Choose your pass

All About Istanbul Toy Museum

The Istanbul Toy Museum is a toy museum in Istanbul, Turkey, situated in the Goztepe neighborhood of the Kadikoy district. Sunay Akin, a Turkish poet and writer, established the museum in 2005. The museum opened on April 23, Turkey's National Sovereignty and Children's Day, which is a national holiday. The museum now has 4,000 toys and miniatures from Turkey and elsewhere on display; many of the exhibits are antiques, with some dating back almost 200 years. The Eyup Toy Shop, a well-known toy store that closed in the 1950s, is located on the museum's first floor. The museum was nominated for and made the shortlist for the European Museum Academy Children's Museum Award in 2012.

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
September 13, 2019 4 min
All About Istanbul Toy Museum


History of Istanbul Toy Museum


If you want to visit The Istanbul Toy Museum, founded on April 23, 2005 by the renowned poet and novelist Sunay Akin, contains the most notable specimens of toy history from the 1700s to present. Sunay Akin's toys, which he purchased and gathered from collectors, antique stores, and auctions throughout his 20-year journey across more than 40 countries, are on display in a historical house for people who are interested. 


These unique toys also provide visitors with a fun and engaging method to learn about the world's history (For instance, Moon landing efforts are told in the section where space toys are exhibited). Because of all of these features, the museum draws not only children, but also teenagers and adults, providing a chance for three generations to spend quality time together. Sunay Akin, a well-known poet and novelist, founded the Istanbul Toy Museum, as we've previously stated. Aydan Dogan, a stage designer, was in charge of the museum's décor. The Toy Museum is the world's "first museum," founded by a poet and built by a theater designer. 


 


Inside Istanbul Toy Museum


The Istanbul Toy Museum is housed in a historical palace owned by the Sunay Akin family. Over 4,000 toys from 40 different nations have been collected over the course of 20 years on five levels of the ancient house. These unique toys were initially organized by topic, then relocated to carefully designed spaces inside the rooms and corridors. Native American, Space, Submarine, and other topics are represented in these sections. The collection contains unique items such as Fawn Zeller's Mona Lisa doll, which is the only one of its kind in the world. Because it is a kid-favorite site, visiting Istanbul Toy Museum is particularly beneficial if you are visiting Istanbul with your child.


Ticket Prices for Istanbul Toy Museum


If you want to visit Istanbul Toy Museum, you have to pay a fee of 3 Euros per person. However, when you have an Istanbul Tourist Pass, you gain instant free access to this museum and more! If your children are under 6, you do not have to buy a ticket or an Istanbul Tourist Pass, but you still have to buy one for yourself. With Istanbul Tourist Pass, you gain access to more than 100+ attractions while saving more than half of your money. Explore Istanbul Tourist Pass and its attractions and museums today! 


How to Get to the Istanbul Toy Museum?


The Istanbul Toy Museum is situated in Kadikoy's Göztepe neighborhood. With your own vehicle, or by bus or subway, you may easily get to the museum. To get to the museum, take bus numbers 10B, 10S, 14, 17, 17L to Goztepe; GZ1 to “Tutuncu Mehmet Efendi” stop; or ER1 to “Erenköy” stop and walk a short distance. If you're using the metro, take the Kartal-Kadikoy line and exit at the "Yeni Sahra" station. From there, it's a short walk to the museum.

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

How Many Days Enough in Istanbul
calendar_today Apr 22, 2020 9 min

How Many Days Enough in Istanbul

When planning your visit to Istanbul, you might wonder how many days are enough to fully explore this captivating city. While Istanbul offers an abundance of attractions and experiences, a recommended duration for a satisfying visit is around three to five days. And what better way to optimize your time and make the most of […]

2025 Guide to Sabiha Gökçen Airport Transfers
calendar_today May 27, 2025 8 min

2025 Guide to Sabiha Gökçen Airport Transfers


 
 
 
 Istanbul feels brand-new every time you arrive. The ferry horns still echo across the Bosphorus, yet the skyline keeps stretching higher. Sabiha Gökçen Airport mirrors that energy. A second runway opened at the very end of 2023, so more flights touch down every hour and queues move faster.  
 
 Low-cost […]

Where to Find the Best Views of Istanbul: A Scenic Traveler’s Guide
calendar_today Jun 8, 2025 5 min

Where to Find the Best Views of Istanbul: A Scenic Traveler’s Guide

Discover the most breathtaking viewpoints across Istanbul—from historic towers and mosque terraces to serene hilltops and Bosphorus cruises. Explore the city’s skyline like never before.

How to Experience Istanbul Like a True Local
calendar_today Jun 7, 2025 5 min

How to Experience Istanbul Like a True Local

Discover Istanbul beyond the tourist trail—immerse yourself in authentic neighborhoods, ride the ferry like a commuter, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast. This guide shows you how to experience the city like a true local.

Istanbul in September 2025: Weather, What to Do, What to Pack and More
calendar_today Sep 1, 2023 12 min

Istanbul in September 2025: Weather, What to Do, What to Pack and More

As the scorching summer sun begins to wane, September brings a refreshing change to Istanbul's climate and atmosphere. This beautiful month marks the start of autumn in this enchanting city, offering visitors a perfect blend of comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and a plethora of exciting experiences. If you're planning to visit Istanbul with your Istanbul […]

Constantinople to Istanbul: A Brief History of the City for Travelers
calendar_today May 31, 2025 10 min

Constantinople to Istanbul: A Brief History of the City for Travelers

Istanbul in 2025 feels alive every hour. Ferries glide between two continents while café chatter rises over the call to prayer. Skyscrapers share space with sixth-century domes, and the city’s spirit seems to stretch both forward and back at the same time. 
 
 To understand how this modern scene came to be, we need […]

Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM): Istanbul’s Iconic Arts Venue
calendar_today Jun 19, 2024 10 min

Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM): Istanbul’s Iconic Arts Venue

Istanbul is a city that stands out with its rich history and culture. It bears the traces of many civilizations throughout its thousands of years of history. This long and diverse history has made Istanbul one of the most important cultural centers in the world. The city contains artifacts from different periods on every corner. […]

Slow Travel in İstanbul: A Local’s Guide to Mindful Exploration
calendar_today Apr 1, 2026 5 min

Slow Travel in İstanbul: A Local’s Guide to Mindful Exploration

The Little Hagia Sophia Mosque: An Architectural Marvel in Istanbul
calendar_today Jun 14, 2024 6 min

The Little Hagia Sophia Mosque: An Architectural Marvel in Istanbul

Istanbul is a unique city that has hosted many civilizations throughout history and contains traces of different cultures. Its strategic importance, with its geographical location connecting Asia and Europe, includes traces from different periods. It was the capital of the Roman Empire, followed by the Byzantine Empire and then the Ottoman Empire. 
 
 These […]

Asmalımescit Istanbul: Tips for a Local Nightlife Experience
calendar_today Apr 7, 2026 9 min

Asmalımescit Istanbul: Tips for a Local Nightlife Experience