Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first contemporary art museum, will make a temporary move to a nearby facility in Beyoğlu while its building in Karaköy undergoes reconstruction.

The museum, which has welcomed more than 7 million visitors to date, has been housed in a renovated warehouse facility in Istanbul's seaside Karaköy district since it opened 14 years ago.

The construction of the museum's new building, expected to be completed in 36 months, is part of the larger Galataport project to restore and protect historic buildings and locations on Karaköy's seafront, where the museum facility is located.

In the meantime, Istanbul Modern's new address will be the former Union Française building on Beyoğlu's Meşrutiyet Boulevard. The museum will continue its full program of offerings, including exhibition halls, photo galleries, education and social programs, library, cinema, restaurant and store.

It will be open to guests in Karaköy until its closing date of March 18, set to reopen in Beyoğlu in May.

Istanbul Modern's new building, sponsored by Eczacıbaşı Group, Doğuş Group and Bilgili Holding, will be designed by architect Renzo Piano, recipient of the Pritzker award, considered to the most prestigious merit in the world of architecture.

Founded Dec. 11, 2004, Istanbul Modern has welcomed guests from all walks of life, featuring art from Turkish and other contemporary artists, with the support of local government and cooperation between public and private sector entities. In 14 years, the museum has gained international prestige, drawing more than 7 million guests and organizing free educational art programs for over 750,000 children.