TR Ongoing

Contemporary Istanbul art fair

Name: Contemporary Istanbul art fair
Start: 2026-09-22
End: 2026-09-27
Location: Istanbul

Contemporary Istanbul is a major international contemporary art fair held at Tersane Istanbul, a historic Ottoman shipyard on the Golden Horn. The 2026 edition, which marks the 21st year of the event, runs from September 22 to 27 and brings together galleries, artists, and collectors from around the world. A major highlight for this edition is the public debut of actor Johnny Depp’s first large-scale sculpture, a two-meter bronze figure titled "The Bunnyman."

Date: Sep 22-27, 2026
Location: Istanbul
Status: Ongoing

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Event summary

Highlights

Unveiling of Johnny Depp's first large-scale sculpture, "The Bunnyman"
Exhibition of over 1,300 works from 70 international galleries
Outdoor installations at the historic Tersane Istanbul shipyard
Works by modern masters including Picasso, Miró, and Matisse

The fair takes place at the historic Tersane Istanbul complex, a former shipyard that has been transformed into a sprawling commercial and cultural venue. This 21st edition features approximately 70 galleries from 16 countries, showcasing 1,372 works by 736 artists. The event is organized into various sections including Focus Asia, Newcomers, and New Grounds, emphasizing its role as a bridge between diverse regional art scenes and the global market.

Prominent outdoor installations are a core feature of the fair's programming. In addition to Johnny Depp's "The Bunnyman"—which was inspired by a childhood drawing and developed with the Sigg Art Foundation—the site hosts Jaume Plensa’s seven-meter iron sculpture "Juana" along the shoreline. Visitors can also view works from modern masters like Picasso, Miró, and Tàpies, alongside dynamic contemporary pieces such as Chisato Matsumoto’s large-scale textile and light installation, "Sail of Light."

As a significant stop on the international art circuit, Contemporary Istanbul attracts thousands of VIP guests and art professionals from dozens of countries. The fair's location at the Golden Horn provides a unique backdrop for both indoor gallery booths and monumental outdoor art projects, reinforcing the city's status as a growing destination for the global creative community.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.