Mattel Celebrates Its 80th Anniversary with a Playful Partnership with the Istanbul Toy Museum!
Mattel, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, and the Istanbul Toy Museum, which has completed its 20th year, have joined forces on a meaningful project for 11 June, International Day of Play. As part of the partnership between Mattel, the creator of brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and UNO, and the Istanbul Toy Museum, entry to the museum will be free for visitors aged 0–18 between 11 and 15 June.
A Meaningful Partnership Born from Shared Values
Celebrating the 80th year since its founding, Mattel is crowning this special milestone with a meaningful contribution to children and families in Türkiye. The partnership with the Istanbul Toy Museum highlights the cultural and emotional value of toys that have contributed to children’s development for generations.
Born from shared values and the idea of “purposeful play”, this partnership aims to make play more accessible to more children and families in Türkiye.
Special for International Day of Play: Free Museum Visits for Ages 0–18. As part of 11 June, International Day of Play, all visitors aged 0–18 can enter the Istanbul Toy Museum free of charge between 11 and 15 June. Made possible with Mattel’s support, this initiative helps every child, whatever their background, circumstances or means, to have equal access to joyful, educational and inspiring experiences.
“We bring not only toys but meaning”
Sunay Akın, founder of the Istanbul Toy Museum, shared his thoughts on the partnership: “As a museum, for years we have aimed to tell the place of toys in the history of civilisation and their cultural and emotional value. As we complete 20 years of art, culture and education, bringing three generations together and uniting tens of thousands of people around the shared ground of childhood, it is very valuable for us that Mattel acts with the same vision. With this partnership, we tell children not only about the richness of the world of toys but also the truth that it is imagination that creates the future.”
“The toy itself is our most essential milestone”
Cansu Gürler, Marketing Lead of Mattel Türkiye, said: “We are honoured to celebrate Mattel’s 80th anniversary together with the Istanbul Toy Museum, with which we share common values. Our goal of increasing access to play for children and families across Türkiye is becoming concrete with this partnership. Our mission at Mattel is to create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Through our iconic brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and UNO, we support the imagination, creativity and connection skills of people of all ages.
That is why it is extremely valuable for us to work with a cultural institution that plays a leading role in preserving Türkiye’s toy heritage. Visitors will also have the chance to take a close look at the Mattel toys in the museum’s collection.”