SALT Galata, located on Bankalar Street in Karaköy, is housed in a historic building designed by French-Levantine architect Alexandre Vallaury in 1892 as the headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank. The building reflects a blend of neoclassical and orientalist architectural styles, symbolizing the bank’s position between East and West. After serving as a financial institution until 1999, it was repurposed and reopened as SALT Galata in 2011, revealing its original architectural character. Today, the complex is a cultural and research center, featuring SALT Research, an extensive library and archive, an auditorium, exhibition halls, and workshop spaces. It also hosts a permanent exhibition showcasing historical documents from the Ottoman Bank Museum, offering insights into the economic and social history of the Ottoman Empire. With its panoramic views of the Golden Horn and vibrant public spaces, SALT Galata is a unique intersection of history, art, and academia in Istanbul.