** UPDATE: Since writing this post **

Unfortunately this year’s Istanbul Biennial has been postponed to 2025.

We understand that this is due to governance mechanisms which are currently in review. It’s very disappointing – we were really looking forward to it! Sharing it with our guests at Istanbul Place Apartments will now have to wait until next year.

Art, Culture, and Conversations

Istanbul Biennial 2024 brings to the city an exciting mix of contemporary art, cultural dialogue and fresh thinking. As one of the most prestigious art events in the world, the Biennial transforms Istanbul into a creative hub, attracting artists, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world. This year’s theme explores where humanity’s evolving relationship with nature, technology and sustainability intersect.

Read on for what you need to know about the 2024 Istanbul Biennial.

Istanbul Biennial 2024 dates and venues

The Istanbul Biennial 2024 offers nearly two months of immersive art experiences across the city. This year’s exhibitions are spread across a range of venues, including some of Istanbul’s most iconic locations:

• Istanbul Modern: Recently reopened after extensive renovations, Istanbul Modern is the central hub of the Biennial, hosting large-scale installations and interactive exhibits.
• Pera Museum: Known for its rich collections of Orientalist art, Pera Museum adds a historical dimension to the Biennial, with exhibitions that bridge the past and future.
• Arter: This is a contemporary art space in the Dolapdere district. Arter offers a cutting-edge platform for experimental works and performances.
• The Büyük Valide Han: This historic caravanserai in the heart of the Grand Bazaar district provides an atmospheric setting for site-specific installations.

Future Tense

Istanbul Biennial 2024 theme

Inviting artists and visitors to reflect on “Future Tense”, Istanbul Biennial 2024 explores the future of humanity at a time marked by rapid technological advancement and environmental challenge. The artworks shown will challenge our metaphorical direction of travel, asking questions about sustainability, co-existence and the role of technology in shaping our lives.

Istanbul Biennial 2024 media

You can expect to see an intriguing and diverse range of media, from digital art and AI-driven installations to traditional painting and sculpture, all with a common thread of contemplation on what the future might hold.

Highlights and Must-See Exhibitions

1. Interactive AI Installations: One of the standout features of this year’s Biennial is the use of artificial intelligence in art. Visitors can interact with AI-driven installations that respond to human emotions and actions, creating a dialogue between technology and the viewer.
2. Sustainability Projects: Several artists have focused on environmental themes, using recycled materials and renewable energy sources in their works. These projects not only highlight the importance of sustainability but also demonstrate how art can inspire positive change.
3. Public Art and Urban Interventions: The Biennial extends beyond traditional gallery spaces, with public art installations scattered across the city. These works invite the public to engage with art in everyday settings, from bustling squares to quiet parks, making art a part of the urban landscape.
4. Film Screenings and Performances: In addition to visual art, the Biennial includes a robust program of film screenings, performances, and talks. These events provide deeper insights into the themes of the Biennial and offer a platform for artists to engage with the public in real-time.

Why You Should Visit

The Istanbul Biennial is more than just an art exhibition; it’s a cultural event that fosters global conversations about the future. You may be a contemporary art connoisseur or simply curious about current cultural issues – the Biennial will provide you with a great opportunity to explore new ideas and perspectives.

To fully immerse yourself in it all and experience hip Istanbul neighbourhood life authentically at the same time, do choose to stay in one of our historic apartments in Galata. Their location is perfect to access the Biennial venues and the vibrant neighborhoods that host them. Then, after a day of art-filled adventures, you can come ‘home’ to relax in the comfort of a beautifully restored historic apartment, balancing the best of Istanbul’s past and present.

If you can possibly come, do! Don’t miss this chance to be part of Istanbul Biennial 2024 – where art, culture, and the future converge in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Do you have questions?

We love the buzz of Istanbul during Biennial – and throughout the rest of the year too.

Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have in the comments section below.

If you’d like to book an apartment with us for the Biennial or any other time this autumn/winter, we do still have some availability: ENQUIRE HERE