The Sadberk Hanim Museum is one of the finest private museums in Istanbul, offering a rich collection of archaeological artifacts, Ottoman-era art, and rare textiles.
In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand experience, along with practical tips on tickets, entry fees, and must-see sections. If you’re planning a visit to the Sadberk Hanim Museum, this is everything you need to know!
Fascinating Facts About Sadberk Hanim Museum
Being part of Vehbi Koc Foundation, the Sadberk Hanim Museum is Turkey’s first a private museum that exhibits the private collection of Sadberk Koc, the wife of Vehbi Koc, a famous Turkish businessman. Hanim means Lady in Turkish.
The museum was opened in 1980 for the memory of lady Sadberk and housed in the Azaryan Mansion, a lovely building located by the Bosphorus shore in Sariyer district.
The museum lies on two separate parts and showcases exhibitions of more than 20,000 pieces artifacts of Turkish and Islamic works and archaeological relics belonging to different eras in time.
✔ Turkey’s first private museum – Established in 1980 by the Koç family, it was the first privately funded museum in Turkey.
✔ Located in a historic Bosphorus mansion – The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century Ottoman waterfront villa in Sarıyer.
✔ Over 20,000 artifacts on display – The collection spans from prehistoric times to the Ottoman Empire, showcasing archaeological and ethnographic treasures.
✔ Features rare Ottoman textiles and costumes – One of the best collections of Ottoman-era embroidery, fabrics, and traditional garments in Turkey.
✔ Houses ancient artifacts from Anatolia – Includes Hittite, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine relics, giving visitors a journey through Turkey’s deep history.
No Regrets Booking Advice
✔ Regularly hosts special exhibitions – The museum frequently organizes temporary exhibitions featuring rare collections and cultural themes.
Tip: After visiting the museum, take a scenic walk along the Bosphorus and enjoy the beautiful waterfront views!
Our Sadberk Hanim Museum Experience
Visiting the Sadberk Hanim Museum felt like uncovering a hidden gem of Turkish art and history.
Located in a beautiful 19th-century Ottoman mansion along the Bosphorus, this private museum houses one of the finest collections of Anatolian artifacts, Ottoman textiles, and Islamic art in Istanbul.
Unlike larger museums, Sadberk Hanim Museum Istanbul offers a quiet and intimate experience, allowing visitors to explore centuries of Turkish heritage in a peaceful, well-curated setting.
Getting Inside the Museum
✔ No long queues—we entered easily, making it a stress-free experience.
✔ The mansion itself is a work of art, offering stunning architecture and waterfront views.
✔ Photography is allowed in most areas, so bring your camera to capture the exquisite displays.
Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the best natural light in the galleries and gardens.
Exploring the Museum’s Collections
The First Floor: Turkish Islamic Art & Antiquities
The first floor of the museum is dedicated to Turkish-Islamic artifacts, showcasing stunning ceramics, glassware, and metalwork from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.
✔ Ottoman calligraphy – Beautifully preserved manuscripts, Quranic texts, and decorative inscriptions.
✔ Rare Islamic art pieces, including miniature paintings, engraved brassware, and jewelry.
✔ The famous Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics Collection, featuring over 3,000 pieces of ornate pottery, tiles, and vessels from the Kütahya region.
Tip: The Kütahya tiles display is a must-see, highlighting the delicate artistry of Ottoman ceramic craftsmanship.
The Second Floor: Ottoman Costumes & Ethnographic Artifacts
The second floor is dedicated to the Ottoman period, featuring textiles, costumes, and traditional household items.
✔ The Ottoman Costumes and Textiles Collection – A rich display of 18th- and 19th-century garments, silk robes, and embroidered fabrics.
✔ Antique carpets and kilims, showcasing the weaving techniques and symbolism behind Turkish rugs.
✔ Household artifacts, including ceremonial coffee sets, jewelry, and handwoven tapestries.
Tip: If you’re interested in traditional Turkish fashion, this section offers a rare opportunity to see authentic Ottoman clothing up close.
The Library: A Researcher’s Dream
✔ Houses over 15,000 books and periodicals on Turkish art, history, and culture.
✔ Open to the public for research and study.
✔ Features rare historical documents, perfect for those interested in deepening their knowledge of Anatolian heritage.
Tip: If you’re a history enthusiast, spending time in the library can provide valuable insights into the museum’s collections.
Events & Workshops at Sadberk Hanım Museum
Beyond the permanent collections, the museum also hosts:
✔ Temporary exhibitions featuring different aspects of Anatolian and Ottoman history.
✔ Workshops on Turkish craftsmanship, including traditional tile-making, calligraphy, and textile weaving.
✔ Lectures and guided tours, providing deeper insights into the artifacts and their historical context.
Tip: Check the museum’s website for upcoming events and temporary exhibitions before your visit.
Visiting Sadberk Hanim Museum with Kids – What to Know
✔ Children under 6 enter for free, making it a budget-friendly family activity.
✔ Interactive displays and storytelling exhibits help engage younger visitors.
✔ The peaceful setting allows kids to explore at a relaxed pace, unlike larger, crowded museums.
✔ The nearby Bosphorus promenade offers a great spot for a post-visit walk or snack.
💡 Family Tip: Encourage kids to find their favorite object—whether it’s a jewel-encrusted dagger, a colorful ceramic plate, or an ancient manuscript.
Visitor Information & Tips
Location
The Sadberk Hanım Museum is located in Sarıyer, along the scenic Bosphorus shoreline. View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
✔ Open Thursday to Tuesday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
✔ Closed on Wednesdays, January 1st, and the first day of religious holidays.
Tip: Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier with local visitors.
Tickets
Please double check hours and admissions from sadberkhanimmuzesi.org.tr
Visiting Tips
✔ Take your time exploring the archaeological and Ottoman collections—they span centuries of Turkish history.
✔ Visit the ceramics and textile sections to see exquisite Ottoman craftsmanship.
✔ Photography is allowed, but flash and selfie sticks are prohibited.
✔ No parking lot at the museum, so plan for street parking along the Bosphorus.
✔ Combine your visit with a scenic walk along the waterfront for a full historical and cultural experience.
Accessibility
✔ Due to the historic nature of the building, there are no ramps or elevators, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users.
✔ Visitors with mobility challenges may find some areas difficult to navigate.
Nearby Attractions
The Sadberk Hanım Museum is located in Sarıyer, a beautiful area known for its Ottoman mansions, parks, and seafood restaurants. Here are some must-visit spots nearby:
✔ Emirgan Park – A scenic Bosphorus-side park, famous for its Tulip Festival and walking trails.
✔ Rumeli Fortress – A 15th-century Ottoman fortress offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
✔ Büyükdere Coastal Walk – A peaceful waterfront promenade with great cafés and local eateries.
✔ Garipçe Village – A charming seaside fishing village, perfect for a traditional Turkish breakfast.
Tip: Pair your visit with Emirgan Park and a seafood lunch in Sarıyer for a perfect day exploring Istanbul’s northern Bosphorus region!
How to Get to Sadberk Hanim Museum
Transportation
Public Bus
The most practical way to get to Sadberk Hanim Museum is via Municipal Public Bus. operating through the Bosphorus shores through Sariyer and Rumelikavagi. Hop off at the Beyazpark bus stop. Some of the lines include;
- Line 54TE, 47, 47Ç, 47E, 47K and 47N from Eminonu
- Line 25G and 40 from Taksim
- Line 25E from Kabatas (accessible by Bagcilar-Kabatas tram T1 line)
- Line 40B from Besiktas
- Line 25, 25A and 25Y from Haciosman Metro (accessible by Yenikapi-Taksim-Haciosman M2 Metro line)
* Check Municipal public bus routes and timetables from iett.istanbul (just type the location on the search bar and it will show the bus lines with routes and stops)
Public Ferry
You can take Public Ferry Bosphorus line operating between Eminonu-Rumeli Kavagi and hop off at Sariyer pier. (Eminonu, Besiktas, Arnavutkoy, Bebek, Emirgan, Istinye, Buyukdere, Sariyer, Rumeli Kavagi stops)
Taxi
Most tourists find public buses not comfortable, if you feel so, than you should take a cab (check out Istanbul Taxi Guide) as Sadberk Hanim Museum is very far away from city’s popular tourist zones. And it will be expensive for sure.
Contact Details
Address: Piyasa Caddesi No:25-29, Buyukdere, Sariyer, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 242 38 13 – 14
Web: sadberkhanimmuzesi.org.tr
Is Sadberk Hanim Museum Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Sadberk Hanım Museum Istanbul is one of the most charming and well-curated museums in the city, offering a unique collection of Turkish art, archaeology, and Ottoman heritage.
✔ If you’re a history lover, this museum is a hidden gem filled with rare artifacts.
✔ If you enjoy quieter cultural experiences, this museum offers a peaceful alternative to Istanbul’s larger museums.
✔ If you’re exploring the Bosphorus, Sarıyer, or Emirgan, it’s a perfect stop along the way.
Best Case? Pair your visit with a stroll along the Bosphorus and a coffee break at a waterfront café for a perfect day!