CerModern

CerModern; it is an art gallery located in the Altındağ district of Ankara.

It is situated in a historic building that formerly served as a railway maintenance workshop. The museum complex was realized by restoring the historic building according to the project of architects Semra and Özcan Uygur; it opened in 2010.

History

The building now called CerModern was constructed in 1926-1927 as a locomotive repair workshop immediately after the nationalization of the railways. The Cer workshops operated by the Turkish State Railways were used with periodic renovations until 1995; thereafter it remained idle.

In 1992, a national project was launched to build a new concert hall for the Presidential Symphony Orchestra. The winning team was the Uygur Architecture office; they began work on realizing the building now known as CSO Ada Ankara. However, the project area at that time included the site of the workshop buildings, and initially the demolition of this building complex was considered. At that time, during rail renewal works being carried out behind Ankara Station, two of these structures suffered extensive serious damage. Consequently, the architects Semra and Özcan Uygur decided to restore the third workshop building that had survived and convert it into an art museum.

Buildings reflecting the impact of industrialization originating from Europe in 18th‑century Turkey and thereafter are now regarded as industrial heritage. By preserving the new building with contemporary construction techniques and structural elements, and visually exhibiting traditional construction techniques, “harmony within contrast” has been achieved.

The restoration work that began in 2008 was completed in 2010 and opened in April of the same year. Today CerModern has started to serve as a venue for art activities where exhibitions, conferences, stage performances and festivals are organized.

Exhibitions

Karınca Yuvası

In 2025 CerModern hosted the installation titled Karınca Yuvası by Turkish sculptor Ahmet Yiğider. The spiral form made of metal and fabric, supported by ant scent and sound effects, offered an experience that examined collective labor and sensory perception.

ARADA

During January–February 2025, the exhibition titled ARADA by photographer Saygun Dura met the audience at CerModern. The exhibition addressed the delicate balance between humans and nature by bringing together the migratory journey of the endangered pearl mullet of Lake Van and the lake’s microbiota with sculptural images.

Kökler ve İzler, Frida

Between 17 May and 31 July 2025 CerModern hosted the exhibition titled Kökler ve İzler: Frida. The exhibition included selected works focusing on the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and the themes of fragmented identity, pain and symbolism in her art.

Transportation

It is possible to reach the gallery located within the boundaries of Hacı Bayram Neighborhood on foot, by EGO buses or by using the M4 line of the Ankara Metro.