CerModern

CerModern – a local art gallery, among other things, is supported by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği). The beautifully restored building, resting peacefully beside rustling train tracks, was previously a repair shop for railroad cars. It is now considered an example of “contemporary museum architecture.”

In its 11,500 square meters, CerModern hosts a large exhibition gallery, photography gallery, museum shop, conference and multi-purpose lounge, library, artist residents’ studios, a café, and a sculpture park.

The Main Exhibition Hall is enclosed with large glass windows. The art is tastefully displayed with plenty of room to meander and ruminate. Tall metal enclosures that surround original poles (hiding whatever they need to hide) and the exposed beam ceilings lend a fresh contemporary look to the old-time factory.  You should visit often as the exhibitions are frequently changing.

The café@modern is open to the public. It boasts an array of items from Turkish classics like manti to highly-piled Caesar salad, pizza, wraps and cheesecake. Alcoholic beverages are also served. The menu items are reasonably priced and very tasty. Don’t let them fool you though! We were told the wraps were large and should be shared. The wraps, although seemingly big, are not stuffed full to the edges. So if you go there hungry – as I did – be sure to order your own!

The CerShop is full of just of the sort of things one expects to find in an art museum gift shop. Shoppers will find books, knick-knacks, jewelry, etc., all of which make lovely gifts. One really fun item I found was a purse made from an old vinyl album. They also had notebooks made from records!

The best part about visiting CerModern is two-fold. They have parking and the exhibit is free! It’s a great place for business lunches, a day out with the girls, or an afternoon with the kids!

CerModern
Open: Tuesday – Wednesday and Friday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00, Thursday 10:00 – 20:00.  Closed on Mondays.
Alınsoy Cad. No:3 Sıhhiye, Ankara
0312 310 0000
http://www.cermodern.org

Parking is available on location at no charge
Admission is free