey has taken important steps in the field of modern and contemporary art in recent years, offering inspiring experiences to art lovers with world-class museums. On this art route from Istanbul to Eskişehir, there are buildings that attract attention with their architecture and rich collections. So, what are the best modern art museums in Turkey? And where are the modern art museums in Turkey? Here are the prominent modern art museums in Turkey 👇
Discover Turkey’s Best Modern Art Museums
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1. Istanbul Museum of Modern Art - Istanbul
Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first modern and contemporary art museum, was founded in 2004 under the leadership of the Eczacıbaşı family. In 2023, it began welcoming visitors in its new building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano in Galataport Istanbul. The museum aims to share Turkey's artistic accumulation on a global scale by exhibiting the works of Turkish and international artists. It also makes art accessible to all ages through workshops and educational programs for children and young people.
Location: Kılıç Ali Paşa Mahallesi, Tophane İskele Caddesi No:1/1, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Source: İstanbul Modern Sanat
2. Odunpazari Modern Museum (OMM) - Eskişehir
Located in the historical Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir, OMM was founded in 2019 by businessman and collector Erol Tabanca. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the museum building offers a modern interpretation inspired by traditional Ottoman wooden houses. While hosting the works of Turkish and international artists, OMM also supports creative production with artist residency programs and workshops.
Location: Şarkiye Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 37, Odunpazarı, Eskişehir
Source: Odunpazarı Modern Müze
3. Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art - Istanbul
Founded in 2001 by Dr. Can Elgiz, Elgiz Museum is one of the first private contemporary art museums in Turkey. Located in Maslak, the museum aims to support young Turkish artists and host international art projects. The Elgiz Collection includes works by important artists such as Ömer Uluç, Fahrelnissa Zeid, Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman. By offering free admission, the museum brings art to the masses.
Location: Maslak Mahallesi, Beybi Giz Plaza, Ayazağa Caddesi No:3, Maslak, Istanbul
Source: Elgiz Müzesi
4. Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture - Istanbul
The Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture, Turkey's first plastic arts museum, was inaugurated by Atatürk in 1937. The museum has a large collection ranging from the late 19th-century Ottoman period to the end of the 20th century. The works of master artists such as İbrahim Çallı, Nazmi Ziya Güran, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu and Osman Hamdi Bey are exhibited here.
Location: Meclisi-i Mebusan Caddesi No: 2, Dolmabahçe, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Source: İstanbul Resim ve Heykel Müzesi
5. Arter – Istanbul
Founded by Vehbi Koç Foundation, Arter started its activities on İstiklal Street in 2010 and moved to its new building in Dolapdere in 2019. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, this modern building, with its 18,000 square meters of space, stands out with its exhibition halls, performance spaces, library and workshops. Arter aims to provide a sustainable infrastructure for the production and exhibition of contemporary art.
Location: Irmak Caddesi No:13, Dolapdere, Beyoglu, Istanbul
Creator: BarisAras & ElifCakirlar
6. Pera Museum - Istanbul
Located in Beyoğlu, Pera Museum was founded in 2005 by the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation. In addition to permanent exhibitions such as the collection of orientalist paintings and the collection of Anatolian weights and measures, the museum also hosts contemporary art exhibitions.
Location: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No:65, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Source: Pera Müzesi
7. CerModern - Ankara
Located in the Sıhhiye district of Ankara, CerModern was opened in 2010 with the restoration of a former train maintenance workshop. In addition to contemporary art exhibitions, the museum also hosts cultural events such as concerts, theatre and film screenings.
Adress: Altınsoy Caddesi No:3, Sıhhiye, Ankara
Source: TripAdvisor
8. Sakip Sabanci Museum - Istanbul
Sakıp Sabancı Museum is located in Emirgan and is affiliated with Sabancı University. In addition to its collection of Ottoman calligraphy, the museum also hosts modern and contemporary art exhibitions. The works of world-famous artists such as Picasso and Rodin were exhibited here.
Location: Sakip Sabanci Caddesi No:42, Emirgan, Istanbul
Source: Visit İstanbul
9. Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum - Ankara
Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum, located in the Altındağ district of Ankara, was opened in 1930. The museum houses important examples of Turkish painting and sculpture from the late 19th century to the present day. It also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Location:Altındağ, Ankara
Source: TripAdvisor
10. Eskişehir Museum of Contemporary Glass Arts - Eskişehir
Opened in 2007, Eskişehir Museum of Contemporary Glass Arts is the first glass arts museum in Turkey. Located in the Odunpazarı Houses area, the museum exhibits the works of local and foreign glass artists. It is a unique place for those who want to discover modern interpretations of glass art.
Location: Odunpazari Houses, Eskisehir
Source: Nerdenerede
Bonus: Arkas Art Center - Izmir
Located in the Kordon district of Izmir, Arkas Art Centre was founded by Arkas Holding in 2011. Operating in a 1906 historical building, the museum exhibits works from the collection of Lucien Arkas. In 2019, it attracted international attention by hosting the works of Pablo Picasso.
Location: Atatürk Caddesi No:19, Alsancak, Izmir
Source: İzmir Art