Salt Beyoğlu, a six story building situated on İstiklal Caddesi, was constructed between 1850 and 1860. Originally functioning as retail space on street level and domestic residences on its upper floors, the building opened under the name Siniossoglou Apartment. When, in the 1950s, the Beyoğlu district’s population went into decline, the building ceased to function residentially, its spaces instead used for retail, political and artistic activities.

Siniossoglou Apartment is a stone structure with steel beams and vaulted ceilings. Redesign of the building for contemporary use has been completed by Mimarlar Tasarım, the office of Aga Khan Award for Architecture winner Han Tümertekin. Mimarlar Tasarım’s work combines conservation of the original architectural elements of Siniossoglou Apartment, reinforcement of its structure, and a reorganization of the interior layout of the building to meet Salt Beyoğlu’s new functions.

Salt Beyoğlu hosts 1130 square meters of exhibition space on three levels. Acting as an interface between the institution and the street is the Forum, Salt Beyoğlu’s entry space. Forum welcomes the usual İstiklal Caddesi crowd, sharing daily program information and providing a transition into the institution’s exhibitions, cinema, café and shop. An extension of its entryway, Salt’s Walk-in Cinema forms an intimate platform for spontaneous activities, performances and talks, in addition to its programmed screenings. Salt Beyoğlu’s Bookstore is a meeting point for followers of publications on visual culture. The Salt Beyoğlu building also includes circulation areas, archival and storage space, offices, and the Garden.