Istanbul Modern marks its 20th anniversary on December 11, 2024, celebrating two decades of success with 10 million visitors and over 1 million children and young adults benefiting from free art education.
In its first 20 years, Istanbul Modern organized 9 collection exhibitions, 84 temporary shows, and 45 photography exhibitions, with 17 held internationally. The museum also hosted 3,500 events and screened nearly 4,000 films through Istanbul Modern Cinema. In 2024 alone, the museum welcomed a record-breaking 1 million visitors.
The museum’s 20th year featured major exhibitions, including “Timeless Curiosities” and Olafur Eliasson’s “Your Unexpected Encounter.” Photography highlights included “The Photographer’s Testimony” by Ozan Sağdıç and “Journey of Colors” by İzzet Keribar. Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota’s “Between Worlds” installation marked the Türkiye-Japan centennial.
The museum’s new building emphasizes education with designated spaces like the Discovery Space, Eco Art Lab, and Stüdyo STEAM, combining art with science and technology.
Istanbul Modern Cinema has screened 4,000 films through 428 programs over 20 years. The museum has also received 46 awards, including Architectural Digest’s “Works of Wonder” and ArchDaily’s “Building of the Year.” Most recently, CIMAM honored its gender equality education program with the Outstanding Museum Practice Award.
To commemorate the milestone, Istanbul Modern published Bir Müze Hikâyesi İstanbul Modern, a book detailing its founding journey and contributions to Turkish and global art.
Chair Oya Eczacıbaşı highlighted the museum’s dynamic vision, stating, “Our mission is to offer innovative, multifaceted experiences and continue contributing to the future with energy and creativity.”
