The Mustafa Ayaz Foundation Museum of Plastic Arts is a private art museum located in Balgat, Ankara, in a 7-story building, exhibiting works produced by sculptor and painter Mustafa Ayaz between 1968 and 2008.
The Mustafa Ayaz Foundation Museum of Plastic Arts holds a unique place in the Turkish art world. The collection, consisting of works donated by the artist Mustafa Ayaz to his foundation, showcases a production period of approximately forty years, spanning from 1968 to 2008. Construction of the building began in 2003 and was completed in 2007. Rising on a 1720 m² plot with its 7-story architecture, it functions not only as an exhibition space but also as a center for plastic arts.
The upper floors of the museum are dedicated to exhibition halls, while the -2nd floor has an indoor parking lot for 35 vehicles. Visitors can explore the works in more depth with the guided tour option. Located on Ziyabey Street in the Balgat district of Ankara's Çankaya district, the museum is easily accessible by public transport.
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Guide's Note
About the Museum
The Mustafa Ayaz Foundation Museum of Plastic Arts is one of the rare private museums in Turkey dedicated to plastic arts. The works, personally donated by the artist to his foundation, cover a wide period from 1968 to 2008. On each floor, it is possible to observe how Ayaz's style transformed and what kind of materials and forms he worked with in different periods.
The building was not designed merely as an exhibition space; it was also conceived to host educational activities and events in the field of plastic arts. This multi-layered structure regularly brings the museum to the forefront of Ankara's art calendar.
When to Visit?
The museum is closed on Mondays. On other days, it welcomes visitors between 10:00 and 17:00. Since weekends can be crowded, weekday mornings offer a much more comfortable visiting experience, especially for those planning a guided tour.
As the exhibition areas are entirely indoors, rainy or hot summer days are also suitable for a visit. Nevertheless, checking the museum's social media accounts or website before going can prevent any surprises regarding events or closed days.
How to Get to the Museum?
The museum is located on Ziyabey Street in the Balgat district, part of Ankara's Çankaya district. It is directly accessible by buses and minibuses departing from Kızılay or Güvenpark towards Balgat. The walking distance from the stop to the museum is quite short.
For those arriving by car, there is an indoor parking lot for 35 vehicles on the -2nd floor of the building; this is a convenience not very common among museums in Ankara. You can also easily reach it by taxi or online ride-hailing applications.
Photo Spots
Each of the 7 floors of the building is arranged with a different exhibition concept. Corners where sculptures and plastic art works meet light offer interesting frames for photography. The spacious exhibition halls allow for close-up or wide-angle shots of the works.
Don't forget to ask the staff at the beginning of your visit if photography is allowed inside the museum. Restrictions may apply to some special collections.
What to Eat Nearby?
Balgat is one of Ankara's established neighborhoods. There are many restaurants and cafes catering to different budgets in its vicinity. If your museum visit coincides with lunchtime, you can try daily Turkish cuisine in the restaurants on Ziyabey Street and its surroundings.
It's a good idea to ask beforehand if the museum has its own cafe or dining area; such information can vary.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
Since the museum is closed on Mondays, plan your weekly schedule accordingly. Opening and closing hours may vary, so it is advisable to get information in advance, especially during public holidays.
Those wishing to take advantage of the guided tour option should ask the museum if an appointment or pre-registration is required. For current entrance fees, we recommend following the museum's official website or social media accounts. The building has an elevator and ramps, ensuring accessibility for disabled visitors.
Budget Planning
The museum has an entrance fee; however, this fee is quite reasonable for a venue housing a special collection and functioning as an active art center. You can find out if student discounts are applied at the ticket counter or on the website.
If you use public transport for transportation, the additional cost will be quite low. For those arriving by car, it is also good to confirm in advance whether the indoor parking lot is subject to a separate fee.
FAQ
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