Can Akengin Art Gallery is a restored 19th-century Greek masonry building in Giresun's city center that formerly housed a drapery shop and newspaper, now functioning as an exhibition hall for paintings and historical displays.
This building on Bekirpaşa Street is an old Greek artisan structure without an inscription or any source indicating its construction date. It was built as a drapery shop, and from the 1930s to the 1980s, Yeşil Giresun Newspaper operated here. In the late 1990s, it was restored and converted into an exhibition hall under the name Can Akengin Art Gallery.
The facade of the one-and-a-half-story masonry building is striking: there are pilasters with garland motifs around the entrance, four round-arched windows on the upper floor, and a pediment made of cut stone. The interior is kept simple, with emphasis on the exterior stone craftsmanship. The gallery features changing content, from painting exhibitions to historical object displays. In the past, a bibliography exhibition showcasing sources about Atatürk, an exhibition displaying sacred relics from Islamic history, and mixed painting exhibitions by school students have been held here.
Since it is in the city center, it is easily accessible both on foot and by car. It's a quick stop that can be included in a short city tour of Giresun without taking up too much time.
Guide's Note
The Building and Its History
The building has no inscription, so its exact construction date is uncertain. It is said to have been built as a drapery shop by a Greek artisan. From the 1930s to the 1980s, Yeşil Giresun Newspaper operated here, and in the late 1990s, it was restored and transformed into today's exhibition hall.
Details on the Facade
The most striking aspect of the gallery is its exterior facade. There are garland motifs on the pilaster-shaped doorframes on both sides of the entrance, and four round-arched windows are lined up on the upper floor. The cut stone pediment in the middle of the facade ends with a semi-circular top. For photography, the afternoon light shows the facade more clearly.
When to Visit
The gallery operates with rotating exhibitions rather than a fixed permanent collection. In the past, an exhibition showcasing sources about Atatürk, an exhibition displaying relics from Islamic history, and mixed painting exhibitions by schools have been held here. It is advisable to call ahead to inquire which exhibition is currently open.
How to Get There
The gallery is located on Bekirpaşa Street in Giresun city center. It is possible to reach it on foot from hotels and accommodations in the center. For those arriving by car, finding parking in the center is not difficult.
How Much Time to Allocate
Since it is a small exhibition hall, a visit usually lasts 20-30 minutes. It can easily be fitted into the same day as other stops in Giresun city center (castle, bazaar, coast).
How to Add to Your Itinerary
When exploring Giresun city center, it makes sense to visit the castle and bazaar in the morning and then stop by here in the afternoon. Since it is in the city center, it does not require a special travel plan; if it's on your way, just pop in and out.
Things to Note
The exhibition program changes regularly, and at certain times, it may be closed or open with limited hours. If you are planning a visit from afar, calling the gallery beforehand to inquire about the current status will prevent wasted time.
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