02 October 2025 Thursday
Highlights Not to Miss at the Istanbul Biennial
Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) with the sponsorship of Koç Holding, the 18th Istanbul Biennial opened its doors to all visitors on September 20, following preview days that began on September 16. Curated by Christine Tohmé, this year’s edition stands out with the theme “Three-Legged Cat” and brings art lovers together across eight venues stretching from Beyoğlu to Karaköy. Within the first 15 days, the biennial welcomed more than 100,000 visitors, breaking attendance records.
The conceptual framework of this year’s biennial is built on “self-preservation” and “future possibilities.” Guided by Tohmé, the biennial will unfold over three years, spanning 2025–2027, with chapters envisioned as a multi-layered artistic marathon. The first chapter, running from September 20 to November 23, 2025, can be visited free of charge and is supported by a public program that includes performances, film screenings, and talks.
The biennial exhibits artworks in eight venues intertwined with Istanbul’s historical fabric. Some of these include Elhamra Han, Zihni Han, Galata Greek Primary School, Meclis-i Mebusan 35, Külah Factory, Galeri 77, Muradiye Han, and the Garden of the Old French Orphanage. This exhibition route offers visitors the chance to experience art within architecturally rich spaces while engaging with the city’s cultural memory.
The international press has also shown intense interest in the biennial. Outlets such as the Financial Times, Artforum, Frieze, El País, and ArchDaily have covered the event, while professionals, critics, and institutional representatives visited Istanbul during the preview days. Accessibility-focused initiatives are also emphasized this year: services include audio descriptions for visitors with visual impairments and sign language interpretation for deaf audiences.
Ultimately, the 18th Istanbul Biennial goes beyond being just an exhibition experience, emerging as a temporal and spatial orchestration of art that redefines Istanbul on the contemporary art scene.
