The Sakip Sabanci Museum is one of the most prestigious private museums in Istanbul, offering a rich collection of Ottoman calligraphy, manuscripts, paintings, and contemporary art exhibitions.
In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand experience, along with practical tips on tickets, entry fees, must-see exhibits, and how to avoid long queues. If you’re planning a visit to the Sakip Sabanci Fine Arts Museum, this is everything you need to know!
Fascinating Facts About Sakip Sabanci Museum
✔ Once a waterfront mansion – The museum is housed in a historic 19th-century villa along the Bosphorus in Emirgan.
✔ Founded by Sakıp Sabancı – The museum was established by businessman and philanthropist Sakıp Sabancı in 2002.
✔ Home to rare Ottoman calligraphy – It features one of the richest collections of Ottoman-era manuscripts, calligraphy, and imperial documents.
✔ Includes modern and contemporary art – The museum hosts rotating exhibitions featuring Turkish and international artists.
✔ Surrounded by nature – The museum’s lush gardens and Bosphorus views make it a scenic and peaceful place to visit.
✔ A blend of history and innovation – It combines classic Ottoman art with digital and modern art displays, offering a diverse cultural experience.
About the Museum
Nestled in Emirgan, one of the oldest Bosphorus settlements in Istanbul, the Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum resides as a cultural gem.
The museum’s main building, a mansion commissioned by the Egyptian Khedive Prince Mehmed Ali Hasan in 1925, was crafted by Italian architect Edoardo De Nari and served as a summer residence for various members of the Khedive family.
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Acquired by industrialist Hacı Ömer Sabancı in 1951, it became known as the ‘Equestrian Mansion’ adorned with remarkable horse sculptures. After Hacı Ömer Sabancı’s passing in 1966, the mansion transformed into the Atlı Köşk, housing Sakıp Sabancı’s extensive calligraphy and painting collection.
In 1998, the Sabancı family donated the mansion and its treasures to Sabancı University, officially opening as the Sakıp Sabancı Museum in 2002.
With subsequent expansions in 2005 and a modern gallery addition, the museum now stands as an international standard-bearer, offering a rich collection, diverse exhibitions, educational programs, and a vibrant cultural space.
Our Sakıp Sabancı Fine Arts Museum Experience
Visiting the Sakip Sabanci Fine Arts Museum was a journey through centuries of artistic expression, housed in one of Istanbul’s most elegant waterfront mansions.
Located in Emirgan, along the Bosphorus, this museum is set in the historic Atlı Köşk (Horse Mansion), a beautifully preserved 1920s Ottoman-era villa that is just as impressive as the artwork inside.
Unlike traditional art museums, the museum offers a rich blend of historical masterpieces and contemporary exhibitions, making it a must-visit for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful cultural escape in Istanbul.
Whether you’re interested in Ottoman calligraphy, Turkish ceramics, or cutting-edge modern art, this museum has something for everyone.
Getting Inside the Museum
✔ The museum is housed in the Atlı Köşk, a historic mansion with ornate architecture and Bosphorus views.
✔ Tickets are available online and on-site, with guided tours for those wanting deeper insights.
✔ The museum is divided into multiple galleries, each showcasing a different aspect of Turkish and global art.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy a quieter experience and the best natural lighting in the galleries.
Exploring the Museum’s Collections
Ottoman Calligraphy & Manuscripts
One of the museum’s most prized collections is its Ottoman calligraphy and manuscripts, featuring works by some of the greatest calligraphers in Turkish history.
✔ See beautifully illuminated Quranic texts, imperial edicts, and decorative calligraphy panels.
✔ Learn about the different styles of Ottoman script and how calligraphy played a role in royal and religious life.
✔ The museum provides interactive displays, helping visitors understand the significance of each piece.
Tip: If you love Islamic art, this collection offers one of the finest displays of Ottoman calligraphy in Istanbul.
Turkish Ceramics & Iznik Tiles
✔ Features exquisite Iznik ceramics, known for their vibrant blue and red floral patterns.
✔ Displays rare pottery pieces from different regions of Turkey, including Seljuk and Ottoman styles.
✔ Highlights the evolution of Turkish ceramic art, from functional pottery to decorative masterpieces.
💡 Tip: The ceramic collection complements what you see in Topkapi Palace and the Tiled Kiosk Museum, offering a deeper appreciation of Turkish craftsmanship.
Contemporary & Temporary Exhibitions
Beyond its historical collections, Sakip Sabanci Museum Istanbul is also a leading venue for modern and contemporary art.
✔ Hosts temporary exhibitions featuring renowned Turkish and international artists.
✔ Past exhibitions have showcased works from Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Ai Weiwei, and Turkish contemporary artists.
✔ Offers interactive and digital art installations, giving visitors a multi-sensory experience.
Tip: Check the museum’s website before visiting to see what exhibitions are on display—they frequently rotate, making each visit unique.
Visiting Sakip Sabanci Museum with Kids – What to Know
✔ Children under 6 enter for free, making it a family-friendly destination.
✔ The museum’s gardens offer a great place for kids to explore and enjoy the views.
✔ Interactive workshops and art programs are sometimes available for young visitors.
✔ The museum café provides kid-friendly menu options and a relaxing atmosphere.
Family Tip: Kids love the mansion’s grand architecture and outdoor spaces, so plan extra time for the gardens!
Visitor Information & Tips
Location
The Sakip Sabanci Fine Arts Museum (SSM) is located in Emirgan, along the Bosphorus, offering a stunning combination of art, history, and nature.
The museum is housed in the historic Atlı Köşk, a beautifully restored mansion surrounded by lush gardens. View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
✔ Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
✔ Closed on Mondays.
✔ Last entry is at 5:30 PM, as the ticket office closes then.
✔ Closed on January 1st, and the first days of Ramadan and Eid Qurban.
Tip: Admission is free every Tuesday, making it the best day to visit if you’re looking to save on tickets!
Tickets
Please double check hours and admissions from sakipsabancimuzesi.org
Visiting Tips
✔ Take your time exploring—the museum has a blend of Ottoman, modern, and contemporary art.
✔ Don’t skip the Ottoman Calligraphy and Manuscripts section—it’s one of the best collections in Turkey.
✔ Check for temporary exhibitions—SSM regularly hosts international art shows and special events.
✔ Visit the museum café—it offers a relaxing atmosphere with stunning Bosphorus views.
✔ Combine your visit with Emirgan Park—it’s right nearby and perfect for a walk after the museum.
Accessibility
✔ Wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available throughout the museum.
✔ Rest areas and seating are provided within the galleries for visitors who need breaks.
✔ Guide dogs are allowed, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired visitors.
Tip: If you require special assistance, contact the museum staff in advance for a smoother experience.
Parking Opportunities
✔ The museum parking lot has a capacity of 30 vehicles.
✔ If the parking lot is full, visitors can park at ISPARK areas along the coastal road.
Tip: Arrive early in the day to secure a parking spot, especially on weekends.
Nearby Attractions
- Emirgan Park – One of Istanbul’s largest and most beautiful parks, famous for its Tulip Festival in spring, walking trails, and stunning Bosphorus views.
- Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) – A 15th-century Ottoman fortress built by Sultan Mehmed II before the conquest of Constantinople. Offers panoramic views and a fascinating history.
- Bebek Neighborhood – A lively seaside district filled with trendy cafés, bakeries, and waterfront restaurants, perfect for a relaxing stroll after the museum.
- Sadberk Hanım Museum – Another private museum nearby, showcasing Ottoman textiles, ceramics, and ancient Anatolian artifacts in a charming historic mansion.
- Istinye Marina & Shopping Mall – A modern shopping complex with luxury brands, waterfront dining, and yacht-lined views.
Tip: Combine your visit to the Sakıp Sabancı Museum with Emirgan Park and a walk along the Bosphorus for a perfect day out in Istanbul!
How to Get to Sakip Sabanci Museum
Location
You’ll find the Sakip Sabanci Museum just on the Bosphorus shore in the Emirgan district. See the location map.
Transportation
Public Bus
The most practical way to get to Sakip Sabanci Museum is via Municipal Public Bus. operating through the Bosphorus shores through Emirgan and Sariyer. Hop off at the Cinaralti bus stop. Some of the lines include;
- Line 40, 40T and 42T from Taksim
- Line 22, 22RE and 25E from Kabatas (accessible by Bagcilar-Kabatas tram T1 line)
- Line 40B from Besiktas
- Line EL2 (Emirgân – 4. Levent Metro Ring (Subway))
- Line 59RH (Rumeli Hisarüstü – İstinye/Hacıosman Metro Station) (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
Ferry services from Emirgan pier offer convenient transportation to various destinations along the Bosphorus. Passengers can enjoy trips to İstinye, Kanlıca, Kandilli, Anadoluhisarı, Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Çengelköy. Additionally, there are sea bus trips available from the İstinye pier to Beşiktaş and Kadıköy, providing diverse options for exploring different parts of Istanbul.
* Check Public ferry lines routes and timetables from en.sehirhatlari.istanbul
Hop On & Hop Off Bosphorus Tour
You can take the Dentur Avrasya boats departing from Kabatas and following the route Besiktas, Emirgan, Kucuksu Pavilion, Beylerbeyi Palace respectively and returning back to Kabatas, the starting point. You can join the tour by taking one way tickets (only from Emirgan, Beylerbeyi and Kucuksu docks) from the docks.
* Check timetables from denturavrasya.com
Contact Details
Address: Sakıp Sabancı Caddesi, 42 Emirgan, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 277 22 00
Web: sakipsabancimuzesi.org/en
Is Sakip Sabanci Museum Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Sakip Sabanci Museum Istanbul offers a unique blend of Ottoman history, traditional art, and contemporary exhibitions, making it one of Istanbul’s most diverse and visually stunning museums.
✔ If you’re an art lover, this museum is a must-see, offering both historical and modern masterpieces.
✔ If you enjoy cultural experiences, the mix of calligraphy, ceramics, and paintings provides a deep dive into Turkish artistic traditions.
✔ If you’re exploring the Bosphorus area, it’s a perfect stop near Emirgan Park and Rumeli Fortress.