The Japanese architectural practice Kengo Kuma & Associates designed the art museum as an ensemble of eleven inter-locking cubes. The topography of the site, which has a height difference of several metres, resulted in the creation of two entrances: the main entrance including the foyer and reception is located on the lowest level. The second entrance is located on the plaza one level up; the museum café also draws visitors here. The rooms that are used for the permanent exhibitions and events as well as the offices are located on this level and the two levels above. A light well that stretches the full height of the building not only floods the interior with daylight, but also gives visitors a variety of different perspectives on the exhibition.

The Odunpazarı Museum houses an internationally important collection of modern art, which includes exhibits from the 1950s right through to the present day. It was curated by the architect and building contractor Erol Tabanca. The new muse-um building in the centre of the old town is also exists thanks to his initiative. The professed aim of the art patron is to challenge people with new perspectives – and that is what he has succeed-ed in doing, at least as far as the architecture of the new building is concerned. He may also be hoping that the sensational building will create a »Bilbao effect« and that cultural tourism will help to revive the economy.