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Inaugurated on 8 June 2005, Pera Museum
is a private museum founded by the Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation.
The aim of offering an outstanding range of diverse high quality
culture and art services is as important today as when the Museum
first opened its doors to the public.
Couched in the historic quarter of
Tepebasi, the impressive building was originally conceived as the
Bristol Hotel. Restorer and architect Sinan Genim was given the
daunting renovation operation in 2003; the triumph of transforming
the interior into a modern and fully equipped museum is only matched
by the architect's mastery in simultaneously preserving the exterior
facade, safeguarding an integral part of Istanbul's architectural
flavour.
Through Suna and Inan Kirac
Foundation's three permanent collections, "Orientalist Paintings",
"Anatolian Weights and Measures", and "Kutahya Tiles and Ceramics",
Pera Museum seeks not only to diffuse the aesthetic beauty of these
collections but also to create dialogue with the public concerning
the values and identities that they encompass. Utilizing a full
scope of innovative methods, including exhibitions, publications,
audio-visual events, educational activities, and academic works, the
objective of transmitting the beauty and importance of these works
to future generations is realised. Having organized joint projects
with leading international museums, collections, and foundations
including Tate Britain, Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Petersburg
Russian State Museum, JP Morgan Chase Collection, New York School of
Visual Arts, and the Maeght Foundation, Pera Museum has introduced
Turkish audiences to countless internationally acclaimed artists.
Some of the most illustrious amongst these include Jean Dubuffet,
Henri Cartier-Bresson, Rembrandt, Niko Pirosmani, Josef Koudelka,
Joan Miro, Akira Kurosawa, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Fernando
Botero, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Goya.
Since its inauguration, Pera Museum
collaborates annually with national and international institutions
of art and education to hold exhibitions that support young artists.
All of the Museum's exhibitions are accompanied by books,
catalogues, audio-visual events in addition to education programs.
Parallel to its seasonal programs and events, Pera Film offers
visitors and film buffs a wide range of screenings that extend from
classics and independent movies to animated films and documentaries.
Pera Film also hosts special shows that directly correlate with the
temporary exhibitions' themes.
Pera Museum has evolved to become a
leading and distinguished cultural center in one of the liveliest
quarters of Istanbul.
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