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Ara Güler Museum entrance in the restored red-brick Bomonti Brewery complex
Istanbul Sights and Day Plans

Ara Güler Müzesi: what to know before visiting

Ara Güler Museum in Bomonti, Istanbul, shares the life, work and archive of Turkish photojournalist Ara Güler. Here’s what to know about its story, location and visiting basics.

Published 2 min read

By Yasmin Saleh

Ara Güler Museum, officially Ara Güler Müzesi, is a museum in Bomontiada, the historic Bomonti Brewery complex in Şişli, Istanbul. It presents the life, artistic identity and archive of Turkish photojournalist Ara Güler, with free admission and regular opening hours through much of the week.

The Atatürk Museum in Şişli offers a different perspective on local history in a house-museum setting; its guide to visiting Atatürk Museum Şişli covers practical details.

  • Location: Bomontiada, Birahane Sokak, Şişli
  • Regular hours: Temporarily closed
  • Admission: free

Who was Ara Güler?

Who was Ara Güler?

Ara Güler was a Turkish photojournalist known for his photographs of Istanbul. Born on 16 August 1928, he died on 17 October 2018, leaving an archive that the museum presents alongside his artistic identity and life.

The museum was established in collaboration between Güler and Doğuş Group. It opened at Bomontiada on 16 August 2018, Güler’s 90th birthday. Its stated aim is to share his work and archive with a wider public through exhibitions, publications, events and collaborations.

In 2022, the museum became a private museum recognized by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is also a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

What can you see at Ara Güler Museum?

What can you see at Ara Güler Museum?

The museum’s exhibitions and activities focus on Ara Güler’s photographs, artistic identity, life and archive. Its programme also includes publications, events and collaborations, so the museum’s presentation can extend beyond exhibition displays.

The museum is in the historic Bomonti Brewery at Bomontiada. Its address is Tarihi Bomonti Bira Fabrikası, Bomontiada, Birahane Sokak No: 1, F Blok, 34384 Şişli, İstanbul. The setting places the museum within a former brewery complex rather than a standalone building.

How do you get to Ara Güler Museum in Bomonti?

How do you get to Ara Güler Museum in Bomonti?

Ara Güler Museum is at Bomontiada in Bomonti, Şişli, about a 13-minute walk from Halifaks Hotel.

The Atatürk Museum in Şişli is another nearby cultural stop, with a house-museum setting that offers a different subject from the photography-focused Ara Güler Museum.

What are the admission and opening hours?

What are the admission and opening hours?

Admission is free. Hours and admission details may change, so check the official site before you go.

Temporarily closed

This place is listed as temporarily closed. Check the official site before you go.

Last checked November 2026.

For direct enquiries, contact the museum at +90 212 335 9595 or info@aragulermuzesi.com.

FAQs

Where is Ara Güler Museum?

It is at Bomontiada, in the historic Bomonti Brewery, in Şişli, Istanbul.

Does Ara Güler Museum charge an entry fee?

No. Admission is free.

When is Ara Güler Museum closed?

The regular schedule lists Monday as the weekly closing day.

What is the museum’s focus?

It shares Ara Güler’s photographs, artistic identity, life and archive through exhibitions and other cultural activities.

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