In 2010 Istiklal Street was proud to have the Arter historical museum be the focal art space for the non-profit. This has been the home for the Vehbi Koç Foundation (VKV) affiliate. The idea behind the center was to provide the infrastructure to produce and exhibit contemporary art. This has provided support for 183 artworks to be produced within its exhibitions. In the 8 years it has been in Istiklal street (caddesi as it’s called in Turkish), it has presented 35 exhibitions and hosted several publications, talks, performances and workshops. The center has since moved to Dolapdere in 2019.
Why The Move?
The new premises boasts an impressive 18,000 sq. m building in Dolapdere, a district close to both Taksim and Beşiktaş on the European side of Istanbul. The center’s director Melih Fereli has said that the old premises proved to be a good ‘testing ground’ due to the fact that so many pieces of art has been commissioned in the time that it has been there – 2010 to 2018. With such an amazing feat under its belt already, the move seems to be in line with fostering growth to inspire even more contemporary art commissions.
The New Building
The new premises has been designed by Grimshaw architects, who’s also designed the Istanbul airport concept architecture. They’re known for their modernist buildings, such as the well-known London Waterloo International railway station. On September 13, 2019 Dolapdere became the new home for the Arter museum, and has successfully hosted the opening night with the launch of 7 new exhibitions, a film program and a learning program.
Visiting Hours
- 11:00 – 19:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
- 11:00 – 20:00 on Thursdays
- 11:00 – 24:00 every first Saturday of the month
Closed on Mondays
Free entry to all exhibitions until 2 January 2020
How to Go to Arter from Sarı Konak Hotel
Shuttle
There is a Taksim shuttle going from the Taksim metro station (at the Gezi exit) every 15 minutes, and a Tepebaşı shuttle going from the Pera Museum every 30 minutes. Its operating hours are from 10:30 am until the closing time of the Arter museum (or until the closing time of each event held at the museum)
By bus (İETT)
You need to walk about 8 minutes to the Sultanahmet bus stop, and take the ist-20 bus (going north). Get off at the Piyalepaşa bus stop and walk East along the road for about 15 minutes. The destination will be on your left.
By METRO
You need to walk about 10 minutes to the Sultanahmet tram stop, and take the T1 tram (going north). Get off at the Laleli-Üniversite and walk for about 4 minutes to the Vezneciler metro stop. Take the M2 metro going to Taksim. From Taksim it should be a 13-minute walk to the Arter museum.
If you’re going with your own car, you may find parking available at either:
- The Taksim Medya parking lot, Istanbul Congress Center (Inter Park)
or
- One of the three ISPARKs located at: Divan Elmada, Beyoğlu Tepebaşı, or Piyalepaşa
Address: Yenişehir, Irmak Cd. No:13, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Tel: +90 212 708 58 00
Website: https://www.arter.org.tr/en