Sakıp Sabancı Museum (Atlı Köşk)
Experience the fusion of Ottoman elegance and contemporary art on the Bosphorus.
From Royal Mansion to Cultural Beacon
Perched along the scenic shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul's Emirgan district, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, housed in the historic Atlı Köşk (Equestrian Mansion), stands as a testament to Turkey's rich cultural tapestry. Originally commissioned in 1925 by Prince Mehmed Ali Hasan of the Egyptian Khedive family and designed by Italian architect Edoardo De Nari, the mansion was completed in 1927. Its name, "Atlı Köşk," derives from the striking bronze horse statue by French sculptor Louis-Joseph Daumas, acquired by Hacı Ömer Sabancı in 1951, symbolizing the family's legacy.
The Equestrian Statue: A Link to Byzantine Heritage
The iconic equestrian statue that gives Atlı Köşk its name is a 19th-century bronze cast by French sculptor Louis-Joseph Daumas. This statue is inspired by one of the famed Horses of Saint Mark, which were originally part of the Hippodrome in Constantinople (now Istanbul) and were taken to Venice during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The presence of this statue at the museum serves as a poignant reminder of the city's layered history and cultural exchanges
Agnes Denes' Living Pyramid: A Fusion of Art and Ecology
The museum's lush gardens offer panoramic views of the Bosphorus and house an array of sculptures, fountains, and contemporary installations. This serene environment provides a perfect setting for reflection and appreciation of art in nature.
In 2022, the museum's garden became home to The Living Pyramid, a monumental installation by ecofeminist artist Agnes Denes. Standing nine meters tall, this site-specific work was cultivated with 600 plant species native to Istanbul, totaling over 2,000 individual plants. The pyramid symbolizes the cycle of life and death, emphasizing humanity's relationship with nature and the importance of ecological balance. Denes' accompanying 1969 Manifesto was also displayed, reinforcing the artwork's environmental message
A Diverse Collection Bridging Eras
The museum's extensive collection offers a journey through time:
Arts of the Book and Calligraphy: Featuring over 400 Ottoman calligraphic works, including imperial edicts, Qur'anic manuscripts, and poetic verses, showcasing the evolution of Islamic art.
Painting Collection: Home to more than 320 paintings from the Ottoman and Republican periods, with works by renowned artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey, İbrahim Çallı, Şevket Dağ and Fikret Mualla, reflecting the transformation of Turkish art. These paintings underwent X-ray imaging and pigment analysis in a groundbreaking project, revealing underlying sketches and previous restoration efforts.
Furniture and Decorative Arts: Exhibiting 19th-century European and Ottoman furniture, porcelains, and textiles, illustrating the aesthetic sensibilities of the era. These rooms give an idea about the life of the Turkish bourgeois in the 20th century.
Archaeological Artifacts: Displaying items from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, including sculptures and architectural fragments, connecting visitors to ancient civilizations.
Embracing Digital Innovation
In 2013, the museum launched digitalSSM, an online platform providing access to over 77,000 high-resolution images of its collections. This initiative enhances global accessibility and supports academic research, reflecting the museum's commitment to preserving and sharing cultural heritage.
Hosting World-Class Exhibitions
The Sakıp Sabancı Museum has hosted numerous prestigious exhibitions, featuring works by international masters such as Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin, Claude Monet, Joan Miró, and Anish Kapoor. These exhibitions position the museum as a significant player in the global art scene.
Culinary Delights at MSA Restaurant
Visitors can indulge in gourmet cuisine at Mutfak Sanatları Akademisi, MSA (The Culinary Arts Academy), the museum's award-winning restaurant. Known for its innovative menu and elegant design, it offers a dining experience that complements the artistic ambiance.
Plan Your Visit
📌 Location: Sakıp Sabancı Caddesi No:42, Emirgan, Istanbul
🕒 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00
❌ Closed: Mondays
🎟️ Tickets: Available online and at the entrance
Sabancı’s Last Promise
One of the most heartfelt moments in the museum’s history traces back to Sakıp Sabancı himself. As a lifelong patron of the arts and education, he envisioned the Atlı Köşk not only as a private residence but as a public gift to Turkey’s cultural future. In the early 2000s, shortly before his passing, Sabancı expressed his wish that this mansion become a place where future generations could freely experience both traditional and modern art. His vision came to life in 2002 when the museum officially opened. Today, every visitor walking through its halls fulfills a part of that promise.
A Cultural Legacy on the Bosphorus
The Sakıp Sabancı Museum stands as a bridge between Turkey's illustrious past and its dynamic present. Through its rich collections, innovative exhibitions, and commitment to cultural preservation, it offers visitors an immersive experience into the heart of Turkish art and history.
