Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts

The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), a non-profit foundation focused on the arts, has a wonderful location in the restored Art Nouveau Deniz Palas in Şişhane. Since its founding in 1973, IKSV has launched five regular festivals focusing on film, jazz, theater, music and art as well as organized a Turkish pavilion at the Venice Biennale and hosted such international artists as the Alvin Ailey dance company and Santana in Istanbul. They also have regular exhibits and salons. The IKSV Design gift shop, with an eclectic mix of objects for art aficionados, is a great place to shop for gifts. Be sure to make a reservation to dine at their popular rooftop restaurant, X.