Pera Museum is a private museum founded by the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation. The aim of offering an outstanding range of diverse, high quality culture and art services is as important today as when the Museum first opened its doors to the public on 8 June, 2005.

Nested in the historic quarter of Tepebaşı, the impressive building was originally conceived as the Bristol Hotel, designed by architect Achille Manoussos. Restorer and architect Sinan Genim was given the ambitious goal of renovating the building in 2003. The triumph of transforming the interior into a modern and fully equipped museum is only matched by the architect’s mastery in simultaneously preserving the exterior façade, safeguarding an integral part of Istanbul’s architectural flavor.

Through the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation's three permanent collections, “Orientalist Paintings”, “Anatolian Weights and Measures”, and “Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics”, Pera Museum seeks not only to share the aesthetic beauty of these collections but also to create a dialogue with the public concerning the values and identities they encompass. Engaging a rich scope of methods, including exhibitions, publications, audio-visual events, learning activities, and academic works, the museum aims to transmit the beauty and importance of these works to future generations. Having organized joint projects with leading international museums, collections, and foundations, including Tate Britain, Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Petersburg Russian State Museum, JP Morgan Chase Collection, New York School of Visual Arts, and the Maeght Foundation, Pera Museum has introduced Turkish audiences to countless internationally acclaimed artists. Some of the most illustrious among these include Jean Dubuffet, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Rembrandt, Niko Pirosmani, Josef Koudelka, Joan Miró, Akira Kurosawa, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Fernando Botero, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Goya, Manolo Valdés, Andy Warhol, Cecil Beaton, Alberto Giacometti, Giorgio de Chirico, and Sergey Parajanov.

Since its opening, Pera Museum collaborates annually with national and international institutions of art and education to hold exhibitions that support young artists. All of the Museum’s exhibitions are accompanied by books, catalogues, audio-visual events, and learning programs. Parallel to its seasonal programs and events, Pera Film offers visitors and film buffs a wide range of screenings that extend from classics and independent movies to animated films and documentaries. Pera Film also hosts special shows that directly correlate with the temporary exhibitions’ themes.

Pera Museum has evolved to become a leading and distinguished cultural center in one of the liveliest quarters of İstanbul.