Arter

Opened in 2010 as a branch of the Vehbi Koç Foundation (VKV), Arter moved to its new building in Dolapdere in September 2019

Overview

Arter is an art space and the largest contemporary art museum of Turkey located in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. Opened in 2010 on famous Istiklal Street to provide a sustainable infrastructure for producing and exhibiting contemporary art, Arter presented more than 40 solo and group exhibitions with accompanying publications, workshops, and talks. 

In September 2019, Arter moved to its new home in Dolapdere, which was designed by world-famous Grimshaw Architects (UK), 18,000 square meters of the indoor area that includes galleries, performance halls, library, conservation laboratory, bookstore, cafe, and so on. Arter building -which is a work of architectural art by itself- is covered with mosaic rectangular planes of glass fiber that were glazed by hand so they resemble the surface of Turkish ceramics.

Altan Gürman exhibition. Photo by Hadiye Cangökçe

Facts about Arter

• Arter is Turkey’s first home to a permanent collection of modern/contemporary art. Its collection includes the works of famous artists such as Sophie Calle, Mona Hatoum, Patricia Piccinini, Joseph Beuys, and so on.

• Since 2010, Arter published approximately 50 publications (both in English and Turkish) in conjunction with their exhibitions.

• Arter does not have a gift shop, but it has the richest selection of publications focusing on art in Turkey.

• Arter’s former building on Istiklal Avenue reopened in September 2019 as another art space, Meşher.

Inci Furni, She Waited for a While Exhibition. Photo by Hadiye Cangökçe.

Where is Arter?

Arter is located in the Dolapdere district of Beyoğlu. The best way to get to Arter is to take shuttles from Taksim square or Şişhane. 

What are Arter’s opening hours and visitor information?

Arter is open between 11.00 am - 6.00 pm every day except Mondays. The admission fee is 25 Turkish Liras. Admission to Arter exhibitions is free for all visitors on Thursdays