|
In a 2003 interview with The Gate, Oya Eczacıbaşı said, ''For years, I have dreamed of establishing a modern art museum in Istanbul.'' (For the complete article, see www.thegate.com.tr/world_lifestyle_portrait4). Two years later, Oya Eczacıbaşı's dream has come true: she is the Chair of the Board of the new Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. ''After waiting for so long, it all happened so quickly,'' says Oya Eczacıbaşı. ''I am still in a state of shock. It is such a pleasure to see people wandering around the museum, shopping in the museum shop and leaving with a smile on their faces. The museum has turned out better than I ever imagined.'' Located in 4th Antrepo building in Karakoy, the Istanbul Modern opened its doors in December. The museum is conveniently located in a 'triangle of culture' formed between it, Mimar Sinan University and the Tophane Cultural Center.
A living museum
But the Istanbul Modern is much more than just a museum. Visitors will be able to attend a variety of classes, watch films at the Arthouse and enjoy delicious fare and a stunning view of the city at the Istanbul Modern Café. Oya Eczacıbasi tells us that education will be an important aim of the museum. Classes for primary school children are held in the Teaching Room on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Teaching Room also hosts weekend ''Family Programs'' for up to 15 families. The Teaching Room is holding two exhibitions, one of engravings by Aliye Berger and another of works by Burhan Dogancay. The permanent collection is exhibited on the first floor. The museum's first permanent exhibition, entitled 'Observation/Analysis/Variety I' features major movements in Turkish art from 1900-2000. The temporary exhibition gallery on the ground floor will host exhibitions of modern art from yesterday to today. The first temporary exhibition is 'Towards the Istanbul Modern' which highlights Istanbul as a port city. The Istanbul Modern collection also includes photography and video art. 'A Selection of Post-Republic Turkish Photography' includes works by 35 photographers. The Modern Art Library is open to the public and boasts many important works on Modern Turkish art. Until March 2005, the museum will host an exhibition entitled ''Istanbul'' featuring works by major Turkish artists such as Hoca Ali Rıza, Avnu Lifij, Hikmet Onat, Sabri Berkel, İbrahim Callı and Zeki Faik İzer. In the future, important international works will be displayed in partnership with the Deutsche Bank Collection and the Berlin Guggenheim.* Open Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-18.00, Thursday 10.00-20.000. Full price 5 YTL, reduced 2 YTL.
* English, Turkish tours: 11.00-13.00, 15.00-16.00
* Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. Liman Sahası Antrepo No:4 Karaköy Tel: 0212-334 73 00 www.istanbulmodern.org
