Museum

Borusan Contemporary

4.5 · 145 reviews
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Borusan Contemporary is a unique museum that blends a 19th-century Ottoman mansion (Perili Köşk) with cutting-edge digital and media art. Located on the European shore of the Bosphorus in Rumelihisarı, the museum offers a serene escape from Istanbul's hustle. The permanent collection focuses on works from the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, with a strong emphasis on video, light, and interactive installations. Temporary exhibitions rotate regularly, showcasing international and Turkish artists. The mansion itself is a highlight, with ornate ceilings, marble fireplaces, and panoramic windows overlooking the strait. The outdoor sculpture garden features large-scale works set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus and the Rumeli Fortress. Visitors can enjoy the café with terrace seating, perfect for a coffee with a view. The museum's intimate scale allows for a contemplative experience, often with fewer crowds than larger Istanbul museums.

Don't miss

  • Rotating exhibitions of digital and media art from the Borusan Collection
  • The historic Perili Köşk mansion with original architectural details
  • Sculpture garden with Bosphorus views and works by international artists
  • Panoramic windows and terraces offering stunning water vistas
  • On-site café with outdoor seating overlooking the Bosphorus

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Borusan Contemporary

You can visit on your own (paid entry – check the official website for current prices and opening hours. discounts for students and seniors). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.

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How travelers rate it

5 star
106
4 star
31
3 star
5
2 star
3
1 star
0

Know before you go

  • Check the exhibition schedule online before visiting – some installations may be temporary.
  • Photography is usually allowed in the garden but may be restricted inside galleries.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Bosphorus and a stop at the nearby Rumeli Fortress.
  • The café is a great spot for a break – try the Turkish coffee with a view.

A bit of history

Perili Köşk (Haunted Mansion) was built in the late 1800s as a summer residence for an Ottoman pasha. It was later used as a school and fell into disrepair before being restored by Borusan Holding and opened as a contemporary art museum in 2011.

Common questions

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, but the contemporary art may be abstract. Some installations are interactive and engaging for kids.

Can I take photos inside?

Photography without flash is usually allowed in the permanent collection, but temporary exhibitions may have restrictions. Check at the entrance.

Is there a guided tour?

Yes, the museum offers guided tours in Turkish and English. Check the website for schedules.

How do I get there from Taksim?

Take bus 40 or 40T from Taksim to Rumelihisarı. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

Is the museum open on Mondays?

Many museums in Istanbul are closed on Mondays. Check the official site for Borusan Contemporary's exact hours.

Can I host an event at the museum?

Yes, the museum's spaces can be rented for private events. Contact them for details.

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