Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

CULTURAL CENTRE DEPO ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-292 3956; www.depoistanbul.net; Lüleci Hendek Caddesi 12, Tophane; h 11am-7pm Tue-Sun; j Tophane) F Occupying a former tobacco warehouse, this alternative space is operated by Anadolu Kültür (www.anadolukultur.org), a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates artistic collaboration, promotes cultural exchange and stimulates debates on social and political issues relevant to Turkey, the South Caucasus, the Middle East and the Balkans. It hosts talks, art exhibitions and film screenings. ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-334 2200; www.saltonline.org/en; Bankalar Caddesi 11, Karaköy; h noon-8pm Tue-Sat, to 6pm Sun; j Karaköy) F The descriptor ‘cultural centre’ is used a lot in İstanbul, but is often a misnomer. Here at SALT Galata it really does apply. Housed in a magnificent 1892 bank building designed by Alexandre Vallaury and cleverly adapted by local architectural firm Mimarlar Tasarım, the cutting-edge institution offers an exhibition space, auditorium, arts research library, cafe and glamorous restaurant. Funded by the Garanti Bank, SALT aims to be a centre of learning and debate in the city and hosts regular conferences, lectures and workshops. The building also houses a small Ottoman Bank Museum.