Istanbul Toy Museum

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Istanbul Toy Museum is a charming and enchanting destination for visitors of all ages, located in the Göztepe neighborhood of Kadıköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. Housed in a historic wooden mansion, the museum offers a nostalgic journey that delights both children and adults, transforming childhood memories into a meaningful cultural experience.

About the Museum

Founded by renowned Turkish poet and writer Sunay Akın, the museum first opened its doors on April 23, 2005—the national holiday celebrating both National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkey. The museum showcases around 4,000 toys and miniatures from Turkey and over forty other countries, with some pieces dating back nearly 200 years. The oldest exhibited item is a miniature violin made in France in 1817.

Spread across four floors, the museum’s layout is thoughtfully curated to evoke different historical periods. Each room resembles a theatrical set, designed by a professional stage designer Ayhan Doğan, with a space gallery lit by twinkling stars, and a real train compartment showcasing miniature train models that represent the Industrial Revolution. Beneath the exhibitions, visitors will discover a cosy Museum Café in the basement, offering coffee, cake, and even breakfast by reservation.

Interactive elements are woven throughout the experience. The museum hosts a wide variety of workshops and performances—ranging from puppet theatre, magic shows, and robotics for children, to theatrical productions, photography workshops, and art seminars for adults. It even supports collaborative events for families, encouraging parents, grandparents, and grandchildren to take part together .

The first floor preserves and recreates an old-fashioned toy shop—modeled on the Eyüp Toy Shop, a well-known toy store that closed in the 1950s. There is also a museum gift shop offering thematic items such as wooden toys, mugs, scarves, and cloth bags.

The museum is located at Ömerpaşa Caddesi, Dr. Zeki Zeren Sokak No. 17, Göztepe, Kadıköy. It is open daily except Mondays: from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and until 18:30 on weekend.

Interesting Facts

Historic Opening Date: The museum opened on April 23, 2005—the same day Turkey celebrates National Sovereignty and Children’s Day—chosen deliberately by its founder, Sunay Akın.
Founder’s Collection: Akın began collecting toys in 1990 after being inspired by the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany; over 20 years he amassed more than 7,000 toys, of which 4,000 are now exhibited.
Earliest Toy: The oldest piece in the collection is a miniature violin crafted in France in 1817.
Visual Storytelling: Stage designer Ayhan Doğan created immersive exhibit rooms—such as a starry space gallery and a life‑size train compartment—to engage visitors in the narratives behind the toys.
Café in a Dollhouse: The basement café is styled like a dollhouse and serves coffee, cake, and breakfast by reservation—offering a delightful rest stop during visits.
Toy Museum Pioneer: This was Turkey’s first private toy museum. It has since guided the opening of similar institutions around the country, including in Antalya and Gaziantep, under its founder’s consultancy.
International Recognition: The museum organized the European Toy and Children’s Museums Association meeting in 2012—the first time the event was held in Turkey—earning Istanbul the title of “capital of toy museums”.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +90216 359 4550

Website: istanbuloyuncakmuzesi.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/IstanbulOyuncakMuzesi/

Conclusion

The Istanbul Toy Museum offers a heartwarming and enriching journey for everyone—whether you are reliving cherished childhood memories or exploring history through the universal language of toys. Its historic villa setting, thoughtfully designed exhibit space, and diverse interactive programs create an engaging and educational atmosphere. With a collection that crosses time and borders, it not only illuminates toy design and manufacturing but also reflects global cultural stories.

Visiting the museum is an opportunity to bond across generations—from grandparents and parents to children—as they share stories and marvel at pieces that have endured across centuries. Whether you are drawn by nostalgia, storytelling, design, or just the delight of play, the Istanbul Toy Museum is a must‑see cultural gem in Istanbul.