SALT Galata

  • Art | Galleries
  • Şişhane
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Time Out says

Designed in 1892 by the Frenchborn Levantine architect Alexandre Vallaury for Bank-ı Osmanî Şahane, the SALT Galata building is one of the most handsome structures in the city. The project to re-structure and re-functionalise this space was overseen by Mimarlar Design, under the supervision of Ağa Han-recipient architect, Han Tümertekin. The focus here, of course, was in creating a space that could respond perfectly to SALT’s multi-layered programme needs. The result? In one word, incredible.

The stairs, the interventions that Autoban (the masters of reworking marble) did on the marble to draw attention to its production process, the offices, the auditorium, the library... Each one leaves you in awe – even the bathrooms. Could you fall in love with a bathroom? At SALT Galata, it’s quite possible. Moving back outside, where neoclassical and orientalist architectural details grace the front and back facades of the building, you’ll also find the bookshop Robinson Crusoe and a restaurant that Doors Group designed specifically for SALT Galata.

One of the institution’s most magnificent, unique areas that touches upon our researching spirit is SALT Research, which opens up digital and printed resources for access. The library located to the left of the entrance is like a temple to the building. This section places the institution’s mission of research, sharing and formation of new ideas in the centre of the building. Nearly 40,000 titles focus on areas such as art, architecture, design, urban planning, social history and the history of economics; the resources include over 100,000 printed materials and upwards of a million documents that have been transferred to the digital arena. This section encompasses the entire archive and library resources of the Ottoman Bank Archives and Research Centre, Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Center and Garanti Gallery. The archive consists of books, magazines, articles, CD/ DVDs and theses as well as digital resources.

The ateliers on the first floor consist of a large, divisible space as well as two fixed meeting areas. The institution’s mission of sharing finds life here. The second floor, meanwhile, houses enviable offices. The Open Archive on the third floor is also an area that’s redesigned for each exhibition, a space where SALT’s research on archive subjects is exhibited and opened up for interpretation. 

The permanent collection of the Ottoman Bank Museum remains firmly intact in this building, sharing -1 floor with the exhibition space. The museum was re-designed in an area within the building’s vaults. Its archive and theme were carried out by Edhem Eldem, while the design belongs to Bülent Erkmen. Lastly, on floor -2, there’s an auditorium that seats 219, suitable for discussions such as seminars, conferences and debates as well as feature film showings, presentation events and performances.

Details

Address
Bankalar Caddesi 11
İstanbul
34420
Price:
Free.
Opening hours:
Tue-Sat 12.00-20.00; Sun 12.00-18.00; every last Thurs of the month 12.00-22.00.

What’s on

Anatolian Plant Legacy

Embark on a journey through the plant heritage of these lands with ‘Anatolian Plant Legacy’, an exhibition where art meets science. Featuring original works by 47 artists from across Turkey, the exhibition showcases 80 botanical illustrations—from ancient species like barley, wheat, olives, and grapes, to medicinal plants, local fruits and vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Together, they reveal Anatolia’s rich agricultural memory and its deep-rooted connection with nature. Each illustration is not only a visually striking work of art but also a scientifically accurate document. While aiming to raise awareness about the preservation of endangered cultivated plants and their wild relatives, the exhibition also offers a compelling visual response to urgent issues like the climate crisis, food security, and local production. Accompanying herbarium specimens, historical documents, and scientific publications provide further insight into the layered story of Anatolia’s plant life. The exhibition is on view at Salt Beyoğlu from May 16 to August 10.  
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