İstanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi

The Istanbul Modern, a new building perched on the Golden Horn, opened in 2005 as the most upbeat and thoroughly contemporary museum in Turkey. It houses both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, providing a showcase for many of the eccentric and talented personalities who have shaped modern art in Turkey from the early 20th
century to the present day. Many of the works are from the private collection of the Ecacibaji family, who founded the museum. Exhibits include abstract art, landscapes and watercolours as well as a sculpture garden and a stunning display of black and white photography. (s1)

Istanbul Modern Arts Museum (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi)—The first and only museum in Istanbul dedicated to the works of contemporary Turkish artists, "Istanbul Modern" opened in 2004. A huge warehouse in the port area was renovated into galleries and exhibition halls, with permanent exhibits on the upper floors and rotating temporary exhibits (which may include work by international artists) on the main floor. The museum displays a broad, interesting mix of modern art.
Hours, Location: open Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, Thu until 20:00, last entry 30 min before closing, closed Mon, Meclis-I Mebusan Caddesi, Liman İşletmeleri Sahası, Antrepo 4, tram stop: Tophane, tel. 0212/334-7300,  The good museum cafeteria has an outdoor terrace with fine Old Town views.
Getting There: It's in the Tophane neighborhood (close to Karaköy), at the dock behind Nusretiye Mosque, by the mouth of the Golden Horn. From the Old Town, take the tram to the second stop after the Galata Bridge (Tophane), backtrack a block to Nusretiye Mosque, and take the alley to the right just past the mosque. From Taksim Square, take the funicular to Kabataş, change to the tram, and get off at Tophane (second stop from Kabataş), then follow the instructions above. (s3)