Sakıp Sabancı Museum: Collections, Hours & Tickets (2025)

The Sakıp Sabancı Museum, located in the Emirgan district of Istanbul, is one of the city’s most cherished cultural destinations. Renowned for its impressive collection and breathtaking surroundings, it offers a deep dive into Ottoman art, Turkish painting, and the life of the Sabancı family.

History and Background

The museum’s building, known as Atlı Köşk (“Mansion with a Horse”), was originally constructed in the early 20th century as a hunting lodge. The Sabancı family, one of Turkey’s most prominent industrialist families, acquired it in the 1950s and used it as a family residence for over 30 years. In 2002, the mansion was converted into the Sakıp Sabancı Museum.

The mansion’s strategic location in the Emirgan district—a historical area rich in greenery — adds to its charm. Situated on a hill, the museum provides spectacular views of the Bosphorus Strait.

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions

Permanent Collections

1. Ottoman Calligraphy & Manuscripts: Explore beautifully scripted Qur’ans, firmans (royal decrees), and calligraphy panels. Some pieces date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, giving insight into Ottoman art and culture.
2. Turkish & European Paintings: The museum displays works from early Turkish artists, alongside foreign painters who lived and worked in Istanbul during the Ottoman era.
3. Furniture & Décor: Part of the museum showcases the family’s original living quarters, decorated with French-style furniture, Ottoman carpets, and exquisite vases, providing an authentic look into the Sabancı family’s lifestyle.

Current Exhibition (13 September 2024 – 2 February 2025)

Georg Baselitz: The Last Decade

A major exhibition running from September 13, 2024, to February 2, 2025, this display presents works by Georg Baselitz, a prominent contemporary German artist. The exhibition features nearly 100 large-scale paintings and sculptures created over the last decade, distributed throughout the museum and its garden. A selection of the artist’s engravings is also on display at Akbank Sanat.

Ticket Price: 300 TL

The Gardens

The museum is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful escape and spectacular views of the Bosphorus. The grounds include sculptures, trees, and seasonal flowers, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Café & Restaurant

After exploring the museum and gardens, you can relax at the on-site café. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, serving Turkish dishes, coffee, and tea. The terrace overlooking the Bosphorus is a great place to unwind.

Archaeological Artifacts Collection

The museum’s Archaeological Artifacts Collection includes 22 stone artifacts, which are exhibited in the gardens. Visitors will find marble column capitals that reflect Ionic, Corinthian, and composite styles, some dating back to the Neoclassical period. The most striking pieces are an altar depicting the goddess Cybele and a column drum portraying a battle between the giants and the gods of Mount Olympus. There is also an architrave from the Middle Ages, showing characteristics of Byzantine church architecture.

Abidin Dino Archive

This archive showcases works by Abidin Dino, a prominent Turkish artist of the 20th century known for his versatility in painting, cartooning, writing, and directing. It contains drawings, sketches, and sculpture plans, offering insight into his influence on Turkish modern art.

Emirgan Archive

A nostalgic collection highlighting the life and history of the Emirgan district, featuring photographs, documents, and memorabilia that tell the story of this beautiful area along the Bosphorus from the early 1900s to the present.

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Nearby Attractions

Emirgan Park

A large public park near the museum, offering scenic walks, cafes, and beautiful gardens, particularly during the Tulip Festival in spring.

Japanese Garden

Within walking distance, this garden is a peaceful haven featuring traditional Japanese landscaping, koi ponds, and wooden bridges—perfect for a quiet stroll.

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