Sakıp Sabancı Museum — Attraction in Sarıyer

The Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum (Turkish: Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi) is a private fine arts museum in Istanbul, Turkey, dedicated to calligraphic art, religious and state documents, as well as paintings of the Ottoman era. The museum was founded by Sakıp Sabancı, and was opened in June 2002. Aside from permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts national and foreign temporary exhibitions and, hosts cultural events on the weekends.

Recently the museum gained worldwide attention when it exhibited the works of Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin. 1 History of the mansion 2 Exhibits 2.1 Collection 2.2 Temporary exhibitions 2.2.1 Notable inbound exhibitions 2.2.1.1 Picasso in Istanbul 2.2.1.2 Master Sculptor Rodin in Istanbul 2.2.1.3 Genghis Khan and His Heirs, The Great Mongol Empire 2.2.1.4 The World of Abidin Dino 2.2.1.5 Istanbul, Isfahan, Delhi Three Capitals of Islamic Art Masterpieces from the Louvre Collection 2.2.1.6 Legendary Istanbul - From Byzantion to Istanbul: 8000 Years of A Capital 2.2.1.7 Treasures of the Aga Khan Museum 2.2.1.8 Across - The Cyclades and Western Anatolia During the 3rd Millennium BC 2.2.1.9 Sophie Calle: "For the Last and First Time" 2.2.1.10 Where Darkness Meets Light… Rembrandt and His Contemporaries - The Golden Age of Dutch Art 2.2.1.11 Cobra - 1000 Days of Free Art 2.2.1.12 Monet's Garden 2.2.1.13 The 1001 Faces of Orientalism 2.2.1.14 Fan From Past to Present 2.2.1.15 Anish Kapoor in İstanbul 2.2.1.16 Distant Neighbour Close Memories: 600th Anniversary of Turkish - Polish Relations 2.2.1.17 The portrait of Sakip Sabanci 2.2.1.18 Joan Miró. Women, Birds, Stars 2.2.2 Outbound exhibitions 2.2.2.1 Ottoman Calligraphy from Sakıp Sabancı Museum 3 digitalSSM: A comprehensive digital archive of art 4 Food and drink 5 See also 6 References 7 External links The historical building belonged to several high ranked pasha families and khedives, Egyptian governors, from 1848 until 1884, when it was purchased by the Ottoman Treasury on the orders of Sultan Abdülhamid II and presented as a gift to King Nicola I of Montenegro. The mansion served the next 30 years as a royal residence and embassy of Montenegro. In 1913, the Ottoman government repossessed it, which became home to the granddaughter of Sultan Mehmed V Reşad. After the foundation of the Turkish Republic, Prince Mehmed Ali Hasan, grandson of Khedive İsmail Paşa, purchased the then derelict house and commissioned the architect Edouard de Nari to build the present house. However, it remained unused for many years until the elder sister of the Egyptian prince made it her home in 1944.

In 1951 Hacı Ömer Sabancı, father of Sakıp Sabancı and founder of Sabancı Holding, purchased the mansion for spending summer months with his family. Inside the entrance gate of his mansion, he placed the bronze statue of a horse, he purchased at an auction. The sculpture was designed by Louis-Joseph Daumas in Paris in 1864 and cast by Vor Thiebaut. The house became popularly known as Atlı Köşk (Equestrian Villa). He and his family lived in the mansion until his decease in 1966. The mansion was home to Sakıp Sabancı and family between 1969 and 1999.

The mansion was leased in 1998 for a period of 49 years to Sabancı University along with all the antique furnishings and art collections. Today, the original mansion and a modern gallery annex host extensive art collections of 19th and...

One of Istanbul’s most elegant and soul-soothing museums - a rare blend of Ottoman culture, fine art, and Bosphorus serenity.

Sakıp Sabancı Museum is housed in the beautifully restored Atlı Köşk ("Horse Mansion") in Emirgan. From the very first moment, you feel like you've stepped into a unique space, where art history is carefully collected in one space and breathes in silence and art speaks without words. Brushes, paints, X-ray analyses of the pictures let you feel the depth of the art.

The permanent collection is a national treasure: more than 400 pieces of exquisite Ottoman calligraphy, imperial Qur’ans, handwritten poems, and documents beautifully displayed with respect and care.

The most favourite is the narrow room, where portraits of Ottoman sultans are exhibited.

The upper floors host a stunning collection of paintings from legendary Ottoman artists like Osman Hamdi Bey and Şeker Ahmet Paşa. Each room is curated with aesthetic grace and historical depth.

Everything is well-labeled in Turkish and English, and there are interactive screens, audio guides, and plenty of helpful staff.

But what makes this museum truly unforgettable is the atmosphere: the quiet garden with sculptures and fountains, the modern glass annex bathed in light, and the panoramic view over the Bosphorus.

You can sit for hours under the trees or enjoy Turkish tea or lunch in nearby cafe, it’s a perfect place to reflect, sketch, or simply rest your soul.

Accessibility is excellent, and children are welcome. Entrance is free on Tuesdays, which makes art more accessible for everyone. You will also have chance to visit Emirgan park with its pink wooden mansion, waterfalls and blooming tulips or go forward to Aşıyan Museum, take a boat trip or wak along the Bosphorus strait.

If you love beauty, poetry, and peace — this museum is a must. It’s not just a cultural visit, it’s an emotional experience.

I highly recommend spending at least 2-3 hours here, and don’t forget to look up at the ceilings, even they are full...

The Sakıp Sabancı Museum (SSM) is one of Istanbul's most important cultural institutions, located in the Emirgan neighborhood along the Bosphorus. It is housed in a beautiful mansion, known as the Atlı Köşk, which once belonged to the Sabancı family, one of Turkey's wealthiest and most influential families.

The museum is renowned for its diverse collection, which spans a variety of art forms, from classical to modern. It is especially known for its collection of Ottoman calligraphy, manuscripts, and decorative arts, as well as its impressive selection of paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art pieces. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions featuring both Turkish and international artists, as well as cultural and historical exhibits.

In addition to its art collections, the museum is surrounded by lush gardens that provide stunning views of the Bosphorus, offering a peaceful environment for visitors to relax. The museum also has a café where guests can enjoy a drink while taking in the scenic surroundings.

Sakıp Sabancı Museum is a cultural hub that blends history, art, and nature, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the cultural richness...