Our Story
“I used to have one of these!”
The Istanbul Toy Museum was founded on April 23, 2005, by Belgin Akın and the poet and writer Sunay Akın. Located in a historic mansion in Istanbul’s Göztepe neighborhood, the museum showcases some of the finest examples of toy history from the 1700s to the present day.
The collection of approximately 6,000 toys was assembled over 30 years from antique dealers, collectors, and auctions in more than 40 countries. In the museum, where each room is designed around a different theme, past social, economic, and political events are conveyed to visitors through the language of toys.
The museum's symbol
Why a Giraffe?
At the museum entrance, you are greeted by streetlights shaped like three giraffe statues. Inspired by Mehmet Münif Pasha, one of the leading figures of science and culture during the Tanzimat Era and the founder of the first scientific journal, “Mecmua-i Fünun,” who placed a giraffe statue in the garden of his mansion in Erenköy, these giraffes shed light on the history of the region.
Tickets
Take your seat, time travel is about to begin!
Take your seat and fasten your seatbelts. Our first stop is the 1700s, and our final stop is today! On this journey from the past to the present, a different toy and a completely unique story await you at every era.
Enter the museum free for a year with IOM Membership; enjoy discounts at events, the shop, and the café. Membership information
Exhibitions
Our current exhibition
3 November 2026 – 28 February 2027 · 10:00 – 18:00
My Snow Friend
Snow falls silently on us, on the trees, on the street cats… Sunay Akın makes the history of our snow friend visible for the first time.
- AdmissionFree
- LocationTürkiye İş Bankası Museum, Hobyar Mh. Bankacılar Sk. No:2, Eminönü
For Teachers and Schools
Museum Education Program
The programs we have prepared for student groups aged 6–9 reinforce what is learned at school through lessons based on specific themes. You can visit our museum with a guided tour or online.
Museum Shop
A souvenir from the museum
Mugs, T-shirts, bags and toys.
Visit
Our Museum
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Opening hours
Weekdays except Monday: 10:00 - 18:00
Weekends: 10:00 - 18:30 -
Address
Ömerpaşa Avenue, Dr. Zeki Zeren Street, No:17
Göztepe / Istanbul - Phone 0216 359 45 50
