Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum

The Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum represents a first in Turkey: it is the country's only museum dedicated to the game and culture of chess. The museum, the fruit of collector Akın Gökyay's years of accumulation, opened its doors in 2015 in Ankara's historic Hamamönü district.

The exhibition not only displays chess sets as mere game pieces but also uncovers the cultural story, artistic craftsmanship, and historical context behind each set. Pieces crafted from diverse materials such as wood carving, metal casting, fish bone, and ceramics have transformed into works of art from the hands of masters from different geographies around the world.

The museum welcomes visitors throughout the year; however, keep in mind that it is closed on Mondays and during the New Year's holiday. On weekday mornings, the crowds are quite sparse, giving you the chance to explore the exhibition in a calmer environment.

If you wish to combine your museum visit with exploring the Hamamönü district, spring and autumn months are the most enjoyable options. During these periods, the historic streets of the district blossom, and cafes and restaurants offer a livelier atmosphere. In the summer months, due to Ankara's heat, an indoor museum visit might be more refreshing.

The museum is located on Hamam Arkası Basamaklı Sokak, one of Hamamönü's narrow and sloping streets. Ulus Metro Station is the closest metro stop to this area; from there, you can reach it by walking for approximately 15-20 minutes. Municipal buses going to Hamamönü from different parts of Ankara will also serve your purpose.

For those wishing to come by car, paid parking areas are available in the region; however, since the streets of Hamamönü are quite narrow and steep, public transport or walking is a much more practical choice. If you are visiting Ankara Castle, adding the museum to the same itinerary would be a logical plan.

The Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum, due to its location, is intertwined with one of Ankara's most valuable historical areas. You can spend a full day by combining your museum visit with Hamamönü and Ankara Castle.

The suggested itinerary can be structured as follows: walk down from Ulus to Hamamönü, explore the restored Ottoman-era mansions and cafe streets, then visit the Gökyay Chess Museum. After leaving the museum, you can climb to Ankara Castle to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. This half-day route is both culturally and visually very satisfying.

The museum itself is a photographic venue. The building, constructed in the old Ankara house architecture, offers frames worthy of capture even from the outside with its wooden details and stone texture. Inside, the chess sets, each bearing traces of a different culture, are excellent subjects for close-up photography.

Especially the pieces distinguished by wood carving and metal craftsmanship and the thematic exhibition arrangements are visually striking. The narrow, cobblestone streets of Hamamönü and the restored wooden bay-windowed houses will also enrich your photo album as a natural extension of your museum visit.

The Hamamönü district, where the museum is located, has become one of Ankara's most popular cafe and restaurant areas. In the venues opened in restored historical mansions and houses, you can find Turkish coffee, homemade desserts, and traditional delicacies.

The cafes in the district are particularly suitable for breakfast and lunch. Sitting down at a place after or before your museum visit, walking through the cobblestone streets of Hamamönü, can be the most enjoyable break of the day. For dinner, heading towards Kızılay or Çankaya will offer a wider range of options.

The museum is closed on Mondays and during the New Year's holiday; plan accordingly. Since entrance fees and opening hours may be updated from time to time, we recommend checking the museum's official social media accounts or contact channels before your visit.

As the museum building is an old Ankara house, wheelchair and stroller access may be limited; narrow stairs and sloping streets require you to be prepared in advance. Special pricing is available for group visits; large groups are advised to make reservations in advance. The museum also occasionally organizes chess workshops; following the event calendar might lead to a pleasant surprise.