The museum building is a registered historical mansion that belonged to the founder's family for generations.
Exhibits include toys that survived the bombing of Nuremberg during World War II.
The collection features original miniature items used in early 20th-century film production.
The museum holds an original 1860-era American-made drum toy, one of the oldest in the collection.
Sunay Akın spent over two decades traveling the world to curate the items on display.
The Istanbul Toy Museum is housed in a restored historic wooden mansion in the Göztepe neighborhood, founded by poet and writer Sunay Akın in 2005. It features a collection of over 4,000 toys spanning from the 1700s to the present day, sourced from auctions and antique shops across over 40 countries. The exhibition is organized chronologically and by theme, tracing the evolution of global toy history through industrial and cultural changes. Key exhibits include antique porcelain dolls, early space-themed toys from the mid-20th century, and intricate miniature sets. The museum design utilizes stage lighting and theatrical displays to create an immersive environment. It serves as a significant research center for toy history and childhood sociology in Türkiye.
The staircase connecting the floors features a unique 'toy-themed' ceiling installation and period-correct vintage wallpaper perfect for photography.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Göztepe neighborhood to see other preserved historic villas.
Check the museum's events calendar in advance as they frequently host creative workshops for children.
Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds, as the museum space is narrow and multi-level.
Avoid visiting on public holidays when the museum becomes overcrowded; do not attempt to touch the exhibits as many are fragile antique items.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet volume as the building's wooden flooring can be noisy; photography is permitted but strictly without flash to preserve the antique materials.
