The Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum is Turkey's first and only chess museum, located in Ankara's Hamamönü district. Exhibiting over 700 chess sets collected from more than 110 countries, the museum opened in 2015, and the entrance fee is 200 TL.
Founded by collector Akın Gökyay and opened its doors in 2015, the Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum is located in the Altındağ district of Ankara, in the heart of the historic Hamamönü region. The museum building, with its original structure reflecting the old Ankara house architecture, adds a distinct depth to the visitor experience. In an exhibition area of approximately 1,000 square meters, chess sets made from wood, metal, fish bone, and many other materials showcase the cultural heritage from all corners of the world.
Guide's Note
Located in a restored historic Ankara house in the Hamamönü district of Ankara, this museum presents over 700 chess sets collected from 110 countries within four main themes. The most striking aspect for visitors is the breadth and diversity of the collection: sets depicting historical events, mythological stories, and popular culture are displayed side by side. The museum's inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records further solidifies this scope.
The informative presentation at the entrance is positively received by visitors; the guidance of the museum staff enriches the experience. Furthermore, its cafe, gift shop, and the opportunity to play chess in the common area elevate the venue beyond just an exhibition space. The museum is closed on Mondays and open until 6:00 PM on other days.
Some notable points highlighted in reviews include:
- Ticket price: Several visitors find the 200 TL entrance fee to be high.
- Upper floor experience: One visitor notes that interest might wane as one moves to the upper floor; it might be useful to consider that not the entire collection may attract the same level of interest.
- On-site chess course: While the museum itself is positively reviewed, there is a serious complaint regarding the course service; it is reported that instructor continuity is not maintained for beginner children and students do not receive sufficient attention. Therefore, if you are considering joining the course, it is recommended to research alternative options.
About the Museum: A Collection Born from Passion
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 showcases chess sets as mere game tools 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.
When to Visit?
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 crowd is 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 bloom with flowers, 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.
How to Get to the Museum?
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 various 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 Hamamönü's streets are quite narrow and sloping, public transport or walking is a much more practical choice. If you plan to visit Ankara Castle, adding the museum to the same itinerary would be a logical plan.
Combine with Hamamönü: Route Suggestion
The Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum, by virtue of 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 to Hamamönü from Ulus, 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.
Photo Spots
The museum itself is a photographic location. The building, constructed in the old Ankara house architectural style, offers frames worthy of capture even from the outside with its wooden details and stone texture. Inside, each chess set, bearing traces of a different culture, is a wonderful subject for close-up photography.
Especially pieces distinguished by wood carving and metal craftsmanship and thematic exhibition arrangements are visually striking. Hamamönü's narrow, cobblestone streets and restored wooden bay-windowed houses will also enrich your photo album as a natural extension of your museum visit.
What to Eat, Where to Sit in the Vicinity?
The Hamamönü district, where the museum is located, has become one of Ankara's most popular cafe and restaurant areas. In establishments opened in restored historic 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 an establishment after walking through Hamamönü's cobblestone streets before or after your museum visit can be the most enjoyable break of the day. For dinner, heading towards Kızılay or Çankaya will offer a wider range of options.
Things to Know Before Your Visit
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 for this in advance. Special pricing is available for group visits; large groups are advised to make reservations in advance. Chess workshops are also occasionally organized within the museum; following the event calendar might lead to a pleasant surprise.
Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum Videos
Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
