REOPENED ISTANBUL MODERN

İstanbul Modern's new museum building in Karaköy, designed by Renzo Piano, has opened to visitors.

İstanbul Modern has opened its doors to visitors in Karaköy with its new museum building designed by Renzo Piano. Established in 2004 as Turkey's first modern and contemporary art museum, İstanbul Modern offers art lovers a unique experience with its new building constructed in its original location in Karaköy, following its temporary address in Beyoğlu.

The new structure, located by the Bosphorus, provides the opportunity to observe the Anatolian side, the Islands, and the Historic Peninsula. Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the museum building strengthens the relationship between Tophane Park and the seaside with its transparent ground floor inspired by the shimmering waters and reflections of the sea.

The building creates a striking architectural landscape with circular-section columns and mechanical chimneys. The circular shape of these structural elements softens the transitions between light and shadow, creating an impressive atmosphere.

The café, shop, library, information points, and educational workshops on the ground floor are designed as spaces surrounding the main lobby. The transparent glass walls beneath the main mass of the building provide a sheltered environment for children’s workshops along with areas where sculptures will be exhibited outdoors.

The main staircase located at the center of the lobby connects the museum’s public areas and also provides access to the 156-seat auditorium on the entrance floor. On the first floor, there is a photography gallery, a short-term exhibition hall, staff offices, and education-event rooms. The restaurant on the south facade opens to the sea view with its terrace.

The staircase rising from the foyer area on the second floor, which houses the collection and temporary exhibition halls, leads to the viewing terrace, offering visitors a magnificent view. The water layer completely covering the top of the building creates a unique experience that brings together the city’s reflection in the water with the sea.

As an internationally standard museum that places the viewer at its center, İstanbul Modern’s new building is ready to welcome art lovers with its exhibition halls, educational workshops, cinema, library, design shop, event spaces, café, and restaurant.