The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has announced a major upcoming exhibition titled "Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires" (7 November 2026–9 May 2027), which will explore the 1,600-year history of Istanbul as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The show will feature over 200 objects, including ceramics, mosaics, metalwork, and jewellery, on loan from Turkish institutions such as the Topkapi Palace Museum. The exhibition is sponsored by Koç Group, Turkey's largest industrial conglomerate, whose family foundation also backs Arter, a leading contemporary art non-profit in Istanbul.
This exhibition is significant as it is the first UK show to present the full sweep of Istanbul's history from Roman times through the Ottoman era, highlighting the art and culture that shaped the city across two empires. It also underscores the role of major corporate and philanthropic sponsorship in bringing international cultural heritage to British audiences, while the involvement of the Koç family—prominent arts patrons—adds a layer of contemporary relevance amid ongoing debates about artistic freedom in Turkey.