Odunpazari Modern Museum: inside Turkey's newest major museum

The space was founded by art collector and businessman Erol Tabanca and designed by the famous Japanese architectural firm Kengo Kuma and Associates

The Odunpazari Modern Museum is located in the northwestern Turkish city of Eskisehir. Courtesy NAARO

It is designed by the famous Japanese architectural firm Kengo Kuma and Associates. Courtesy NAARO

The museum was founded by art collector and businessman Erol Tabanca. Courtesy NAARO

It also hosts an eight-by-six metre installation by Japanese bamboo artist Tanabe Chikuunsai. Courtesy NAARO

It is the largest installation to date by the Japanese bamboo artist. Courtesy NAARO

The museum spans 4,500 square metres. Courtesy NAARO

Odunpazarı translated into English means ‘wood market’ hence why there's so much wood used in the museum. Courtesy NAARO

The Odunpazari Modern Museum also spans three floors. Courtesy NAARO

There is space for nine galleries and a terrace for grand sculptures. Courtesy NAARO

A new major museum has opened its doors in Turkey. Odunpazari Modern Museum (OMM) celebrated its public opening in Eskisehir, in the north west of the country, on Sunday, September 8. It was founded by art collector and businessman Erol Tabanca and designed by the famous Japanese architectural firm Kengo Kuma and Associates.

“We are delighted to reveal this unique building, the collection and our exciting inaugural presentations to the community here in my home town of Eskisehir and to visitors from around the world,” said Tabanca.

The museum spans 4,500 square metres. Other than hosting art exhibitions, the area will also be used for training programmes, seminars, meet and greets and workshops. There is space for nine galleries and a terrace for grand sculptures.

"The idea for OMM was to use architecture to create a link between people and art. We were deeply inspired by the history, culture, people and streetscape of Odunpazari, and we wanted the building to resonate on many levels. We hope that the museum will breathe new life into Eskisehir and become a central and inviting meeting point for the city,” said Kengo Kuma.

The museum’s first exhibition is Vuslat by Turkish curator Haldun Dostoglu and features a selection of over 100 works by 60 leading artists predominately from Turkey. It also hosts an impressive site-specific work by Japanese bamboo artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV – an intricate, eight-by-six metre installation that appears to travel from the wall and into the floor.

More information about the Odunpazari Modern Museum is available from: omm.art