The PTT Stamp Museum, located in Ulus, Ankara, is Turkey's first and only stamp museum. Since 2013, it has presented the history of postal services from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic with over 6,000 stamps and philatelic objects, offering free entry.
The PTT Stamp Museum is located in the historical Emlak ve Eytam Bank building on Atatürk Boulevard, in the Ulus district of Ankara. Opened by the Post and Telegraph Organization (PTT) in 2013, the museum brings together over 6,000 stamps with visitors across a three-story area. The collection is divided chronologically and thematically: Ottoman Empire stamps, Anatolian Government stamps, Republican era stamps, and seven different thematic categories.
Alongside the stamps, uniforms worn by PTT employees in the past, old postal vehicles, and various philatelic objects are also displayed in showcases. Visitors can follow the history of communication day by day, starting with the information that the first stamp was printed in 1863, extending from letters to telephones. Benches placed between rooms are provided for those who wish to examine the collection in detail. Comments also indicate that interested visitors spend nearly two hours for the visit.
The free entry is a striking detail. Many visitors say they find this surprising. In the section reserved for children on the lower floor, seeing stamps of their favorite cartoon characters makes young visitors happy. The building also has a gift shop, a cafe, and a breakfast restaurant open by reservation. Comments state that the breakfast menu is simple and discounted for civil servants, and reservations are recommended.
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Guide's Note
The PTT Stamp Museum stands out as a meticulously prepared venue worth visiting for general visitors interested in history, as well as for those with an interest in stamp collecting. The vast majority of visitors state that the museum is well-maintained and arranged in detail. Entry is free, and no additional document like a museum card is required. Its walking distance to the metro station offers a practical advantage in terms of transportation.
The cafeteria and restaurant section within the museum also receive positive feedback from visitors. It is frequently mentioned that the food is delicious, prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Keep in mind that you need to make a reservation for breakfast, and lunch service is available between 12:00-13:30. You can also visit the souvenir stamp sales section on your way out.
The museum consists of multiple floors; it is recommended to allocate at least an hour to comfortably explore all sections. The number of visitors on weekdays is observed to be quite low. Here are some points we want visitors to pay attention to:
- Floor layout: It is stated that the museum has a multi-story and somewhat complex layout, which might make it difficult to navigate.
- Variety of stamps exhibited: At least one visitor expressed that a wider selection could be expected, especially regarding the alignment of stamps offered for sale with those exhibited in the museum.
- Expectation management: While the museum is high-quality and well-maintained, some visitors recommend not going with an expectation of a "very perfect" experience.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is open every day of the week. There isn't a big difference between weekends and weekdays, but we can say it's calmer in the mornings. Visitor comments indicate that the museum is generally quiet, with few visitors despite being in the city center. If you are genuinely interested in stamps, taking your time and visiting on a calm day will allow you to examine the collection without rushing.
How to Get to the Museum?
The most practical way is by metro. Get off at Ulus station, where the M1-M2-M3-M4 lines intersect, and walk for a few minutes. If you come by bus, the Ulus, Opera, or Ulus Ziraat Bankası stops are all within a 2-3 minute walk from the museum. For those using Ankaray and Başkentray, Sıhhiye station is also a nearby alternative. If you come by your own car, it's possible to find parking around Ulus, but traffic can be heavy.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
If you don't have a special interest in stamps, 45 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient; visitors who tour quickly confirm this. However, if you are a collector or want to read every display, you might need close to 2 hours. Resting benches between rooms provide comfort for those planning a longer visit.
Food and Drink Inside
The museum building houses a cafe and a restaurant offering breakfast service by reservation. According to visitor comments, the breakfast menu is simple but satisfying, prices are kept reasonable compared to the market, and discounts are applied to civil servants. If you plan to go for breakfast, it is recommended to call and make a reservation in advance. Some have gone without a reservation and found a spot, but it's not guaranteed.
Souvenirs and Stamp Sales
There is a gift shop and a stamp sales point inside the museum. Those who wish to add to their collection can look at current and old stamp series here. Some visitors state that they can also order stamps from the internet address they saw at the museum.
Prominent Photo Spots
The building itself, with its historical architecture from the Emlak ve Eytam Bank, offers a good shot from the exterior. Inside, the chronologically arranged stamp showcases and the section displaying old postal vehicles are also preferred spots for photography.
Things to Know Before You Go
Entry is completely free, so you won't have to worry about ticket queues. The museum's appeal largely depends on your interest in stamps: some visitors say those without an interest in stamps might skip it, while those who are interested state it's one of the best examples in Turkey. The special section on the lower floor is recommended for families with children.
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