How to Enjoy Arts in Istanbul
When you're feeling artsy and creative, Istanbul's cosmopolitan city will provide you with a plethora of choices. If you've seen all of Istanbul's historical sites and want to get a sense of the city's spirit, there are more galleries, exhibits, and museums to enjoy with your family and friends. If you want to see what the historical city has to offer in terms of entertainment, heritage, and art, here are the best museums to enjoy arts in Istanbul, all included with Istanbul Tourist Pass®!
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Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum houses the world's largest carpet collection, which includes rare carpets from the Seljuk Empire, Iran, and the Caucasus, as well as collections of hand-drawn calligraphy, imperial edicts, ancient Qurans, and other written works. Admire the exhibition of works by artists from former Islamic regions in wood, glass, clay, and stone.
The museum was initially housed in the Süleymaniye Mosque complex's soup kitchen before being moved to its present site in the Ibrahim Paşa Palace, next to the Blue Mosque. The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is divided into many parts. With their many different objects, each section contains enough artifacts to be a museum in its own right. You can see them all on your visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, but there are a few that stand out from the others due to their appearance and past.
Pera Museum in Istanbul
Pera Museum has delivered a range of internationally acclaimed art pieces in Istanbul through collaborations with leading international museums, galleries, and foundations. The goal of the Pera Museum is to spread not only the artistic appeal of its three collections, "Orientalist Paintings," "Anatolian Weights and Measures," and "Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics," but also to create historical sites in Istanbul.
The Orientalist Painting Collection at the museum includes works by European and Ottoman-Turkish artists, including The Tortoise Trainer by Osman Hamdi Bey. Among the vibrant and beautiful colors and beautifully informative sketches, this set will open the doors to Ottoman history in Istanbul for you. Today is the perfect day to have an Istanbul tour to see some of the most beautiful Ottoman paintings in the Pera Museum!
Basilica Cistern Museum Istanbul
The Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul's most enchanting historical landmarks, has transcended its original purpose as a water reservoir to become a mesmerizing art gallery. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, this subterranean wonder features majestic columns, vaulted ceilings, and an otherworldly ambiance enhanced by shimmering reflections on the water.
Today, it serves as a unique venue for contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events, blending its ancient architectural splendor with modern creativity. Visitors can marvel at the interplay of light, shadow, and history while exploring this underground masterpiece. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can skip the ticket lines, enjoy online ticket access, and delve deeper into its history with a specially curated audio guide, making your visit seamless and unforgettable.
The Istanbul Biennal
The Istanbul Biennial has been held by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts since 1987. The biennial's aim is to draw together artists from different backgrounds as well as the general public in Istanbul's field of visual art.
The fifteen biennials in Istanbul that have been organized to date have promoted the establishment of an international cultural network between local and international art circles, writers, curators, and art critics by bringing together new trends in contemporary art every two years.
Travel Istanbul with an Istanbul Tourist Pass®!
Istanbul Tourist Pass® grants access to all of these museums above besides the Biennal, and also access to more than 100 attractions in Istanbul! You can buy your Istanbul Tourist Pass® to save a huge amount of money and skip museum lines. Learn more on our website about the advantages of the Istanbul Tourist Pass®!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-visit art galleries in Istanbul?
Are there any historic sites in Istanbul that showcase art?
Yes, historic venues like the Basilica Cistern, Serefiye Cistern, and Hagia Irene often feature art exhibits and installations, blending history with artistic expression.
Where can I experience street art in Istanbul?
The Karaköy and Kadıköy neighborhoods are vibrant hubs for street art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of many streets.
Can I attend live performances in Istanbul?
Absolutely! Istanbul has a thriving performing arts scene, with venues like the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Zorlu Performing Arts Center, and Süreyya Opera House hosting concerts, theater, and opera.
Are there any seasonal art events in Istanbul?
Yes, the Istanbul Biennial and Istanbul Film Festival are renowned events, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world with their rich programming and unique venues.
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Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum, and Arter are some of the city's top contemporary art galleries, offering a mix of local and international exhibitions.