Contemporary Istanbul Opens Its Doors with Its 21st Edition
Hosted at Tersane Istanbul, the art fair brought together art professionals and international galleries from all around the world.
The 21st edition of Contemporary Istanbul, bringing together the international art world, opened with a ceremony under the main partnership of Akbank and the cultural destination partnership of Tersane Istanbul.
The Gathering Starting at Tersane Istanbul
The opening reception, bringing together prominent figures from the worlds of art, culture, and business, was held on September 22 at Rixos Tersane Istanbul.
It was announced that the fair will welcome visitors at Tersane Istanbul between September 23 and September 27, 2026.
Broad International Participation Rate
While a total of 70 galleries from 16 different countries are taking part in the fair this year, 22 galleries are also participating in the event for the first time.
Meanwhile, the Focus: Asia program brings galleries and diverse production practices from the Asian contemporary art scene to Istanbul.
Statements from Management and Founders
Speaking at the opening, Ali Güreli, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Contemporary Istanbul, drew attention to art's power to build cross-cultural connections.
Suzan Sabancı, Chairperson of the Board of main partner Akbank, and Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Rixos Hotels, also made evaluations.
New Gallery and Artwork Route
Many galleries from hubs such as Lisbon, Paris, Berlin, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and New Delhi participated in the fair for the first time this year.
Jaume Plensa's seven-meter-high monumental cast iron sculpture and sculpture park trail meet art lovers across Tersane Istanbul.