Borusan Contemporary is a contemporary art museum inside Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion in Rumeli Hisarı, on Istanbul’s Bosphorus shore. The building serves as Borusan Holding’s headquarters during the week and opens as a museum on Saturdays and Sundays, so your visit takes you through both gallery and office spaces. Exhibitions focus on new media, including video, photography and light-based works. Make time to explore the upper floors and rooftop terrace for views across the Bosphorus, then pause at the museum cafe.
A mansion with two roles
Borusan Contemporary occupies Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion in Rumeli Hisarı. Construction began in 1910, but the project was interrupted during the First World War and the unfinished building stood empty for years. Its abandoned floors gave rise to the name “Haunted Mansion.”
Borusan Holding began operating from the building in 2007. Since 2011, the mansion has also housed Borusan Contemporary. On weekends, the company headquarters opens to the public as a museum, bringing exhibitions into a building that remains a workplace during the week.
Art made with new media
The museum’s focus is contemporary art, especially work that uses media and technology in experimental ways. Exhibitions include forms such as video, photography, sound and light, as well as software and data. The collection has developed through acquisitions of works by Turkish and international artists.
Displays change, so the works you encounter depend on the current exhibition. Past exhibitions have included large aerial photographs. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events, and its collection includes work by artists such as Ai Weiwei and Olafur Eliasson.
From the galleries to the terrace
The visit moves through gallery areas and parts of the building used as offices. The unusual setting lets you see artworks alongside the working spaces, with office materials still present in some areas. Explore the different floors rather than stopping at the galleries; the rooftop terrace is a key point of the visit, with views over the Bosphorus.
There is a cafe in the building for a break between the exhibitions and terrace. Families can check the museum’s workshop program for activities aimed at children. Borusan Contemporary is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays; weekdays are reserved for office use.
Perguntas frequentes
When is Borusan Contemporary open to visitors?
The museum opens on Saturdays and Sundays. The building is used as offices on weekdays.
How long should I spend at Borusan Contemporary?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the exhibitions, office areas and rooftop terrace.
What kind of art is shown at Borusan Contemporary?
The museum focuses on contemporary and new media art, including video, photography, sound and light-based work.
Is Borusan Contemporary suitable for children?
The museum is family-friendly and has activities for children. Check its workshop program before your visit.
