AKM — Atatürk Cultural Centre

Architects: Tabanlıoğlu Architects
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Reopened: 2021
Recognition: Best of the Best, Architecture MasterPrize 2026

The Atatürk Cultural Centre on Taksim Square in Istanbul, rebuilt by Tabanlıoğlu Architects and reopened in 2021 as Turkey’s principal opera house. The photographs hold the scale of the atrium and the detail of the red ceramic drum in the same frame. Published on Archinect, 2026.

Timber-clad spiral ramp and glazed façade facing Taksim Square, AKM, Istanbul

Red ceramic-tiled opera drum beside the illuminated grand stair, AKM

Red ceramic drum beneath the oak soffit above the foyer stair, AKM

Grand stair between the red drum and curving oak balconies, AKM

Curving oak balconies with visitors around the atrium, AKM

Visitors in the atrium beneath the red drum and spiral stair, AKM

Oak-clad spiral ramp and suspended rods in the AKM atrium

Stairs and oak balustrades seen from above beside the red drum, AKM

Oak-slatted balcony and spiral stair in the AKM atrium

Red drum and glass balustrades beneath the slatted ceiling, AKM