What?

Architecture Gallery Istanbul is an organisation that sets out to raise hope in the architectural ecosystem, exhibits influential architectural projects from Turkey and all over the world, and creates a contemporary dialogue and discussion environment on architecture. It aims to strengthen the communication between the actors who create the built environment and to spread the richness of architectural culture to the public by presenting multiple perspectives.

Architecture Gallery Istanbul is a formation that emerged out of the need for channels where the voices of all actors who strive to make this city a place to live happily in can be heard and understood. It is a friendly meeting point that feeds on and contributes to the culture of architecture.

Each exhibition in the Architecture Gallery is shaped with programmes related to the subject it deals with. Sometimes a workshop, sometimes a conference, often informal gatherings around the table and events open to surprises aim to offer an environment of interaction. The first term programmes of the Architecture Gallery are also shaped around the theme of "Hope".

Why?

The built environment and architecture are areas that make up everyone's lives and determine both their vital and cultural structure. It is both possible and necessary to see these fields in a more embracing, deeper, more understandable and perhaps most importantly, joyful structure.

Architecture Gallery Istanbul sets out with the aim of strengthening the communication of the actors that make up the built environment, including those who see the built environment and architecture from different perspectives and those who contribute, creating a platform to listen to them, to see what they do, to discuss, to learn from each other; and to disseminate the richness of architectural culture by defeating singular perspectives at every opportunity.

Establishment

Architecture Gallery Istanbul is being established in the space where The Circle, which focuses on architecture and art, continues its activities. In its five-year history, the exhibitions, workshops, symposiums, etc. organised by The Circle have made valuable contributions to the architectural culture.

Over the years, The Circle has transformed into a place and a network of relationships where it has gifted its space and facilities for cultural use. In 2022, an Advisory - Working Group was established at The Circle to discuss what could be done for the architectural ecosystem and new searches began. In 2023, the foundations of Architecture Gallery Istanbul were laid, this time with the contribution of The Circle's experienced staff and leading cultural figures in the field. In this context, Pelin Derviş, who is a member of The Circle network and known for her work in the field of architectural history, contributed to the formation of the Architecture Gallery and started the programme preparations by determining the theme of the first two years. Meriç Öner, known for his experience and research in cultural institutions, joined the core team to advise the Architecture Gallery's programmes.