5 distinct bank owned Istanbul art galleries
Banks and other corporations have collected art as part of their private portfolios since the 19th century. Usually kept behind closed doors, it’s not often shared publicly. However in Istanbul, some of the most interesting exhibitions happen in bank owned galleries. Compelling painting displays, installations, photographs and film screenings are open to the public in bank owned Istanbul art galleries every week of the year. Far from musty board rooms, art in Istanbul is thriving.
Istanbul art galleries you can bank on
Since opening in 1993 Akbank has delivered on its mission to be at the forefront of change by presenting the latest developments in the arts. The six floors of their gallery in Beyoğlu provide an oasis for painters, photographers, dancers and others.
Mesmerising and sometimes challenging exhibits by local and international visual artists take up the ground and first floors. The large hall on the floor above plays host to a wide range of performances including classical music recitals, jazz concerts, film screenings, theatre and dance performances. For those wanting more engagement, the third floor offers a workshop and studio. The workshop is the place for practical classes while the studio provides a platform for contemporary art workshops, masterclasses and discussion panels. A library, café and outdoor dance platform take up the rest of the building.
Open Tue – Sat, 10.30-19.30, closed Sun & Mon, free entry
Yapi Kredi Kazım Taşkent Art Gallery
Yapi Kredi Bank first opened an art gallery in 1964. They have long believed in investing in art and culture and the bank’s founder, Kazım Taşkent, wanted to encourage art appreciation by bringing it to the people. Works by important names in Turkish art history such as Hoca Ali Riza and Mehmet Güleryüz, and contemporary pieces by Inci Eviner and Ayse Erkmen have graced their walls. International greats such as Andy Warhol, Josephy Beuys and Otto Dix have been shown along with newer stars on the horizon, like Ana Penalba.
The current gallery building on Istiklal Street is itself the result of a competition aimed at encouraging contemporary design. The winning entry, by Teget Architectural Office, rises up from the ground like an extension of Galatasaray Square, giving the illusion of space and movement. A model of a sculpture called Mediterranean created by the talented Ilhan Koman, sits above the entry ramps to the gallery.
Open Mon – Fri 10.00-19.00, Saturday 11.00-19.00, Sunday 12.00-19.00, free entry
The plain low key entry to the T.C. Ziraat Bank Tünel Art Gallery on Istiklal Street is in stark contrast to the colour and varieties of artistry inside. Since opening in 1990, the gallery has featured works by living artists in both individual and group exhibitions. It’s an intimate space spread over two floors, sometimes with a different exhibition on each level.
From its inception, T.C. Ziraat Bank has aimed to support upcoming artists. Their Tünel gallery provides a welcoming space for student painters and photographers to show their work alongside the professionals. While not all of them go on to make it big, everyone has a chance to shine in the gallery. Some names that stand out are photographers Tevfik Adatepe and Buşra Cebeci, and painters Selma Tuna Doğan and Asil Bazencir.
Open Tue – Sat, 10.00-19.00, closed Sun & Mon, free entry
Şekerbank Açıkekran Levent Galerisi
Adding to the diversity of art forms promoted and supported by Turkish banks, Şekerbank leads the way in presenting new media to the public. Their ethos is to develop the visual arts by integrating local and global forms to unite society through art. Culture, they believe, is the common denominator of existence.
Open Screen, Açık Ekran in Turkish, is part of a wider network of physical spaces, teachers and practitioners throughout Turkey all supported by Şekerbank. This series of interchangeable spaces hums with the sound of time suspended yet also passing. Black and white stills and film footage flicker on large screens, or huge canvasses, seemingly made of precious metals, shimmer on the walls. Here Turkish-born and international artists such as Sibel Kocakaya and Susan Kleinberg can articulate their intellectual visions through movement, sound and light.
Eski Büyükdere Cad No 1, Daire A, Kâğıthane
Işbank Museum of Painting & Sculpture
The Işbank Museum of Painting and Sculpture Museum on Istiklal Street opened in 2023. It’s housed in the former 4 Sigorta Han and Baudouy Apartment building, also restored by the Teget Architectural Office. The bank’s Beyoğlu branch was located on the ground floor from 1953 to 2016 and now the dark interior walls turn an off-white, leading visitors through the exhibition route, starting from the 5th floor.
The architects retained the original features, creating a fitting setting for a collection of around 2800 works that span the history and development of Turkish art. I particularly like the social realist works from the mid-20th century showing daily village life. Of course, you don’t want to miss the pieces by Osman Hamdi Bey, Şeker Ahmet Paşa, Hoca Ali Rıza to name a few.
Open Tue – Sun, 10.30-18.30, closed Mon, free entry.
Although it doesn’t really belong on a list of Istanbul art galleries, another bank related gallery is the Turkey Iş Bank Museum. Not an art gallery per se, but a great history of the development of banking in Istanbul.
If you’ve enjoyed this list of Istanbul art galleries and want to explore more of what the modern day city has to offer, do check out the Istanbul section of this website (see Blog drop down) for more ideas of what to see and do in this fabulous city I’m happy to call home.
************************************
Here are my helpful tips to make the most of your trip to Istanbul and Turkey.
For FLIGHTS I like to use Kiwi.com.
Don’t pay extra for an E-VISA. Here’s my post on everything to know before you take off.
However E-SIM are the way to go to stay connected with a local phone number and mobile data on the go. Airalo is easy to use and affordable.
Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage.
If you’re travelling alone, check out this post on useful solo travel tips Turkey for women (and men).
I’m a big advocate of public transport, but know it’s not suitable for everyone all the time. When I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use one of these GetYourGuide website AIRPORT TRANSFERS.
ACCOMMODATION: When I want to find a place to stay I use Booking.com.
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Let me guide you around Kadikoy with my audio walking tour Stepping back through Chalcedon or venture further afield with my bespoke guidebook Istanbul 50 Unsung Places. I know you’ll love visiting the lesser-known sites I’ve included. It’s based on using public transport as much as possible so you won’t be adding too much to your carbon footprint. Then read about what you’ve seen and experienced in my three essay collections and memoir about moving to Istanbul permanently.
Browse the GetYourGuide website or Viator to find even more ways to experience Istanbul and Turkey with food tours, visits to the old city, evening Bosphorus cruises and more!
However you travel, stay safe and have fun! Iyi yolculuklar.
