Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Publishing introduced the "Traces of the Century: Koç Group and Art" exhibition, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Koç Group, at a press meeting held on April 7, 2026. The exhibition will be open to art lovers from April 8 to November 29, 2026.
Speaking at the press meeting, Tülay Güngen, General Manager of Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Publishing, drew attention to the Koç Group's long history and cultural and artistic heritage, saying, “Today, when we talk about culture and art in Turkey, we see a relationship with the Koç Group across a wide spectrum, from performing arts to museology, from contemporary art to publishing. The fact that an art institution is directly within the group, that an artist receives support from a company affiliated with the Koç Group, or that a work is included in the group's collection and exhibited for the first time within this framework… Similarly, the fact that many eagerly awaited works by authors are brought to readers through the group's publishing houses are just a few of the different aspects of this influence.”
Touching upon the exhibition's starting point, Güngen stated, "As Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Publishing, we decided that it would be meaningful to present a summary of this comprehensive accumulation and legacy on the occasion of this significant year of celebration."
Didem Yazıcı, Director of Yapı Kredi Gallery, addressed the exhibition's conceptual framework, saying, "With the 'Traces of the Century' exhibition, we aimed to make visible the multifaceted relationship that the Koç Group has established with art. This selection, bringing together different disciplines, reflects not only the history of an institution but also the transforming cultural and artistic environment of Turkey. This wholeness, ranging from archival documents to contemporary productions, offers the viewer a comprehensive reading of both the past and the present."
The hundred-year journey of the Koç Group, whose foundations were laid shortly after the proclamation of the Republic, is explored in this exhibition through its work in the field of culture and art. The selection, spanning from the 1920s to the present day, offers a rich content with artworks, objects, photographs, and archival documents.
“Traces of the Century” sheds light on Turkey’s art history by focusing on the role of private initiatives in the field of art. Bringing together different disciplines such as architecture, design, archaeology, and contemporary art, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the Koç Group’s relationship with art.
The works compiled from institutions and collections affiliated with the Koç Group emphasize the importance of preserving and passing on cultural heritage to future generations. The exhibition also aims to make visible the contribution of the private sector to the development of art.
Prepared by Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Publishing, the exhibition is curated by Didem Yazıcı, director of Yapı Kredi Gallery, and Zehra Begüm Kışla as assistant curator, while the exhibition design is by Yeşim Demir Pröhl.
“Traces of the Century” can be visited free of charge between April 8 and November 29, 2026.
Source: https://www.haberturk.com/yuzyilin-izleri-koc-toplulugu-ve-sanat-sergisi-acildi-3875525