"Petrichor"—a term denoting the scent of earth after rain—is treated in the exhibition not merely as a thematic constraint, but as an atmospheric metaphor and a sensory awakening. Representing the reaction of parched, cracked ground to the first drop of rain, the exhibition highlights the emergence of the invisible into visibility, the surfacing of the repressed, and the transformation that follows a period of waiting.

According to curator Ferhat Özgür, the exhibition emphasizes a richness of collection that creates space for artists' individual inclinations and creative practices, rather than confining them to predetermined thematic molds. By revealing the unseen connections between body, memory, and nature, the selection invites the viewer to integrate into a pluralistic awakening born of the coexistence of diverse aesthetic approaches, drawing them into the full spectrum of sensations evoked by the rain rather than steering them toward a single, fixed meaning.

Focusing on the layered structure of Museum Evliyagil Collection, the exhibition offers a space of encounter enriched by works on loan from Turkey’s leading private collections and the participation of independent artists. Establishing organic connections with the "Steppe School"—anchored by Eşref Üren and Turan Erol—and the natural landscape of Incek, the selection traces themes of melancholy, atmospheric space, and poetic sensibility, while highlighting the body and memory as fundamental realms of existence. Proposing vibration over wholeness, atmosphere over theme, and coexistence over consensus, Petrichor serves as a reminder of art’s pluralistic power and its capacity to construct new worlds in an era where categories are becoming increasingly restrictive.

Located in Dolapdere, which has become one of Istanbul's important art and culture districts, Evliyagil Dolapdere was established as a non-profit exhibition space in 2019. The space is designed to host solo and group exhibitions with the participation of local and international artists. In its first season, Evliyagil Dolapdere, curated by Beral Madra, presented exhibitions and projects; it is conceived as an exhibition and project space bringing together productions in different disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance, and new media. 

Sarp Evliyagil Collection encompasses a wide range of works, from original print series reflecting Evliyagil's professional interests to large-scale sculptures, video works, and paintings that characterize the collection. Museum Evliyagil presents selected works from this rich collection to the audience through exhibitions structured around different themes, thus making hundreds of works public.

Museum Evliyagil is a contemporary art museum built in Ankara's İncek district with the approach of a "center away from the center." Founded in 2016 by businessman and collector Sarp Evliyagil, Chairman of the Board of Ajans Türk, the museum serves as a multifaceted cultural complex consisting of a 750 m² exhibition area, an open-air sculpture garden, and a film hall. The institution, which has private museum status, is administratively supervised by Ankara Ethnography Museum Directorate, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey.

In addition to Sarp Evliyagil Collection, the museum also runs project-based programs supporting contemporary art production. ArtOda, which hosts short-term exhibitions and projects around different conceptual frameworks throughout the year, and the Alfa program, which aims to make visible the works of young artists who have not previously held solo exhibitions, are regularly held.

Museum Evliyagil

Şevket Evliyagil Street No: 1
İncek / Ankara 

t +90 312 460 11 06
e info@muzeevliyagil.com

Visiting days and hours:
Friday to Sunday
11.00 - 17.00

* For large groups, you can also visit on days when the museum is closed with a reservation in advance.

Entrance is free.

For transportation, by bus;

You can take the number 192 İncek bus from the following stops:

•Opera bus stop 11648
•Sıhhıye bus stop 11666
•Kızılay bus stop 11615
•Milli Kütüphane bus stop 10964

The stop you need to get off at is Bahar Konakları stop, number 10543, which comes after the İncek Cemetery stop, number 10541. After getting off at this stop, cross the street using the pedestrian crossing. Then, walk straight down the street where the Çınar Kasrı sign is located.