‘Gates of Underground’ exhibition opens at Basilica Cistern

“Gates of Underground: Touching Space Through Passage and Reflection” has opened its doors at the historic Basilica Cistern. Featuring crystal sculptures of Czech artists Vlastimil Beranek and Jaroslav Prosek, the exhibit transforms the underground space into a magical realm of light and form. The exhibition will be available for viewing until Nov. 30.

Organized in collaboration between Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), IBB Heritage, IBB Culture, and the Czech Consulate in Istanbul, the exhibition is curated by IBB Assistant Secretary General Mahir Polat and Miroslav Kroupa.

During the opening, Czech Consul in Istanbul Olga Hajflerova expressed her pleasure at showcasing Czech artists’ work in such a historic venue and thanked everyone involved in the organization.

Exhibition merges history and contemporary art

State Secretary of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs Radek Rubes emphasized the significance of the Basilica Cistern as a historic venue hosting contemporary art.

“The Basilica Cistern, with its 1,500-year history, now hosts contemporary art. This exhibition brings together history and modern art, showing how an ancient underground structure meets the flexibility of contemporary art. I admire IBB’s efforts to preserve historical values and offer visitors a chance to learn about history,” he stated.

Over 1 million visitors expected

Mahir Polat, IBB assistant secretary general and one of the exhibition curators, noted that this is the second exhibition held at the Basilica Cistern, stating, “Considering the daily visitors to the cistern, we expect over 1 million people to visit this exhibition. We are thrilled to host significant Czech artists. The Basilica Cistern holds universal importance as a shared heritage of humanity.”

Polat elaborated on the exhibition’s artworks, saying, “The crystals placed in the water interact with the cistern’s two fundamental materials, water and stone, through glass’ transparency and solidity. The exhibition’s main significance lies in merging the form art of sculpture with the form universe of the Basilica Cistern. Additionally, it draws from Plato’s ‘allegory of the cave,’ aiming to bring important issues like ‘underground’ and ‘reality’ to the forefront through art.”

Ozan Sakar, director of IBB’s Cultural Diplomacy Office, highlighted Istanbul’s unique synthesis of diverse cultures throughout history.