Museum Award from Europe for Istanbul Modern

Since the opening of its new building, Istanbul Modern has attracted international acclaim in cultural and architectural circles and earned a place on prestigious global lists. Now, the museum has received the “Portimão Museum Prize for Welcoming, Inclusion and Belonging” at the European Museum of the Year Awards (EMYA).

Organized under the auspices of the Council of Europe, EMYA recognizes excellence and innovation in the museum field across the continent. In 2009, five years after its founding, Istanbul Modern received a Special Commendation from EMYA. On 24 May 2025, the museum’s achievements have once again been recognized—this time with the Portimão Prize, which celebrates organizations that foster a sense of welcome, inclusiveness, and community belonging.

The 2025 EMYA Awards were announced at a ceremony held after the EMYA Annual Conference in Białystok, Poland, from May 21 to 25, 2025. The event was hosted by the Sybir Memorial Museum, recipient of the 2024 Council of Europe Museum Prize.

Istanbul Modern was named one of Europe’s “Museums of the Year” by the EMYA jury for its commitment to social responsibility, inclusiveness, sustainability, intercultural dialogue, and democratic values. Its collection, which focuses on modern and contemporary art, and its approach to making art accessible to diverse segments of society through exhibitions and public programs were also key factors in the evaluation process.

Referring to the Special Commendation given by EMYA in 2009, Oya Eczacıbaşı, Chair of the Board of Istanbul Modern, said: “Since our foundation in 2004, we have worked to strengthen the relationship between art and society. 15 years after our first EMYA award, this new accolade reflects the importance we place on social responsibility and cultural dialogue. Every distinction we receive brings greater responsibility and strengthens our dedication to making art accessible to broader audiences.”

Past recipients of the European Museum of the Year Awards include Chillida Leku (Spain), Gruuthusemuseum (Belgium), the University Museum of Bergen – Natural History (Norway), Brunel’s SS Great Britain (UK), and MO Museum (Lithuania).

Cascade of awards for Istanbul Modern!

Following the opening of its new building, Istanbul Modern has received widespread international acclaim in the fields of architecture and culture. Architectural Digest, a magazine with over 100 years of publishing history, named the museum one of the “Works of Wonder of 2024.” National Geographic included it in its list of “Top 20 Cultural Hot Spots.” During the same period, the museum was named “Building of the Year” by ArchDaily and received the “Best of Best” title at the Architecture MasterPrize awards. It also won first prize in the “Completed Buildings – Culture” category at the World Architecture Festival (WAF), one of the most prestigious events in the field of architecture.

At the same time, Istanbul Modern received the “Outstanding Museum Practice Award” from the International Committee of Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) for its “Following a Dream” program, which brings young girls together with art. Inspired by female artists, the initiative aims to foster creative thinking and artistic expression. Now in its second year, the project is the first from Türkiye to receive this honor.