SALT is an innovative new institution that made its debut on Istanbul’s arts scene in the beginning of 2011. A non-profit organization funded by Garanti Bank, SALT has ambitions of becoming Turkey’s largest cultural institution. SALT is not a museum, art or architectural institution, research facility or gallery, but a venue that stands for innovation. Working in conjunction with the greater changes that are currently taking place in Istanbul’s arts scene, SALT hosts exhibitions and conferences, engages in interdisciplinary research projects, and has a library and archives for public use. SALT’s activities are split between two Garanti-owned buildings, SALT Beyoğlu on İstiklal Caddesi, and SALT Galata, on Bankalar Caddesi in Karaköy.

SALT's second branch, SALT Galata, is located in the historic Ottoman Bank on Bankalar Caddesi (formerly known as Voyvoda Caddesi) in Karaköy. SALT Galata houses the Ottoman Bank Museum; an exhibition space on its sub-ground-floor level; a research library (SALT Research); an auditorium seating over 200 people; an Open Archive; a cafe and a restaurant; workshop spaces; and a bookstore run by well-known Beyoğlu bookseller Robinson Crusoe.