The Istanbul Modern Museum in the historic Galata Port district of Istanbul is located on the waterfront of the western bank of the Bosphorus, facing the Sultan Ahmet quarter. A new building will replace the existing one located between the old city streets of the Galata quarter and the existing port cruise terminal.

The museum project is part of an overall regeneration masterplan of 1.5 kilometers along the quay. The main access ramp to the underground area is located to the north and it creates a strong separation from the nearby park. To cover most of the ramp, the ground floor level is raised to preserve a seamless visual connection between the waterfront and the park through the transparent lobby. A carefully designed system of slopes and steps merges the ground floor into the surrounding public spaces.

The building is developed on five levels, three above ground and two below. The 14,000 square meter structure is a volume above a recessed clear glass facade at the ground floor. This facade formed with metal panels plays with the light and the water reflection of the Bosphorus and gives the building a different appearance and vibrancy resulting from the movement of the sun.