Construction begins for VKF's new contemporary art museum

The most recent major cultural project of the Vehbi Koç Foundation is the establishment of a contemporary art museum scheduled to be opened at the end of 2017 in Istanbul’s Dolapdere district, close to the city centre. Conceptualised as a multidisciplinary cultural and educational hub, the museum will house the Vehbi Koç Foundation Contemporary Art Collection as well as feature temporary exhibitions and associated events throughout the year, furthering ARTER’s ongoing programme.

The new building will hold, besides permanent and temporary exhibitions, a sculpture terrace, performance spaces, interactive dialogue centres, conference/meeting/activity rooms, a library, a conservation laboratory, storage facilities, an art book store, as well as service areas for dining and refreshments. 

The building’s architectural design was executed by Grimshaw Architects (UK). Its construction began in July 2015, and is scheduled to be completed in 2017.

Melih Fereli, Culture and Arts Advisor of the Vehbi Koç Foundation, is the Founding Director of the contemporary art museum, while Emre Baykal acts as head of the curatorial team.