Collection
Decorative Arts
About the Collection
Sakıp Sabancı Museum’s Collection of Furniture and Decorative Arts is exhibited in Atlı Köşk’s rooms preserved the way they were during the period when the Sabancı Family resided there. The collection consisting of 18th-19thcentury Sèvres vases bearing Napoleon’s emblem, Bohemian chandeliers and numerous accessories reflect the transformation the society and social life underwent during the late Ottoman period. The changes brought by Westernization in the 19th century in the government structure, military and social sphere influenced Istanbul’s cultural life as well, leading the way to a new lifestyle. During this period, Istanbul’s residential area expanded, andcivilian and government buildings reflecting the influence of baroque, rococo, neo-gothic, neo-classical and empire styles of European architectural tradition were built on the Bosphorus where Atlı Köşk itself was added to the scene in the first half of the 20th century. The furniture, constituting an integral part ofthe interior design was selected and produced in accordance with the architectural style of the building, and again inspired by these eclectic styles of European origin.
