All contemporary art museums to visit in Turkey

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 19 museums in Turkey. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in Turkey:

  1. Yılmaz Büyükerşen Balmumu Heykeller Müzesi1

    Yılmaz Büyükerşen Balmumu Heykeller Müzesi

     Eskisehir
    The Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum, also known as the Eskişehir Wax Museum, is located in the Odunpazarı district of Greater Eskişehir, Turkey. This museum is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique opportunity to see wax figures of famous historical and contemporary figures.
  2. Sakıp Sabancı Museum2

    Sakıp Sabancı Museum

     Sarıyer
    The Sakıp Sabancı Museum, affiliated with Sabancı University, is an art museum that boasts a rich collection of calligraphy and paintings. It is known for hosting the works of many renowned artists through its temporary exhibitions. This makes it a significant destination for art lovers and those interested in exploring the diverse artistic expressions from different periods and regions.
  3. Odunpazarı Modern Müze3

    Odunpazarı Modern Müze

     Eskisehir
    The Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) is nestled among the historic Odunpazarı houses in Eskişehir. This museum was the brainchild of Eskişehir-born architect and collector Erol Tabanca. The foundation stone for the museum was laid in February 2018 by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who also inaugurated it on September 7, 2019.
  4. Museum of Modern Glass Art, Eskişehir4

    Museum of Modern Glass Art, Eskişehir

     Eskisehir
    The Eskişehir Museum of Modern Glass Art is situated within the Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri Kent Müzesi complex. It was inaugurated on December 1, 2007, with the primary purpose of showcasing the works of various glass artists. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to appreciate the intricate artistry of glasswork.
  5. Arkas Art Center5

    Arkas Art Center

     Izmir
    The Arkas Art Center, situated in Izmir, Turkey, is an art museum that opened its doors to the public in November 2011. It offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore a wide range of artworks in a historical setting.
  6. State Art and Sculpture Museum6

    State Art and Sculpture Museum

     Altındağ
    The State Art and Sculpture Museum, located in Ankara, Turkey, is a museum dedicated to fine arts and sculpture. It was opened in 1930 and houses a rich collection of Turkish art from the late 19th century to the present day. The museum also hosts guest exhibitions and is located close to the Ethnography Museum.
  7. Istanbul Modern7

    Istanbul Modern

     Beyoğlu Station, Tünel Line
    The Istanbul Modern, also known as the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, is a contemporary art gallery situated within the Galataport complex in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of modern and traditional Turkish culture.
  8. Museum of Modern Glass Art, Eskişehir8

    Museum of Modern Glass Art, Eskişehir

     Odunpazarı
    The Eskişehir Museum of Modern Glass Art is situated within the Eskişehir Odunpazarı Houses City Museum complex. It was inaugurated on December 1, 2007, with the primary purpose of showcasing the works of various glass artists. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the intricate and beautiful world of glass art.
  9. SALT (institution)9

    SALT (institution)

     Beyoğlu Station, Tünel Line
    SALT operates in two main locations in Istanbul: SALT Beyoğlu and SALT Galata. In Ankara, it operates in collaboration with various institutions. One of the key features of SALT is that access to all its projects, programs, and resources is free, both in person and digitally. This makes it an accessible destination for tourists interested in art, architecture, and design practices, as well as social and economic history studies.
  10. 10

    Güray Müze

     Avanos İlçe Merkezi
    This private museum displays historical artifacts as well as works by contemporary ceramic artists.
  11. Zeki Müren Sanat Müzesi11

    Zeki Müren Sanat Müzesi

     Bodrum
    The Zeki Müren Art Museum is situated in the Bodrum district of Muğla. This location is easily accessible for tourists visiting the area, offering a cultural experience that delves into the life of one of Turkey's most beloved artists.
  12. State Fine Arts Gallery12

    State Fine Arts Gallery

     Balıkesir
    This museum is dedicated to both traditional and modern Turkish art with an emphasis on local artists.
  13. Istanbul Museum of Modern Art13

    Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

     Kadıköy
    One of the key events organized by the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is the web biennial, which has been taking place every two years since 2003. This event has gained international recognition and showcases a wide range of contemporary art pieces from artists around the world. The web biennial is a testament to the museum's commitment to embracing new media and digital art forms, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends and developments in the art world.
  14. Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museum14

    Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museum

     Artuklu
    The Sakıp Sabancı Museum, which opened its doors to the public in 2002, is an art museum located in Emirgan, one of the oldest settlements of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. The museum is known for its rich collection of calligraphy and paintings. It also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring the works of many renowned artists, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.
  15. Arter (sanat mekanı)15

    Arter (sanat mekanı)

     Beyoğlu Station, Tünel Line
    Arter is a contemporary art museum located in the Dolapdere district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in 2010 as a subsidiary of the Vehbi Koç Foundation. The museum's primary aim is to provide a sustainable infrastructure for the production and exhibition of contemporary art.
  16. Rezan Has Museum16

    Rezan Has Museum

     Istanbul
    The Rezan Has Museum, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a private institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of culture and arts. This museum offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary exhibits, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
  17. 17

    Doğançay Museum

     Beyoğlu Station, Tünel Line
    The Doğançay Museum, located in the heart of Istanbul's bustling Beyoğlu district, is a significant landmark as Turkey's first modern art museum. It is dedicated to the artistic legacy of Burhan Doğançay, a renowned Turkish artist. The museum, which officially opened its doors to the public in 2004, is housed in a historic 150-year-old five-story building that was once home to a Greek family.
  18. 18

    Mustafa Ayaz Müzesi ve Kültür Merkezi

     Ankara
    The Mustafa Ayaz Foundation Plastic Arts Museum is situated in the Çankaya district of Ankara. The construction of this museum began in 2003, was completed in 2007, and it was officially opened to the public in 2009.
  19. 19

    Müze Evliyagil

     Çankaya
    Müze Evliyagil is an art museum and exhibition house situated in the Gölbaşı district of Ankara. It was established in 2015 by businessman Sarp Evliyagil. The museum offers a comprehensive cultural complex, including a total exhibition area of 750 m², a garden where three-dimensional art works are exhibited, a cinema hall, and a library.