Arter: Istanbul's Contemporary Art Museum in Dolapdere, Opening Hours and Tickets

Updated on October 4, 2026

Arter is a contemporary art space run by the Vehbi Koç Foundation, housed since 2019 in a modern building in Dolapdere, a working-class district of Beyoğlu about a twenty-minute walk from Taksim Square. It has no permanent collection on continuous display: it shows temporary exhibitions by artists from Turkey and around the world across several galleries, and also has a library, a bookshop and a bistro. A full-price ticket costs 450 TL, and admission to the exhibitions is free for everyone on Thursdays (prices checked in October 2026 on the museum's website). Exhibitions change several times a year, so check Arter's programme before you go. Allow an hour and a half to two hours for a full visit.

Highlights

The Dolapdere building

A perforated facade of white geometric patterns sits on a street corner among the district's apartment blocks. The contrast with the surrounding streets is part of the visit, and a good excuse to walk to Dolapdere from İstiklal Avenue.

Temporary exhibitions

The programme alternates large solo shows and group exhibitions by contemporary artists. The museum's website lists the dates of each exhibition; it is the only reliable way to know what you will see, since the programme changes several times a year.

The library, bookshop and bistro

The building can be entered freely without a ticket: you can go in for the art bookshop, the library and the bistro, and buy a ticket only for the galleries.

Guided tours

Guided tours in Turkish run Tuesday to Sunday at 1pm and 3pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 5pm; a tour in English is offered on Saturdays at 12pm (times noted in October 2026; reconfirm on the website).

Infos pratiques

Tips

A ticket costs 450 TL full price and 250 TL for visitors over 65 and teachers; admission is free for those aged 24 and under, for visitors with disabilities, for members, and for everyone on Thursdays (prices checked in October 2026). The audio guide costs 250 TL. On Thursdays the museum closes at 8pm instead of 7pm: it is the best slot for a low-cost visit, but also the busiest. To place Arter within the city's contemporary art scene, read our guide to contemporary art in Istanbul; for another free entry, see SALT Galata and our list of free museums in Istanbul.

How to get there

Irmak Caddesi No: 13, Dolapdere, 34435 Beyoğlu, Istanbul. From Taksim Square, allow about twenty minutes on foot heading down towards Dolapdere (the district is far from the most touristy metro stations). A taxi from Taksim or İstiklal is quick and inexpensive; check the walking route on your maps app before setting out, as the last stretch runs along streets that see few tourists.