Artİstanbul Feshane History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

Artİstanbul Feshane, a historic venue, has recently opened its doors as a new cultural and artistic space in Istanbul. Once a center of production where coal energy was converted into electricity and labor into commodity, Feshane is now transformed into a cultural and artistic venue on the Haliç (Golden Horn) shoreline, connecting the city’s traditions and dreams with its horizontal, expandable, and inclusive structure.

Feshane’s Historical Significance: Feshane, one of the Ottoman Empire’s first industrial structures, has been revitalized following meticulous restoration by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (İBB) Heritage department. Incorporating the Naile Akıncı Library, Artİstanbul Feshane serves as a knowledge center and one of the most significant cultural venues in Istanbul.

Current Exhibitions and Activities: Opened on June 22, 2023, Artİstanbul Feshane is hosting the “Ortadan Başlamak” (Starting from the Middle) exhibition organized by the Istanbul Art Council. The exhibition features over 400 works from different techniques and periods, participated by 19 curators and 300 artists. The exhibition, enriched with various events, spreads across the open and closed areas of Feshane on the Haliç shoreline.

Feshane’s History: Feshane, also known as Feshane-i Amire, is located on the Haliç shoreline, on Eyüp Defterdar Avenue. It was established to meet the fez needs of the army and the public. The facility was expanded with large water tanks and dyeing workshops after a fire in 1839, and a wool weaving section was added in 1843, transforming Feshane into a weaving factory and initiating the wool textile industry.

Throughout history, Feshane underwent various renovations and expansions. After a fire on December 30, 1949, the wooden material warehouses were rebuilt during restoration. Parts of Feshane were demolished in 1986 during the Haliç redevelopment project, and some sections were transferred to the Bakırköy Cotton Industry Operation. Feshane, once closed by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, was then entrusted to the Eczacıbaşı Foundation for forty-five years. In its new era, Feshane hosted the III. Istanbul Biennial in 1989 with the support of Dr. Nejat Eczacıbaşı Culture and Art Foundation. The structure underwent further modifications, and in 1998, it was restored to host fairs, congresses, exhibitions, and other cultural-artistic activities.

Visiting Artİstanbul Feshane: Artİstanbul Feshane is open to visitors daily except Mondays from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM and offers free entry.

Artistanbul Feshane, located in Eyüpsultan, Istanbul, is a unit operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, hosting art and culture. Feshane, with its experiences from the past, holds a significant space in conveying art and culture to future generations. If you haven’t visited the increasingly famous Artİstanbul Feshane in Istanbul yet, you can start planning after reading this article.

History and Architecture of Feshane: Feshane has a history of about 200 years and was established in 1833 by Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II in Kadırga, Fatih, for producing uniforms for the Ottoman Army. Due to space constraints, it was moved to its current location in 1839. It became one of the major factories of the textile industry after expansion works in 1916. However, the prohibition of fez usage following the Hat Revolution in 1925 ended its fez production. From 1940, the fez weaving machines in the factory were moved to the Istanbul City Museum. Over the years, this historical structure, used for various textile productions, began to be used as a contemporary art center by the Eczacıbaşı Foundation after 1989. Following restoration works by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2018, it opened its doors to art lovers in 2023 as Artistanbul Feshane. If you want to experience history and art together, don’t forget to add Artİstanbul Feshane to your list of places to visit in Istanbul.

What to Do at Artistanbul Feshane? Artistanbul Feshane is a fantastic place for those interested in art and culture. It hosts high-level events, including exhibitions, concerts, personal development conferences, and more, offering quality experiences. Artİstanbul Feshane has hosted numerous events since its opening, such as concerts, workshops, and children’s activities.

Is Entry to Artİstanbul Feshane Free? Entrance to Artİstanbul Feshane, restored with the contributions of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, is completely free. This provides an excellent option for enjoyable and productive time without the cost associated with many exhibitions, concerts, and events.

Transportation to Artİstanbul Feshane: Artİstanbul Feshane can be reached either by personal vehicle or public transportation. Located next to the Haliç Bridge, it is easily accessible by public transportation routes heading towards Eyüpsultan. For tram users, it’s a short walk from the Feshane tram stop. Those preferring sea transport can disembark at Eyüp Pier from Üsküdar and walk 500 meters to the center.

Address: Nişanca, Zalpaşa Cd, Pk. 34050 – Eyüpsultan / İstanbul