Changes After Construction
The building, constructed in 1850, initially served as a primary school, with a girls’ high school added in 1864.
In 1893, the current school building was constructed with donations from Galata banker Stefanos Zafiropoulos.
The school operated as a coeducational institution in 1991 but closed in 1999 due to insufficient student numbers.
The structure, which also housed the school caretaker and their family, is currently used for cultural and artistic activities by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV).
Featured Highlights
The historic building, also known as Merkez Rum Girls’ High School, has hosted the Istanbul Biennial since 2022.
Constructed in a modern style for its period, the structure features classical smooth plaster facades and square windows.
The entrance, accessed through a narrow door, leads to a ground floor and a garden that accommodates numerous plants, giving the site a notable place in the city’s history.
Classrooms still preserve traces of the school’s educational heritage, including period-specific equipment, boards, and maps.
