Its full name is the Sabanci University Sakip Sabanci Museum, and it is housed in a 1920s mansion known as Atlı Köşk. The building previously served as the Hidiv family of Egypt's summer house and later as the Montenegrin Embassy before being purchased by the Sabanci family in 1951. It opened as a museum in 2002.
If you are planning a day along the Bosphorus, the museum pairs well with nearby waterfront sights and experiences such as a Bosphorus Cruise or a visit to Rumeli Fortress.
What to See at Sakip Sabanci Museum
The museum is divided into several sections, each offering a different part of the collection and the estate. Here are the main highlights.
Permanent Collection
The permanent collection includes the Calligraphy Collection, Painting Collection, and Furniture and Decorative Arts Collection. Together, they present notable examples of Islamic and Ottoman traditional arts, along with documents dating back to the 14th century.
The Mansion Exterior
The white mansion is also known as Atlı Köşk, or the Mansion with the Horse. Its elegant architecture, Bosphorus views, and the horse statues on the facade make the exterior part of the experience as much as the galleries inside.
Garden
The garden contains antique fountains and marble pieces from the Roman and Byzantium periods. It is one of the most pleasant areas of the museum, especially for visitors who want to combine art with a relaxed walk outdoors.
Horse Sculptures
One of the horse statues near the entrance dates from 1864 and is the work of a French sculptor. The second horse sculpture stands near the main entrance to the gardens. It is a replica of one of the four bronze horses plundered from Sultanahmet Square in 1204.
Temporary Exhibitions
The Sakip Sabanci Museum display hall also hosts temporary exhibitions by well-known artists. Past exhibitions have included Monet in 2012, Rembrandt in 2012, and Anish Kapoor in 2013. Double, one of Anish Kapoor's works, is now part of the museum's permanent collection and is displayed in the grounds.
Museum Restaurant
MSA's Restaurant is located within the museum. MSA, the Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul, runs this experimental restaurant through its instructor chefs and recent MSA graduate chefs, allowing students to complete their first internship in a real restaurant setting.
The restaurant focuses on Anatolian traditions and recipes while also blending them with world cuisines in an effort to preserve authenticity and encourage creativity.
Why Visit the Museum
Sakip Sabanci Museum originally opened its doors to the public in 2002 at Atlı Köşk in Emirgan, one of Istanbul's oldest residential neighborhoods on the Bosphorus. It is known as one of Istanbul's large museums, with a substantial collection of paintings and calligraphic works. Throughout the year, the museum presents a variety of exhibits and galleries featuring skilled and original artists, as well as renowned sculptors and painters.
If you are interested in Turkish history and modern art, Istanbul offers many other worthwhile museum experiences too, from palace collections to contemporary spaces. For practical background on the museum itself, you can also check the overview on Wikipedia and browse broader cultural inspiration on GoTürkiye.
In short, if you want a deeper Istanbul experience, visiting the city's museums is always a good idea. Sakip Sabanci Museum stands out for its collections, exhibitions, events, and Bosphorus setting.
- Location: Emirgan, on the Bosphorus
- Known for: Calligraphy, paintings, decorative arts, and temporary exhibitions
- Setting: Historic mansion, garden, and sea views
- Good to combine with: A Bosphorus day trip and nearby waterfront attractions
While you are in the city, you can also explore Istanbul's landmark attractions such as Dolmabahce Palace and many other historic sites across both sides of the Bosphorus.
