Istanbul is one of the world’s richest cultural centers with its historical texture and modern art approach. Museums and galleries spread throughout the city offer art experiences suitable for every budget. Moreover, many venues are open for free visits on certain days or continuously. Here is our comprehensive guide to free exhibitions and museums you can visit in Istanbul.
Venues with Free Entry Every Day
Salt Galata and Salt Beyoğlu
Located in the heart of Karaköy, Salt Galata is one of the most important stops for contemporary art. Operating in the historic Ottoman Bank building, the venue hosts the Ottoman Bank Museum in addition to free exhibitions. Open for free visits every day of the week, Salt Galata brings current exhibitions, archive works, and research programs to art enthusiasts.
Address: Bankalar Street, Karaköy
Visiting Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-19:00, Sunday 11:00-18:00
Müze Gazhane
Kadıköy’s new cultural center Müze Gazhane came to life through the transformation of the historic gashouse. The complex, which houses the Climate Museum, Cartoon and Humor Museum, Science Center, and Gallery Gazhane, is completely free. An ideal day trip destination especially for families with children.
Address: Hasanpaşa District, Kadıköy
Visiting Hours: Every day except Monday 10:00-20:00
Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts
Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts on İstiklal Avenue stands out with its permanent and temporary exhibitions. Currently, works by Fulya Çetin and İlhan Sayın can be seen until January 4, 2026, as part of the “Together” exhibition series.
Address: İstiklal Avenue No:161, Beyoğlu
Visiting Hours: Every day 10:00-22:00
Artİstanbul Feshane
The historic Feshane building on the Golden Horn shore has been restored by İBB Miras and opened as a culture and arts center. It offers a wide program with exhibition halls, concert venue, and workshop spaces.
Address: Defterdar District, Eyüpsultan
Visiting Hours: Every day except Monday 10:00-20:00
Türkiye İş Bankası Museum
Located in Sirkeci, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection documenting Turkey’s banking history. The current exhibition titled “Side by Side” brings together artists from different periods.
Address: Hobyar District, Sirkeci
Visiting Hours: Every day except Monday 10:00-18:00
Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art
The private museum located in Maslak permanently exhibits the Sevda and Can Elgiz Collection. Housing one of Turkey’s leading contemporary art collections, the venue regularly hosts national and international exhibitions.
Address: Maslak District, Sarıyer
Visiting Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00-17:00, Saturday 10:00-16:00
Venues Free on Specific Days
Istanbul Modern – Thursdays
Operating in its new building at Galataport, Istanbul Modern is Turkey’s first modern art museum. Free for all visitors on Thursdays between 10:00-14:00. Additionally, young people aged 18-25 can enter free on Tuesdays during the same hours. Currently, Ali Kazma’s “Landscapes of the Mind” exhibition continues until February 1, 2026.
Address: Kılıç Ali Paşa District, Tophane
Free Days: Thursday 10:00-14:00 (everyone), Tuesday 10:00-14:00 (ages 18-25)
Sakıp Sabancı Museum – Tuesdays
Located at the Atlı Köşk in Emirgan, Sakıp Sabancı Museum stands out with its magnificent Bosphorus view. Free for all visitors on Tuesdays, the museum organizes important international exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.
Address: Sakıp Sabancı Avenue, Emirgan
Free Day: Tuesday (all day)
Pera Museum – Friday Evenings
Pera Museum in Tepebaşı hosts the world-famous “The Tortoise Trainer” painting. Free for all visitors on Friday evenings between 18:00-22:00. Also free for students on Wednesdays as part of “Young Wednesday.” Currently, the exhibition “Shared Feelings: Works from the British Council Collection” can be seen until January 18, 2026.
Address: Meşrutiyet Avenue No:65, Tepebaşı
Free Hours: Friday 18:00-22:00
Featured Free Exhibitions of Winter 2025
18th Istanbul Biennial – “Three-Legged Cat”
The first leg of the biennial curated by Christine Tohmé can be visited completely free at eight different venues in Beyoğlu and Karaköy. The exhibition, spread across historic buildings such as Galata Greek School, Zihni Han, and Muradiye Han, brings together works by 50 artists from more than 30 countries.
Venues: Beyoğlu-Karaköy line (various locations)
Entry: Free
Arter – Current Exhibitions
Arter in Dolapdere hosts Hera Büyüktaşcıyan’s solo exhibition “Ghost Quartet” and the video art exhibition titled “Hah!” Free entry is offered on Thursdays between 18:00-21:00.
Address: Irmak Street No:13, Dolapdere
Free Hours: Thursday 18:00-21:00
Borusan Contemporary – Transforming Earth
Edward Burtynsky’s “Transforming Earth” exhibition continues until August 2026 at Perili Köşk in Sarıyer. The Canadian photographer’s impressive visuals documenting human impact are open for visits on weekends.
Address: Baltalimanı Hisar Avenue, Sarıyer
Visiting Days: Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Special Opportunities for Students and Young People
Many museums in Istanbul offer special discounts and free entry opportunities for students:
Pera Museum: Free for students on Wednesdays
Istanbul Modern: Free for young people aged 18-25 on Tuesdays (10:00-14:00)
Rahmi M. Koç Museum: Student discount available
Military Museum: Free for students on Tuesdays 16:00-20:00
Free Exhibitions for Families with Children
Müze Gazhane is an ideal choice for families with children. Interactive exhibitions and workshops at the Science Center offer fun learning experiences for young visitors. Additionally, Miniatürk and Panorama 1453 History Museum provide free entry opportunities during certain periods.
Tips for Exhibition Visits
Research in advance: Check the museums’ current exhibition programs and free entry hours from their websites.
Prefer weekdays: To avoid crowds especially on free days, prefer early hours.
Plan your route: Use your time efficiently by visiting multiple venues in the same area on the same day. For example, you can visit Salt Galata, Istanbul Modern, and Pera Museum in one go on the Karaköy-Beyoğlu line.
Don’t miss guided tours: Free Turkish guided tours are organized at Istanbul Modern on Thursdays at 17:00.
Consider museum cards: If you visit museums frequently, options like Museum Pass Istanbul can save you money in the long run.
After Your Exhibition Tour: A Break with a View
If you want to reward yourself after an intense exhibition marathon, Emaar Sky View is perfect for you. After watching Istanbul from a bird’s eye view on the observation terrace offering a 360-degree panorama of the city, take a coffee break at Sky Cafe. The coffee you sip with the Bosphorus view will put an unforgettable finishing touch to your art-filled day.
Istanbul’s rich art scene offers options suitable for every budget. Thanks to free exhibitions and museums, discovering world-class artworks is now possible for everyone. By following our recommendations above, you can plan a culture-filled Istanbul tour and explore the city’s art treasures for free.
This content has been prepared according to 2025 data. We recommend checking the current working hours and exhibition programs of venues from their official websites before your visit.
