18th Istanbul Biennial Opens on 20 September

The 18th Istanbul Biennial, titled Three-Legged Cat and organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts-İKSV, will open on September 20, 2025. Curated by Christine Tohmé, the biennial will present works by 47 international artists from 30 countries in venues that highlight Istanbul’s historical fabric and dynamic urban structure.

Spanning three years, the 18th Istanbul Biennial will unfold in three “legs.” The first leg, running from September 20 to November 23, 2025, will be free to visitors and feature a diverse public program including live performances, film screenings, and talks. Subsequent legs will take place in 2026 and 2027, expanding the biennial’s scope through workshops, academies, and further exhibitions.

In the Footsteps of the Three-Legged Cat
Curator Christine Tohmé has shaped the biennial around the themes of self-preservation and future possibilities, using the metaphor of a “cat with nine lives.” Amid accelerating destruction, forced migrations, and ongoing crises, the biennial explores how we navigate an ever-shrinking present, learning to rest while protecting and repairing ourselves. Like cats, we spin, twist, disappear, and reappear balancing motion with reflection.

The biennial stretches in time, embracing a rhythm nourished by conversations, exercises, and a constant stream of news. The first leg focuses on self-preservation and future possibilities, while the second leg in 2026 will establish an academy and develop public programs in collaboration with local initiatives. The final leg in 2027 will conclude with a comprehensive exhibition and workshop program.

A Three-Year Biennial

Christine Tohmé explains the conceptual framework: “Accelerating destruction, forced migrations, and unstoppable crises are shattering all horizons and future possibilities. Faced with an ever-shrinking present, our bodies are forced to keep pace with countless clocks: some fast, some slow, some broken. Trapped in a dual motion, we stumble and lunge forward, struggling to take the step that allows us to maintain our balance. Like cats, we spin, twist, disappear, and reappear. As we try to find our bearings, we learn to rest, while also caring for the parts of us in need of protection and repair. The 18th Istanbul Biennial, stretching from 2025 to 2027 on three legs, resembles a cat in every way. It stretches in time, grounding itself; it embraces a rhythm nourished by conversations, exercises, and a constant stream of news.”

Eight Venues Along the Beyoğlu-Karaköy Route

The first leg will take place across eight venues within walking distance along the Beyoğlu-Karaköy route, some hosting the biennial for the first time. These include:

• Galata Greek School, returning to welcome audiences with a wide selection of works.

  

• Zihni Han, an important commercial and artisanal stop renovated for the biennial.

• Building 35 on Meclis-i Mebusan Street, repurposed as a temporary exhibition space.

• Muradiye Han and Gallery 77, historically significant buildings along the route.

• Cone Factory, formerly a hub for ice cream cones, now an exhibition space.

• The garden of the former French Orphanage, offering a moment of respite while hosting an installation.

• Elhamra Han on İstiklal Street, located in the heart of Beyoğlu.

A Global Line-Up of Artists
The 47 artists invited to the 18th Istanbul Biennial were selected through workshops, artist meetings, and an open call held from October 31 to December 15, 2024. Among them, six artists are from Turkey.

The biennial is free to visit every day except Mondays, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. During the opening week, the exhibitions will also be open on Monday, September 22, 2025.