How to do an art trail around Istanbul

Beyoğlu, Soho House’s neighbourhood in the the heart of Istanbul, is the perfect place to begin if you want to experience the city through art. Saliha Yavuz, cofounder of Artwalk Istanbul, prepares a route that allows you to discover its museums, galleries and alternative art spaces on foot

Your first stop should be Istanbul Modern in its temporary venue near the House, where you can see works by Turkish and international artists. In the photography section, an exhibition curated in partnership with Ara Güler Museum traces Istanbul's evolution since the mid-20th century through Güler’s lens, and the collective memories yielded from this change.

Another of Soho House’s neighbours, Galerist is located in Passage Petits-Champs, one of Beyoğlu’s oldest buildings. You’ll be captivated by the magnificent architectural style before you’ve even got to the art, which includes the unique narratives and styles of artists such as Nilbar Güreş, Seza Paker, and Şahin Kaygun.

Art On was founded by couple Nil and Oktay Duran. Collectors of contemporary Turkish art, their fervour for young artists can be felt across the gallery, with new names to be discovered on each visit. Favourites of mine have been the sculptures of Seçkin Pirim and Canan Dağdelen, and the paintings of Nuri Kuzucan and Erman Özbaşaran.

A public reading room and beautifully furnished cafe (kıraathane has its origins in Arabic/ Persian and means coffee house) where customers have visited to read and recharge since the 19th century. In addition, Kıraathane offers a full programme of art lectures and exhibitions.

The former Arter art venue in Meymenet Han on İstiklal Street is now home to Meşher, whose programme has themes ranging from the medieval to the contemporary. Visit for a tour of its first exhibition Beyond the Vessel, a collection of ceramic works focused on myths, legends and fairy tales, curated by Catherine Milner.

End the day at Mısır Apartment, which stands out for its Art Nouveau style, built in 1910 in one of the area’s main meeting points, Galatasaray. In addition to famous writers, artists and pashas who have stayed in the building, the apartment has hosted many art galleries in recent years, Zilberman Gallery being one of them.