FROM IMPERIAL VAULTS TO A CULTURAL HUB
Once the headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank, SALT Galata today serves as an open space that supports knowledge and community. This monumental 19th-century Art Nouveau building, designed by French-Levantine architect Alexandre Vallauri, has become a meeting point for tourists and scholars alike, offering something for everyone.
SALT Galata houses Salt Research, Gregory Michael Kiez Hall, and Ferit F. Şahenk Hall for registered researchers, as well as a non-profit library, which offers a quiet workspace for students. On the ground floor, the café and Robinson Crusoe 389 Bookstore are open during visiting hours, providing a spot for a quick snack or a short coffee break. In honour of the building’s rich history, the permanent exhibition of The Ottoman Bank Museum, located in the former bank vaults and throughout the building, sheds light on the history of the Ottoman Empire’s central bank through a selection of documents, photographs, and architectural drawings.
Neolokal, located within Salt Galata, serves as a gourmet restaurant in the evenings. As one of Turkey’s first Michelin-starred restaurants, Neolokal elevates fine dining to a higher level. Taking inspiration from traditional Turkish recipes, Neolokal, under the direction of Chef Maksut Aşkar, offers three seasonally changing tasting menus which blend local culinary traditions with modern cooking and presentation techniques. The restaurant earned a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy and for the support it offers to its community – Neolokal uses unique locally crafted ceramic and wooden plates, while its unique wine selection showcases varieties from the Aegean, Marmara, and Central Anatolian regions.
MEETING SPACE
The multi-purpose centre also offers meeting and conference spaces throughout the building. The largest meeting room, located on the top floor, boasts stunning views of the Golden Horn and the Historical Peninsula and can accommodate up to 250 people. The restaurant, Neolokal, operating in the Salt Galata, can provide catering, or a finer dining experience for its guests. Additionally, an auditorium on the Lower Ground Floor, suitable for approximately 150 people, is available for hire. When not in use as a walk-in cinema, the space is ideal for screenings, lectures, and presentations.
GET IN TOUCH
SALT Galata
Bankalar Caddesi 11
Karaköy 34421 İstanbul, Türkiye
T: +90 212 334 22 00
E: press@saltonline.org
W:saltonline.org
