Ankara University Toy Museum, located on the Tandoğan Campus, is Turkey's first toy museum. Founded in 1990 by Prof. Dr. Bekir Onur, the museum preserves traditional handmade and factory-produced toys, researching child culture.
The Toy Museum, part of Ankara University's Faculty of Educational Sciences, was opened to visitors on April 20, 1990, by Prof. Dr. Bekir Onur, a pioneering figure in child development. As Turkey's first toy museum registered with the T.C. Ministry of Culture and Tourism, its primary goal is to preserve and document traditional toys facing the threat of extinction due to rapid change. The museum operates as a unit of the Ankara University Child Culture Research and Application Center.
The collection includes traditional handmade toys gathered from all over Turkey, as well as factory-produced toys from different periods. The exhibition areas are not just showcases; they also serve as an extremely valuable archive in terms of industrial history, child culture, and social memory. The museum actively continues its educational function by organizing interactive tours for school groups.
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Guide's Note
Established within Ankara University, this museum stands out as a modest but carefully prepared space, growing through donations and voluntary efforts. The vast majority of visitors state that they enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere created by seeing old toys together. It offers a particularly interesting experience for adults, with objects that evoke memories of the past.
It is emphasized that the students working at the museum show close attention to visitors, especially children, and that the guided service adds meaning to the exhibited toys. The fact that the collection expands through donations is also a notable point; the doors seem open for those who wish to donate historical toys from their homes.
We recommend considering the following practical information before planning your visit:
- Small area: Several visitors mention that the museum's limited size might fall short of expectations; it might be useful to set realistic expectations, especially if you are traveling a long distance.
- Operating hours: Entry is not possible during lunch break; the museum opens at 13:30. It is recommended to confirm the hours before your visit.
- Location: It is located within the university campus; when you state at the entrance that you are visiting the museum, you will be directed. There is no definite information about parking, so it would be wise to research beforehand if you are coming by car.
- Children's interest: Some visitors report that young children do not show as much interest in old toys as adults do; it is stated that the collection is more appealing to adults.
- Variety: A few visitors state that the collection is still limited; however, it is also noted that the museum continues to grow.
The Story and Importance of the Museum
The founding story of Ankara University Toy Museum is a product of Prof. Dr. Bekir Onur's deep interest in child culture. Onur realized that the process of modernization and urbanization in Turkey was rapidly transforming traditional play culture and began to build his collection to preserve this heritage. Opening its doors on April 20, 1990, the museum holds the title of the first toy museum registered with the T.C. Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The museum is not just an exhibition space; it is also an active research and application center. Operating under the umbrella of Ankara University Child Culture Research and Application Center, the institution also supports academic studies on children's games, toy history, and children's literature. Having hosted tens of thousands of visitors to date, the museum largely draws its strength from the curiosity of younger generations.
When to Visit?
The museum accepts visitors throughout the year; however, since it is open only four days a week, it is important to check the current schedule before planning your visit. Going in the early morning during the spring season (April–June), when school groups are numerous, offers a calmer experience.
If you are coming with your children, choosing before noon on weekdays reduces the likelihood of coinciding with crowded school tours. Considering that the museum is a relatively small space, you can combine your visit with a trip to nearby Tandoğan and Kızılay.
How to Get to the Museum?
The museum is located within Ankara University Tandoğan Campus. It is quite easy to reach by public transport: you can get off at Tandoğan station with Ankaray, cross to Cemal Gürsel Street, and walk to the campus entrance. You can ask campus staff for help finding the museum, which is located behind the swimming pool within the campus.
It is also possible to reach Tandoğan from the city center by minibuses and EGO buses. For those coming by private car, there is parking available within the campus; however, it should be noted that vehicle entry to university campuses may be restricted. You can use Ankaray or minibus options from AŞTİ.
What to Eat After Your Visit?
There are many affordable cafes and restaurants in and around Tandoğan catering to university students. The canteens and cafeterias within the campus offer practical options for a light lunch or coffee break.
For a more comprehensive dining experience, you can head to the Kızılay area, which is about 10–15 minutes away. Here, a wide range of restaurant options are available, from traditional Turkish cuisine to international dishes. If you are coming with children, you can choose family-friendly restaurants near Kızılay square.
Photo Spots
The museum's exhibition showcases, with their presentation of toys from different periods, create nostalgic photo opportunities. The sections featuring traditional handmade toys and colorful factory-produced toys offer rich material for detailed photography.
Try to utilize natural light during museum tours to capture your children's interaction with the toys. The museum also offers a virtual tour option; this allows you to plan your visit in advance and identify the most interesting exhibition areas.
Things to Consider Before Your Visit
Since the museum is open four days a week, knowing which days it is closed in advance is critical to avoid a wasted trip. We strongly recommend confirming current visiting hours via the official website or by phone.
As it is located within the campus, you may be asked to show identification at the entrance. If you are coming with small children, consider that exhibition areas may include narrow corridors, and stroller use might be difficult. You can learn about photography rules from staff at the museum entrance.
Budget Planning
Ankara University Toy Museum is an institution that can be visited for free or with a very symbolic entrance fee; in this respect, it is one of the rare museums that does not burden the family budget at all. If you use Ankaray or bus for transportation, you will not need to make any additional expenses other than public transport fares.
You can combine your museum visit with other free or low-budget cultural venues in Ankara to create an economical cultural tour. University canteens in Tandoğan also offer affordable lunch options.
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