Istanbul Modern, Istanbul

Making its debut in 2004, Istanbul Modern is Turkey's first museum dedicated to displaying contemporary art. Located on the Sea of Marmara, the museum is a 86,000 square foot renovated government warehouse that houses abstract paintings, portraits, sculptures and photographs from local artists and public and private collections. Istanbul Modern fuses Turkish and Western aesthetic influences to create a connection between Turkish and European institutions of art. Although the Turkish government has offered some assistance, the museum is privately funded by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and the Eczacibasi family, who also provides the permanent collection. Attracting 5,000 visitors daily, one of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the "Stairway to Hell" by Monica Bonvicini in 2003, a sculpture featuring chains and bullet-shattered glass. Other exhibits feature work by Fahrelnissa Zeid and Seker Ahmet Pasa. Istanbul Modern wil l also offer art history programs for children and adults. Admission is free on Thursdays from 10a-2p, and discounts are offered for students and groups.