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A New Icon of the Bosphorus Skyline: MSFAU Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture

14/01/2022

The painting and sculpture museum of the city, located on the roof of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSFAU), is one of the important cultural attractions of Istanbul. The museum is one of the most important parts of the city's skyline because of located on the Bosphorus, one of the unique places of the world. Besides, it dates back to the 20th century from the late Ottoman Empire. with its collection dating back to the end of the century, it has the distinction of being the first art museum in Turkey in a western sense.

Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum awaits its visitors with its first work, “Serginin Sergisi II”.

After 10 years of renovation, the museum opened its doors to art lovers. Approximately 13 thousand artefacts in the museum were kept in sheltered warehouses for 10 years and underwent restoration and conservation works.

The works of many valuable painters such as Osman Hamdi Bey, Şeker Ahmet Pasha and Avni Lifji are included in the inventory of the museum. The historical museum, which served as part of the Dolmabahce Palace until 10 years ago, now welcomes art lovers in a new museum structure with modern and innovative lines located in Tophane.

The Design Made by Emre Arolat, One of the Most Important Figures of Turkish Architecture.

Emre Arolat graduated from Galatasaray High School, then from MSGSU Faculty of Architecture, and then completed his Master's degree at MSGSU Faculty of Architecture. Between 1987 and 2004, he had worked at Arolat Architecture Office, which was founded by Şaziment and Neşet Arolat. He had worked at Arolat Architecture Office between 1987 and 2004.

As the Main Design Officer at EAA-Emre Arolat Architecture, which he founded in 2004 with Gonca Pasholar, he continues to produce architectural projects in different geographies of the world with his extensive and experienced staff in offices in Istanbul and London.

Prizes and participated in national and international competitions, as well as the Aga Khan Architecture Award, Design Award of the year from the Design Museum of London, RIBA-the Royal Institute of British Architects International Excellence Award World Architecture Festival, Cityscape, Mipim, National Architecture Award, Kadir, award for Outstanding Achievement in the arts, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, won awards such as the award-Osman Hamdi Bey.

While the building was converted into a museum, the reinforced concrete structure was preserved. The walls and floors were removed to create a grid of 'containers'. Containers protruding beyond the grid are connected by bridges. Visitors meet the view of Istanbul provided by the transparent façade.

A spacious hall at the entrance of the museum welcomes the visitors. The rear wall of the museum serves as an interface between the new museum and the city, forming the facade facing the pedestrian deckhouse.

Here are the frames from the museum...