In the heart of Istanbul’s bustling İstiklal Avenue, a striking example of early 20th-century architecture has been restored to its former glory and given a new lease on life as a vibrant cultural and creative space. The Casa Botter, once a forgotten landmark, is now drawing attention from locals, visitors, and design enthusiasts alike.
Originally completed in 1901, the building was commissioned during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II for his official tailor, Dutch couturier Jean Botter, and designed by Italian architect Raimondo D’Aronco, one of the architects who helped introduce Art Nouveau to Istanbul. At the time of its construction, Casa Botter was a showcase of modern European design and technological innovation, featuring a graceful façade with flowing curves, floral motifs, and ornamental details that distinguished it from its surroundings.
Casa Botter was also among the first structures in Istanbul to feature a steel-framed build and an elevator, both rare features at the turn of the century. Its ground floor originally hosted Botter’s atelier, which became a social hub where fashion shows and fittings for the city’s elite took place, while the upper floors served as the Botter family’s residence.
However, the building’s prominence faded after the Botter family left Istanbul in 1917, following the upheavals of war and shifting social landscapes. Over the decades, the historic structure deteriorated as it changed hands and was neglected, its once-elegant façade crumbling and its interior falling into disrepair.
That changed when the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality launched a restoration project aimed at preserving as much of the original fabric as possible. The careful conservation work focused on revealing the building’s authentic colors and ornamental features by removing layers of later paint and plaster, while repairing structural damage caused by decades of neglect.
In April 2023, the rejuvenated building reopened to the public as the Casa Botter Art and Design Center. Rather than being used for its originally intended municipal offices, the space quickly became a dynamic hub where students, remote workers, artists, and creatives gather. Its bright, open interior and historic character have made it an organic meeting point for collaboration and cultural engagement.
Today, Casa Botter stands not only as a restored architectural gem but also as a living museum of Istanbul’s cosmopolitan past and creative present. Visitors are drawn to its elegant staircase, Art Nouveau ironwork, and the sense of history woven into every curve of its design.
The revitalization of Casa Botter is part of a broader resurgence along İstiklal Avenue, where historic buildings are being rediscovered and repurposed, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of this iconic city.
