The Peninsula Istanbul Glows with Radiant Light Installations This Autumn

In the latest iteration of Art in Resonance, The Peninsula Hotels’ global initiative supporting visionary artists in its destinations around the world, The Peninsula Istanbul will mount two new light installations from internationally acclaimed Peruvian-born artist Grimanesa Amorós this autumn. Specially commissioned for The Peninsula Istanbul, the works, entitled PASSAGE and MARITIME, will be on view at the Bosphorus-front property from 24 September through the end of November.

Ms. Amorós, whose work has previously been exhibited at The Peninsula New York, as well as prestigious venues like The Ludwig Museum in Cologne, Germany, and The Central Academy of Fine Arts in Shanghai, designed the two site-specific pieces exclusively for The Peninsula Istanbul under the shared exhibit title A Wave of Time.

The first installation, PASSAGE, will feature a dramatic light sculpture within the hotel’s historic clock tower, creating a striking interplay between heritage architecture and contemporary digital art. Set atop the hotel’s heritage Passenger Terminal building, originally constructed in the 1910s as an arrival and departure point for ferry boats, the piece will chart a dynamic path that evokes the rhythms of human movement – a visual ode to a spot once defined by farewells and long awaited reunions.

The second piece, MARITIME, will feature a suspended installation in the hotel lobby suggesting the form of a ship. A poetic reference to The Peninsula Istanbul’s connection to nautical history, the work will invite viewers to reflect upon the physical, cultural, and spiritual bonds forged through oceanic travel. “It has been wonderful to have The Peninsula team’s support to create my vision” said Ms. Amorós. “I found the maritime heritage of the city and the Bosphorus to be deeply inspiring, and I am sure it will touch all visitors who view the installations.”

Debut During Contemporary Istanbul

The unveiling of the works at The Peninsula Istanbul will take place as part of the 20th annual Contemporary Istanbul art fair, Türkiye’s premier modern-art showcase. The hotel’s partnership with Contemporary Istanbul further underscores The Peninsula’s commitment to celebrating creativity and connecting communities through meaningful artistic experiences. Since launching Art in Resonance in 2019, The Peninsula Hotels has been dedicated to providing thought-provoking and ground-breaking art experiences for visitors at its global properties. As well as offering immersive opportunities for visitors to connect with the culture of their chosen destinations, the programme offers curatorial support, production opportunities, and visibility to distinctive regional artists – thereby sustaining and expanding the reach of art communities around the world. “We are thrilled to host these installations, and to offer our visitors a deeper sense of engagement with the culture of our city,” said Jonathan Crook, Managing Director of The Peninsula Istanbul. “As the Art in Resonance programme recognises, art – like travel – has a remarkable ability to forge connections and open dialogue across spheres of life. It is a privilege to further these aims through this exhibition, particularly PASSAGE, which can be seen from the Bosphorus and is meant as a visual gift to city residents.”

About Grimanesa Amorós

Born in Peru and based in New York, multimedia artist Grimanesa Amorós creates work at the intersection of history, technology, and architecture. Drawing on her deep understanding of structure and space, she builds monumental installations incorporating video, light, and electronic components- immersive environments that invite emotional connection between viewers and their surroundings. For Amorós, technology is not the focus of her work but a medium that supports her storytelling. Amorós describes her art as “an ongoing romance with the unknown.” Light became a defining element in her practice following a transformative journey to Iceland, where she first encountered the Northern Lights. Witnessing their fleeting yet mesmerizing power, she recognized light’s capacity to inspire wonder and shift perspectives. To Amorós, light transcends social and geographic boundaries: “We all connect with light.” Personally involved in the installation and programming of each of her works, Amorós ensures a direct relationship with every space she engages. In her view, “A work is only complete when the viewer, the space, and the light sculpture come together.” Her pieces bridge the past, present, and future – prompting reflection and reawakening perception.

About Art in Resonance

Since 2019, The Peninsula’s commission-based Art in Resonance programme has spotlighted the work of important emerging and mid-career artists. By providing funding, curatorial support, and exhibition space, Art in Resonance allows these creators to produce significant new public artworks – while simultaneously offering deeply immersive art experiences to Peninsula guests. More information can be found at The Peninsula’s Art in Resonance programme webpage, www.peninsula.com/art.

About The Peninsula Istanbul

Set along the Bosphorus among beautifully landscaped gardens within the new development of Galataport, The Peninsula Istanbul occupies a quartet of graceful waterfront buildings in the historic district of Karaköy, near iconic city landmarks like Galata Tower, The Hagia Sophia, and The Blue Mosque. Many of the hotel's 177 guest rooms and suites offer sweeping Bosphorus views from floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and private terraces. Distinctive amenities include an exquisite Turk-Asian restaurant, GALLADA, helmed by award-winning chef Fatih Tutak; an opulent Ballroom and grand open-air terraces; and the sumptuous The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre, featuring traditional Turkish hammams, an indoor pool surrounded by Marmara columns, as well as an expansive outdoor pool and private boat dock.