About
Bringing together 70 galleries, 736 artists, and 1,372 artworks, alongside 22 newcomer galleries and the debut of Focus Asia, the 21st edition of Contemporary Istanbul once again establishes Tersane Istanbul as a global hub for contemporary art. Presented in main partnership with Akbank since 2006, Contemporary Istanbul welcomes art enthusiasts to the historic waterfront of Tersane Istanbul from September 23–27, 2026. The fair convenes 70 leading contemporary art galleries from 16 countries, showcasing 1,372 works by 736 artists. The edition kicks off on September 22 with the At First Sight opening reception, followed by the VIP Preview on September 23 and opens for public access between September 24–27. Connecting established institutions, emerging spaces, international collectors, and creative voices, CI21 highlights new geographical dialogues across the art world through its dedicated sections: Focus Asia, Newcomers, and New Grounds.
Held ahead of the 21st edition of Contemporary Istanbul, the press conference took place on September 15 at Akbank Kampüs, with the attendance of Ali Güreli, Chairman of the Board of Contemporary Istanbul; Rabia Bakıcı Güreli, Vice Chair of the Board of Contemporary Istanbul; and Seçil Demiralp, Head of Brand and Communications at Akbank.
Speaking ahead of the opening, Ali Güreli, Chairman of Contemporary Istanbul, shared his vision for the milestone edition:
“The future of the art market is shaped not simply by transaction volume, but by where artists, galleries, collectors, and progressive ideas intersect. That is the distinct energy Istanbul offers. For 21 years, Contemporary Istanbul has expanded this creative junction, linking Türkiye’s art scene directly with the global dialogue. With this year’s newcomer galleries and Focus Asia, we are extending this network even further, reinforcing Istanbul’s enduring status as an essential crossroads for international art.”
Highlighting Akbank’s uninterrupted commitment as main partner, Suzan Sabancı, Chair of Akbank, stated:
“Contemporary art offers one of the most powerful lenses through which we view the world anew. Today, Istanbul stands as a vital epicenter where these fresh perspectives converge and the future of art is debated. For over two decades, Contemporary Istanbul has channeled this dynamic energy by gathering artists, galleries, and collectors along the Golden Horn. At Akbank, we take immense pride in accompanying this journey. I am confident that CI21 will reinforce Istanbul’s cultural footprint and spark inspiring new discoveries.”
70 GALLERIES AND 22 NEWCOMERS AT CI21
A highlight of CI21 is the arrival of 22 international galleries exhibiting at the fair for the first time, bringing fresh curatorial perspectives and long-term collaboration opportunities to Istanbul's creative ecosystem:
ARTISCAPE (Dubai, Istanbul), Galeria Francisco Fino (Lisbon), Galeria Karla Osorio (São Paulo), Galerie Diego Escobar (Marseille), Galerie Georges-Philippe & Nathalie Vallois (Paris), Galerie La La Lande (Paris), Galerie Tanit (Munich, Beirut), Method Gallery (New Delhi), Michel Rein Gallery (Paris, Brussels), Pearl Lam Projects (Hong Kong, Shanghai), Shiva Zahed (Istanbul), Takato Kano Gallery + ISKRA (Tokyo), Villa Magdalena (Madrid, San Sebastián), Andreae Gallery (Bonn), Whitestone Gallery (Seoul, Tokyo, Ginza), Galerie Thomas Schulte (Berlin), Silk Art House (Singapore), Identica (Tbilisi), Jessica Silverman (San Francisco), Carlier | Gebauer (Madrid, Berlin), Von Lintel (Los Angeles), and Rast Gallery (Istanbul).
The fair features five curated Solo Shows, while New Grounds highlights nine dynamic galleries founded within the last five years. The Focus Asia section presents five premier galleries from across the continent.
Explore all participating galleries, artists, and selected artworks via the CI21 Online Catalogue.
FOCUS ASIA: A TWO-WAY CULTURAL DIALOGUE
Positioned at the core of CI21’s international outlook, Focus Asia builds a bidirectional, enduring bridge connecting artists, curators, galleries, and collectors between Türkiye and Asia.
The sector features Pearl Lam Projects (Hong Kong, Shanghai), Whitestone Gallery (Tokyo, Seoul), Takato Kano Gallery (Tokyo), Method Gallery (New Delhi), and Silk Art House Gallery (Singapore). Featured Asian artists include Tatsuo Miyajima, Jin Meyerson, Cody Choi, Kim Hyunsik, Isaac Chong Wai, Mizuki Nishiyama, Park Jieun, Jae Yong Kim, and Evian Wenyi Zhang across diverse presentations.
CIF DIALOGUES 2026
Organized by the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation, CIF Dialogues takes place on September 23–24. The program explores Asia’s evolving cultural landscape, next-generation patronage, museum architecture, and the intersection of art and emerging technology. International speakers include Kulapat Yantrasast, Akiko Miki, Felix Kwok, Noelle Kadar, Marc Choi, Marc-Olivier Wahler, Çelenk Bafra, Dr. Xiaoxin Li, Müjde Unustası, Tim Schneider, A.A. Murakami, and Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst.
ART ACROSS THE WATERFRONT: THE SCULPTURE PARK
The Contemporary Istanbul x Tersane Istanbul Sculpture Park extends contemporary art beyond the gallery booths, activating various spots across Tersane Istanbul. Featuring 12 sculptures, the route brings together works by artists from diverse generations and geographies in the public space. Among them is Jaume Plensa’s monumental seven-meter sculpture, Juana, prominently positioned along the shores of the Golden Horn.
Other showcased works include: Arne Quinze, Lupine Alpestris; Bahadır Baruter, Fatties – Pride and Fatties – Joy; Bernar Venet, 98.5° Arc × 8; Ecem Yerman, Hathor and Threshold Guardian; Johnny Depp, The Bunnyman; Mert Ege Köse, Fractal Moments; Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa, Inhabited Crate – Multi-Colored; Thomas Schönauer, Galaxa 2 and Arik Levy, RockFormationTower 430
INTERNATIONAL VIP PROGRAM
The CI21 VIP Program welcomes 1,430 VIP guests and delegates representing 148 global institutions across 37 countries to Tersane Istanbul. The itinerary engages 50 art foundations, 39 galleries, 19 museums, and 12 art advisory groups, with 19 institutions visiting from 11 Asian nations.
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR GALLERIES
Contemporary Istanbul continues to provide key logistical support to participating exhibitors. Through an ongoing partnership with Turkish Airlines, galleries receive up to 400 kg of complimentary airport-to-airport air cargo across multiple routes. Additionally, the fair covers the 20% global customs guarantee based on declared artwork values, streamlining customs clearance and minimizing upfront gallery costs.
LOOKING AHEAD: FOCUS GERMANY AT CI22
For its 22nd edition in 2027, Contemporary Istanbul will introduce Focus Germany. Drawing inspiration from the deep-rooted cultural ties between Türkiye and Germany, the program will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 1957 Türkiye–Germany Cultural Agreement and coincide with documenta 2027. The sector will highlight cross-border collaborations spanning Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Kassel.
VISITOR ACCESS & TRANSPORTATION TO TERSANE ISTANBUL
From September 23–27, complimentary ferry shuttles will run between Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, and Tersane Istanbul for valid ticket and invitation holders. Due to capacity limits, boat access passes must be reserved in advance via Biletix. Free shuttle bus services will also operate daily from the Şişhane Metro and Halıcıoğlu Metrobüs stations directly to Tersane Istanbul.
On September 24 and 25 (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM), Contemporary Istanbul offers complimentary admission to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Tickets are available via Biletix.
CONTEMPORARY ISTANBUL APP
Available on iOS and Android, the official Contemporary Istanbul app provides access to e-tickets, QR passes, real-time programs, gallery floor maps, and featured artist profiles to help you navigate your visit across Tersane Istanbul.
VISITING HOURS & DETAILS
September 22, 2026: At First Sight / Opening Reception
September 23, 2026: VIP Preview
September 24–27, 2026: Public Days
Location: Tersane Istanbul, Haliç
ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ISTANBUL
Contemporary Istanbul plays a transformative role in nurturing a dynamic, sustainable, and internationally integrated art market in Türkiye. Through the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation, its annual Focus initiatives, CIF Dialogues, and public installations, the organization fosters enduring creative exchanges between Istanbul and the global contemporary art world.
Celebrating 21 editions alongside main partner Akbank, CI21 is hosted with the cultural destination partnership of Tersane Istanbul. The fair is brought to life with the support of Official Mobility and Co-Partner BMW Türkiye(distributed by Borusan Otomotiv), Co-Partner Asperox, Official Airline Turkish Airlines | Miles&Smiles, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), İBB KÜLTÜR A.Ş., Host Partner Pernod Ricard Türkiye, Partner Trendyol, Official Watch Partner Salon Kantièm, Project Partners Samsung, L’OR Espresso, Maison Yirmisekiz, and The Peninsula Istanbul, and Hospitality Partner The Marmara Group.
The communication partner for the 21st edition of Contemporary Istanbul is GOLIN KETCHUM.
By bringing together the international press, collectors, art institutions, and creative professionals in Istanbul, Contemporary Istanbul will continue to strengthen the city's visibility across the global contemporary art scene.
