Borusan Contemporary (Yusuf Ziya Paşa Köşkü – Perili Köşk) – Istanbul: Where Contemporary Art Meets Architectural Elegance

Perched dramatically along the Bosphorus in the Rumelihisarı district of Istanbul, Borusan Contemporary is housed within one of the city’s most enigmatic buildings: Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion, also famously nicknamed Perili Köşk (“The Haunted Mansion”). This unique cultural venue is where early 20th-century Ottoman-European architecture meets cutting-edge digital and contemporary art in a seamless and inspiring harmony.

The Story Behind the Mansion: Yusuf Ziya Pasha and the “Haunted Mansion”

Commissioned by Ottoman statesman Yusuf Ziya Pasha, the mansion was originally designed in the early 1910s by the architect Achille Manoussos. The vision was to create an elegant residential mansion reflecting the tastes of high Ottoman society, incorporating Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau elements. However, due to the outbreak of World War I and financial difficulties, construction remained incomplete for decades, leading locals to dub it Perili Köşk—a name rooted more in legend than fact.

The mansion stood unfinished for much of the 20th century, its red-brick façade and skeletal upper floors contributing to ghostly stories and rumors of supernatural presence. These tales became so popular that even today, many Istanbulites refer to it by its nickname rather than its original title. Eventually, in the 1990s, Borusan Holding acquired and restored the building with great respect for its historical and architectural heritage, transforming it into a hybrid space of business and art.

Contemporary Art in Motion

Borusan Contemporary’s exhibitions spotlight works that push the boundaries of traditional art forms. The museum specializes in media art, digital installations, video works, photography, and interactive experiences. Its core collection features international and Turkish artists, with names like Manfred Mohr, Brigitte Kowanz, and Eelco Brand among the contributors.

The exhibition areas include:

• Office Exhibitions: Thoughtfully curated art pieces placed within the corporate workspaces.

• Collection Exhibitions: Rotating displays from the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection.

• Site-specific Installations: Works created in response to the architectural and historical elements of the mansion.

Interactive guided tours, educational programs, and temporary exhibitions ensure that every visit is a fresh encounter with the evolving world of digital and contemporary art.

A Café with a View

The on-site café offers one of the most spectacular views of the Bosphorus. Whether you’re sipping Turkish coffee or enjoying brunch, the experience is elevated by the panoramic view stretching across Asia and Europe. The café, like the museum, is open only on weekends and adds to the overall ambiance with its artistic design and curated music.

How to Get There

Borusan Contemporary is located in Rumelihisarı, on the European side of Istanbul. It’s easily accessible via the M6 Metro Line (Boğaziçi Üniversitesi station), followed by a short walk or bus ride. Visitors coming from central districts like Beşiktaş, Levent, or Taksim can take direct buses or taxis along the coastal road for a scenic journey.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open only on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), making it a perfect cultural weekend destination. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring both the indoor exhibits and the surrounding Bosphorus neighborhood. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the peaceful morning light, which enhances both the view and the art.