Istanbul Bıennıal Is Here!
ISTANBUL BIENNIAL IS HERE!
More than 80 artists from all around the world will have their works exhibited in over 30 locations all around Istanbul.
Venues of the biennial are all over the city this year, all the way from the Black Sea to the Prince Islands.
The theme of this year’s biennial is ‘Salt Water’. When you visit the 14th Istanbul Biennial, you will spend quite a bit of time on salt water. There is a slowing down of the experience of art due to the travel between venues, especially on ferries. According to the organizers, this is very healthy: salt water helps to heal respiratory problems and many other illnesses, as well as calming the nerves.
**The picture above is a work of Anna Boghiguan
Below are a few of our favorite venues of the show:
Adahan Hotel, Şişhane: This luxurious boutique hotel, which is one of our favorites in Istanbul, hosts two exhibitions in their property. The property was built in the 19th century, by one of the most important Jewish tradesman families in the city. The current owner, who is a successful restorative architect, renovated the building according to the original and the rooms have frescoes on the walls.
One in one of their lovely 19th century rooms and another in the underground cistern below the hotel hosts exhibitions of the biennial.
Trotsky’s House, Büyükada: The house where the famous socialist Trotsky stayed during this exile in Turkey, is also hosting an exhibition. The house is normally not open to visitors. So, this is a great opportunity to see the building if interested.
Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hamamı, Fatih: This 15th century Turkish bath is one of the oldest and biggest baths in the city. It is a great venue for hosting an art exhibition. You can combine your visit with exploration of Fener & Balat neighborhoods nearby which are going through gentrification.
Need some expertise? Join one of the guided tours below to explore the 14th Istanbul Biennial:
Büyükada:
Kaptan Paşa Sea Bus, Büyükada Public Library, Hotel Splendid Palace, Rizzo Palace, Mizzi Mansion, Çankaya 57, Trotsky House
Tuesday–Sunday; 11:00 and 14:00
Meeting point: Hotel Splendid Palace
Beyoğlu 1:
ARTER, Pera Museum, ADAHAN Hotel and Cistern, SALT Galata, Vault Karaköy The House Hotel, Kasa Galeri
Tuesday–Sunday; 11:00 and 14:00
Meeting point: ARTER
Beyoğlu 2:
Cezayir, House (Bostanbaşı St. No. 30), The Hotel Galatasaray, Garage (Boğazkesen St. No. 108/A), Garage (Çukurcuma St. No. 7), Store (Boğazkesen Cad. No. 106), The Italian High School, DEPO
Tuesday–Sunday; 11:00 and 14:00
Meeting point: Cezayir
Karaköy:
Guided tours will be held regularly at Istanbul Modern and Galata Greek Primary School.
Tuesday–Sunday; 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00