Santralistanbul, Art and cultural complex in Emniyettepe Mahallesi, Turkey
Santralistanbul is an art complex built on a former power plant site near the Haliç waterfront, featuring museum buildings, exhibition spaces, concert halls, and learning areas. The entire site brings together different cultural offerings in one connected location.
The site was founded in 1914 as the Ottoman Empire's first electricity facility and operated for decades to power the city. After shutting down in 1983, it was converted to serve as a cultural destination.
The name reflects its former role as a power plant, now serving artists and visitors interested in contemporary art and industrial heritage. The buildings themselves tell the story of industrial development through their physical form.
The location is accessible by public transport and shuttle buses from various parts of the city. It is helpful to check beforehand which exhibitions or events are currently taking place.
The site contains a large public library facility that was not originally part of the cultural plan but developed organically from the transformation of the place. This element now contributes significantly to the center's overall function.
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