In Istanbul’s Emirgan district, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum occupies a historic mansion above the Bosphorus. Its collections bring Ottoman calligraphy and manuscripts together with Turkish and Western paintings, while temporary exhibitions add contemporary and international art. Look for works by Turkish painters such as Osman Hamdi Bey, then step into the garden to see sculptures and views across the water. The villa’s period rooms are part of the visit, and an on-site restaurant has a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.
A mansion turned museum
The museum is in Emirgan, on the Bosphorus shore. Its main building is a historic mansion commissioned by Prince Mehmed Ali Hasan of the Egyptian Khedive family. Hacı Ömer Sabancı bought the house in 1951, and it later became the residence of his son Sakıp Sabancı.
In 1998, the Sabancı family donated the mansion and its collection to Sabancı University for use as a museum. The museum opened to visitors in 2002, alongside a modern gallery building. The mansion is also known as Atlı Köşk, or Horse Mansion, after the horse sculpture outside.
Calligraphy, manuscripts and paintings
The collections range from Ottoman calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts to paintings and decorative arts. The calligraphy displays include religious and state documents, as well as a manuscript associated with Sultan Mahmud II. The mansion’s rooms also contain furniture and decorative objects.
The painting collection includes works by Turkish artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey, alongside Western paintings. One gallery begins with Ottoman newspaper cartoons that play on the subject of high art. The collection spans older works and art from the 18th and 19th centuries, with the displays extending into the 20th century.
Temporary exhibitions and the garden
The museum adds temporary exhibitions to its permanent collections, including presentations of international artists. Past exhibitions have included works by Picasso, Dalí, Rodin and Anish Kapoor. The programme changes, so check the museum’s website for what is showing during your visit.
Outside, the garden has sculptures and stone works, with views over the Bosphorus. A restaurant on the grounds has a terrace facing the water. Emirgan Park is nearby, making it possible to add a garden walk to a museum visit.
FAQ
Where is the Sakıp Sabancı Museum?
It is at Sakıp Sabancı Caddesi 42 in Emirgan, Istanbul, on the Bosphorus shore.
What can you see at the museum?
The collections include Ottoman calligraphy and manuscripts, Turkish and Western paintings, furniture and decorative arts. Temporary exhibitions bring in international and contemporary art.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevator, restroom and parking.
Is there a restaurant at the museum?
Yes. There is an on-site restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.
