The Anadolu University Museum of Educational Cartoons, located in a restored wooden house from the early 1900s in Eskişehir's Odunpazarı district, is Turkey's only educational cartoon museum and offers free admission.
Opened in 2004 within the Anadolu University Cartoon Art Research and Application Center, this museum was brought to life under the leadership of Prof. Atila Özer. The building consists of a meticulous restoration of a typical Odunpazarı wooden structure, originally built as a residence in the early 1900s. This small but carefully curated two-story, 265-square-meter space holds the distinction of being the only museum in Turkey dedicated to educational cartoons.
The upper floor houses permanent exhibition rooms: the main hall displaying cartoons by foreign masters, the Portraits Room featuring portraits of prime ministers, the Eskişehir Cartoon Masters Room, the Poster Room, and the Turkish Cartoon Masters Room. The walls of the museum's small garden are adorned with cartoons created from metal materials by Turan Selçuk and Tan Oral. Short-term personal and group exhibitions are held on the ground floor; a library for research is also located on this floor. Visitors can also purchase books, postcards, posters, and souvenirs at the museum.
Visitors note that cartoons are not only drawings; some are produced with different materials such as metal and sculpture. Many visitors speak of the thought-provoking effect of the works, especially those addressing social issues that have remained unchanged for years. This place, which can be comfortably explored in 15-20 minutes, is a free and unique stop to visit while touring Odunpazarı.
Related discoveries: Museums, Eskişehir museums, Nasreddin Hodja's House.
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
Since the museum is an indoor space, it can be visited regardless of the season. Adding it to your route while exploring the Odunpazarı district on foot is the most practical method. Weekday visitor density is quite low; if you want a quiet visit, choose a weekday. The museum may be closed on public holidays, so it's a good idea to confirm the status through Anadolu University's official channels before going.
How to Get There?
The museum is located on Malhatun Street in Eskişehir's historic Odunpazarı district. If you're coming by tram, the ES-ES stop is the closest point. Visitors exploring the Odunpazarı houses can reach the museum on foot within a few minutes. If you're coming by car, you can use the paid parking lots around Odunpazarı; it's not recommended to enter with a car due to the narrow streets of the district.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
Since the total area of the museum is 265 square meters, 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient. For those who want to reflect on the cartoons, examine the metal artworks in the garden, or spend some time in the library, the duration can extend up to 45 minutes. When combined with an Odunpazarı tour, it makes for a half-day cultural excursion.
Photo Spots
The museum's small garden, with its walls adorned with metal cartoons by Turan Selçuk and Tan Oral, offers beautiful shots. The building itself, with its typical Odunpazarı wooden house architecture, also yields excellent photos from the outside. Inside, the backgrounds of the cartoon rooms can be used for different compositions; a wide-angle lens will make your job easier as the space is small.
What to Eat Nearby?
The Odunpazarı district has numerous cafes and restaurants right around the museum. Small cafes established on the ground floors of historic wooden houses are good options for tea and Turkish coffee. For those who want to try Eskişehir's famous çiğ börek, there are a few traditional restaurants in the district. Cafes along the Porsuk River can be preferred for sitting and relaxing after a museum visit.
Suggested Route: Odunpazarı Cultural Tour
The Anadolu University Museum of Educational Cartoons can be combined with other museums in the Odunpazarı district to create a complete cultural tour. You can start your day by walking through Odunpazarı's colorful wooden houses, then visit the Museum of Educational Cartoons. The nearby Glass Museum and Tile Museum are also within walking distance and can be visited on the same day. You can complete the day by taking a walk along the Porsuk River in the afternoon.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The museum is a relatively small space of 265 square meters; it can feel crowded if you come with large groups. Since the building is two-story and made of wood, wheelchair access is limited. As there are changing exhibitions on the ground floor, you may encounter different content with each visit. The museum accepts donations for its cartoon archive; those wishing to donate original cartoons, books, posters, newspapers, or magazines can contact the museum management.
FAQ
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