Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM)
A major concert hall and cultural center on Taksim Square, rebuilt and reopened in 2021. Its transparent facade makes it a striking modern landmark.
The AKM is a state-of-the-art cultural complex on the eastern side of Taksim Square, originally opened in 1969. After being demolished and rebuilt, it reopened in 2021 with a design by Murat Tabanlıoğlu, featuring a notable transparent facade engineered by Werner Sobek AG.
You can wander the lobby and public areas for free to see the architecture. If you're not catching a performance, it's a good spot to people-watch on the square and see a key piece of the city's modern cultural infrastructure.
“To see the city's flagship modern cultural venue and its impressive glass facade on Taksim Square.”
The lobby cafe is a good place to take a break from the square's chaos; it's quieter and you can still see the buzz outside.
The main entrance and lobby areas have step-free access. Elevators provide access to different floors.
Good to know
- Is Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) free to visit?
- Free. Lobby, cafes, and public areas are free; performances need tickets
- How long should you spend at Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM)?
- ~1h
- When is the best time to visit Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM)?
- Afternoon
- Is Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) wheelchair accessible?
- The main entrance and lobby areas have step-free access. Elevators provide access to different floors.
