Ankara State Fine Arts Gallery, one of the first fine arts galleries established by the state in Turkey, started its operations in 1963 and serves under the General Directorate of Fine Arts of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The institution supports national and international cultural production by organizing exhibitions in the field of plastic arts. As of 2024, the gallery has been operating in the registered backgammon building located in the Başkent National Garden.

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Establishment Process and Administrative Structure

The gallery started its service under the General Directorate of Fine Arts of the Ministry of National Education at a time when the Ministry of Culture had not yet been established. Its first location was a building in Zafer Square in Ankara Sıhhiye. In 1967, it moved to İzmir Street and in 1968 to Zafer Bazaar, where it operated for many years. In 1971, with the establishment of the Ministry of Culture, the gallery was affiliated with this ministry and continued its activities.

Managerial Staff and Strategic Orientations

The first director of the gallery was Cemal Bingöl, a painter considered one of the pioneers of the abstract movement in the history of Turkish painting. Bingöl was appointed as the director of the gallery in 1961, and the gallery was opened in 1963 under his management. In 1967, the painter Osman Zeki Oral took over the position and remained as director until 1990, during which time the gallery both developed institutionally and increased its capacity for artistic activity.

New Gallery Building and Restoration Process

As of 2024, the Ankara State Fine Arts Gallery moved to a registered Tavla building located within the boundaries of the Başkent National Garden. The restoration of the historical building was carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; the historical fabric of the building was preserved and organized in accordance with modern exhibition conditions. It was inaugurated on December 25, 2024, and the first exhibition was titled "One Space - Two Painters". The exhibition remained open to visitors until January 30, 2025.

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Relationship with the General Directorate of Fine Arts

The Gallery is an affiliated unit of the General Directorate of Fine Arts. The General Directorate of Fine Arts was established by Law No. 2773 dated June 10, 1935. Its duties include following classical, contemporary, and traditional art movements; supporting the production of visual arts; establishing art institutions such as orchestras, choirs, instrumental, vocal, and folk dance ensembles; creating painting and sculpture museums, and disseminating artistic activities. The duties and powers of the Directorate General are defined by Article 280 of the Presidential Decree No. 1 published in the Official Gazette No. 30474 dated July 10, 2018.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ankara State Fine Arts Gallery undertakes the promotion and exhibition of contemporary art and the support of artists. In this context, its main objectives include exhibiting the works of domestic and international artists, organizing cultural activities open to the public, art education, and increasing cultural interaction. The Gallery also acts in line with the cultural policies of the General Directorate of Fine Arts and fulfills the duties determined by the Ministry.

Events and Art Activities

Since its establishment, the gallery has hosted numerous national and international exhibitions and has hosted record-breaking visitor numbers from time to time. In 2024, after moving to its new location, it was aimed to transform the historical building into an exhibition space suitable for artistic activities while preserving its cultural heritage character. With the inaugural exhibition "One Space - Two Painters", the gallery plans to host numerous artistic activities in the new period.

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Contact and Visit Information

Ankara State Fine Arts Gallery is located in Ankara province, Roma Square, 06070, Hipodrom district. Visiting and exhibition information can be obtained through the official channels of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, +90 (312) 470 80 00, and the Alo 176 Contact Center.