Sakıp Sabancı Museum

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The mansion is known as 'Atlı Köşk' (Horse Mansion) due to the iconic bronze horse statue placed in the garden by a previous owner.

2. 2

   The mansion was designed by the architect Edouard De Nari in 1925 for Prince Mehmed Abid Efendi.

3. 3

   The museum holds one of the most comprehensive private collections of Ottoman calligraphy in the world.

4. 4

   The mansion was donated to Sabancı University in 1998 along with the family's art collection.

5. 5

   The exterior of the villa maintains its original early 20th-century eclectic architectural style.

6. 6

   The garden is home to a significant collection of outdoor bronze sculptures by notable artists.

Overview

The Sakıp Sabancı Museum is housed in the Atlı Köşk, a historic Bosphorus-fronting mansion built in 1925 that served as the residence of the Sabancı family. The institution is known for its world-class temporary exhibitions featuring major international artists and historical artifacts. Its permanent collections focus on the arts of the book and calligraphy, as well as painting from the late Ottoman to the early Republic period. The estate is set within an extensive garden containing various sculptures and mature trees overlooking the Bosphorus. The mansion’s original interior architecture remains preserved, blending early 20th-century residential character with modern exhibition standards. It functions as a multidisciplinary cultural center, regularly hosting concerts, conferences, and educational workshops. The museum complex is situated in the Emirgan district, which provides a distinctively quieter atmosphere compared to Istanbul's dense city center.

Insider tips

• Walk through the garden to see the outdoor sculpture collection before entering the main mansion.

• Check the official website for current temporary exhibition themes, as these change seasonally and define the visitor experience.

• Enjoy the museum cafe which offers direct views of the Bosphorus.