Aug 29, 2025

Elgiz Museum Istanbul

Art off the beaten path

""Elgiz Museum" in Istanbul is Turkey's first contemporary art museum. It's usually empty and perfect for any art lover out there. It's just a bit remote..."

Istanbul and its art spots offer something for every traveller. As a modern art lover, I tend to visit all such museums wherever I go and I know I am not alone. The Elgiz Museum is such a unique location for such lovers.

It was founded as the first ever contemporary art museum in Turkey in 2001, but it's the least known one and most of the locals are not aware of it still.  It's a privately-owned, non-profit institution that lives in a 2000 m² space.

Basically it's a “private collection museum” and is located amongst the skyscrapers of Istanbul’s business district Maslak, within which its open-air terrace provides an exhibition platform for sculptors and land-art projects.

It's a hidden gem, usually isolated and empty for any art lover out there, though I must say that the the travel to this location is the worst. Also, bear in mind that it's not always open like regular museums.

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About this spot

Maslak Meydan Sk. Beybi Giz Plaza

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