Istanbul’s hottest art districts right now

In Istanbul, it takes just a few months for an undervalued area to become the next hot spot of the city. We’re now seeing four neighborhoods on the rise; liven up by new galleries, museums and cultural centers. It seems like they will be attracting crowds in the next few years, so check them out.

Dolapdere

Save the date: Turkey’s largest contemporary art museum (with more than 1000 artworks) is scheduled to open in Dolapdere in autumn 2018 by the Vehbi Koç Foundation. Until then, you have two more reasons to visit the area. See an exhibition at Dirimart’s flexible second gallery space or at Gaia Gallery, which recently moved from historical Elhamra Han to a four-story building in Dolapdere.

Maslak

It’s not “all work and no play” in Maslak anymore. UNIQ Istanbul cultural complex, a milestone in the development of the area, hosts a variety of events. Those interested in contemporary art can see sculptures and land art projects on Elgiz Museum’s rooftop terrace or discover young artists at Karbon Gallery. Performing arts center Massk Sahne is the latest addition to the cultural scene of the neighborhood.

Balat

Artists from different backgrounds come across and inspire each other in this historical and multicultural area. Galeri Eksen Art and Artist House is a creative space where artists based outside Istanbul accommodate and exhibit their works. Plato Sanat, a contemporary art gallery, supports young talents and new presentation techniques. Another interesting gallery in the area is The Pill, which is located in an old generator factory.

Yeldeğirmeni

Yeldeğirmeni has turned into an open-air gallery, thanks to Turkey’s first street art festival Mural Istanbul. This colorful neighborhood is now home to a variety of art spaces. At Arthere Istanbul, you can see works of local and foreign artists while sipping your coffee. Another alternative is attending a concert or screening at Yeldeğirmeni Sanat, which is located in a former French church. In the mood for shopping? Tasarım Bakkalı makes art affordable and sells local designs at reasonable prices.

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Dirimart: Irmak Cad. 1-9 Dolapdere, Beyoğlu – (0212) 232 66 66

Gaia Gallery: Bülbül Mah. Serdar Ömer Paşa Cad. No: 3 Dolapdere, Beyoğlu – (0212) 243 4973

UNIQ İstanbul: Huzur Mah. Maslak Ayazağa Cad. No: 4 Sarıyer – (0212) 286 0391

Elgiz Museum: Meydan Sok. Beybi Giz Plaza B Blok Maslak – (0212) 290 2525

Karbon Gallery: Windowist Tower B Katı Eski Büyükdere Cad. No: 26 Maslak – (0212) 999 3990

Massk Sahne: Maslak Mah. Akasya Sok. 2 T108/1 Mashattan Sarıyer – (0212) 230 0 230

Galeri Eksen Balat: Balat Mah. Ayan Cad. No: 32 Fatih – (0212) 327 3499

Plato Sanat: Ayvansaray Cad. No: 45 Balat – (0212) 621 1247

The Pill: Ayvansaray Mah. Mürselpaşa Cad. 181 Balat – (0212) 533 1000

Arthere İstanbul: Rasimpaşa Mah. Beydağı Sok. 3A Kadıköy – (0538) 086 7691

Yeldeğirmeni Sanat: Rasimpaşa Mah. İskele Sok. No: 43/1 Kadıköy – (0216) 337 0058

Tasarım Bakkalı: Uzun Hafız Sok. No: 101/A Kadıköy – (0533) 646 1031