Though there’s enough Ottoman and Islamic art in Istanbul to keep art historians grinning with glee, many of the city’s galleries and museums specialise in contemporary Turkish and international art. From the funky to the fiery, the city offers up a veritable feast of the fine arts.  And though there are plenty more to discover, we’ve given you the lowdown on the biggest and best art museums and galleries in Istanbul!

A good place to begin is Istanbul Modern, perhaps the best known of Istanbul’s art museums. Set inside old shipping containers along the shores of the Bosphorus, this extensive complex hosts some of the world’s leading artists. Alongside Istanbul Modern’s permanent collection, frequent exhibitions take place here. There’s a photography gallery, new media and video art areas and a cinema hall on-site as well as a special interactive exhibition area geared towards children. Stop by on Thursdays when entry is free!

Up the hill in Taksim, Pera Museum brings together some of the greatest local and international artists, having hosted the likes of Picasso and Chagall. The Museum’s permanent highlight is its Orientalist art collection, which features over three hundred different paintings by prominent artists who were inspired by the Ottoman world.

Situated on Istiklal Street itself, SALT Beyoglu is one of Istanbul’s newest art centres. Opened in April 2011, this not-for-profit organization seeks to explore ‘critical and timely issues in visual and material culture’ and to cultivate ‘innovative programs for research and experimental thinking’. SALT houses a collection of galleries, cultural institutions and other organizations. And the best part: admission is free!

Situated opposite and all within the same stunning historical building on Istiklal Street,Galeri Nev, Galerist and Casa Dell’Arte are private art galleries showcasing top local and international talents, and have made a name for themselves by promoting young, budding artists.

Another of Istanbul’s free attractions, the Dogancay Museum is housed inside a historic building near Nevizade. Dedicated to the works of Turkish artists Adil and Burhan Dogancay, the collection is a mix of impressionist landscapes and urban spaces such as walls. Come here between 3pm – 5pm daily, when complimentary afternoon tea is served.

A short Metro ride away in Istanbul’s Maslak business district, Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art was the first museum of its kind to open in Turkey. Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Peter Halley and more feature, alongside a number of top Turkish artists like Kemal Onsoy and Abdurrahman Öztoprak. Offering up a literal feast of the arts, this fascinating space integrates a sculpture park, conference space, project room, archive room and café. Entrance is free and events take place here regularly.

For something different, head along the Golden Horn to its end, where an old Ottoman power plant has been converted into one of Istanbul’s hottest creative spaces. As well as offering residence to international artists, Santral Istanbul hosts regular exhibitions, music performances, restaurants, nightclubs and more. The Museum of Energy is also housed inside its walls.

And if you’ve still got some spare time, it’s worth checking out the Sakip Sabanci and Sadberk Hanim Museums, both of which are situated along the Bosphorus in Emirgan and Sariyer respectively. The museums are set inside stunning Ottoman-era mansions, and while the former focuses on late Ottoman and early republican art, the latter’s impressive collection of archaeological and artistic treasures attracts a diverse range of visitors.

Over on the historical peninsula, the Turkish & Islamic Art Museum in Sultanahmet provides an interesting base from which to explore the history of art in Turkey and the Middle East. It’s situated inside a 16^th century palace which once belonged to Ibrahim Pasha, a friend and brother-in-law of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. Among the exhibits is a stunning collection of Islamic calligraphy, Koran manuscripts, books, clothing, ceramics and more. It’s also home to one of the world’s largest collections of antique carpets and kilims. Tickets are 10TL per person.

For more information on Istanbul and a comprehensive guide to everything the city has to offer, please visit MyDestination.com/Istanbul.

Helen Simpson, My Destination Istanbul
August 2011