Contemporary Istanbul, Turkey’s leading international art fair, will celebrate its 20th anniversary from 24–28 September 2025 at Tersane Istanbul, with Akbank as its main partner.
CONTEMPORARY ISTANBUL CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY AT TERSANE ISTANBUL FROM 24-28 SEPTEMBER 2025
Istanbul, July 2025 – Contemporary Istanbul, Turkey’s leading international art fair, will celebrate its 20th anniversary from 24–28 September 2025 at Tersane Istanbul, with Akbank as its main partner.
The 2025 edition reflects two decades of growth for the fair, which has become a vital meeting point for collectors, artists, and institutions from across the region and beyond.
International Highlights and Institutional Collaborations
Marking 50 years of the BMW Art Car Collection, this year’s edition will include a rare showing of two iconic models: the first designed by Alexander Calder, and the latest by Julie Mehretu. These will be exhibited side by side for the first time in Turkey.
Contemporary Istanbul’s 20th edition also deepens its engagement with leading museums and art organisations worldwide. Special presentations will include contributions from the UBS Digital Art Museum (Hamburg), Palais de Tokyo (Paris), Asia Society (New York), Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), Sigg Art Foundation (Le Castellet), Barjeel Art Foundation (Sharjah), and others, underlining the fair’s commitment to international dialogue.
CI 20 Focus: America
The fair’s curated Focus Section this year will spotlight the contemporary art scene in the United States, with a particular emphasis on New York. Titled Focus America, the programme will explore the country’s role in shaping global cultural narratives and foster new connections among artists, curators, and collectors. Institutional leaders from major US museums will take part in a series of panels, exhibitions, and networking events.
CIF Dialogues: “Dispersing Coordinates”
CIF’s annual conference, Dialogues, returns this year under the theme “Dispersing Coordinates: Istanbul and the Shifting Map of Art.” The programme will reflect on global cultural shifts and Istanbul’s evolving position in the art world. Confirmed speakers include Jennifer Stockman (Honorary President, Guggenheim Museum), Anne Pasternak (Director, Brooklyn Museum), and Ahu Antmen (Director, Sakıp Sabancı Museum).
Partners and Support
Contemporary Istanbul’s 20th edition is made possible through the support of its main partner Akbank, alongside collaborative partnerships with Tersane Istanbul, BMW, and Borusan Otomotiv. Additional support is provided by Turkish Airlines, Miles&Smiles, Pernod Ricard Turkey, Tosyalı Holding, Trendyol, Magdeburger Sigorta, and The Marmara Group.
International press outreach is supported by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), continuing CI’s wider mission to position Istanbul as a key destination on the global art map.
For more information and press accreditation:
Contemporary Istanbul Dates:
24 September Preview
25 – 28 September General Admission
