The Istanbul Toy Museum fills a restored historic mansion on a quiet residential street in Göztepe, on the Asian side of Kadıköy. Poet and writer Sunay Akın founded it in 2005, and its collection of antique toys and miniatures, some roughly two centuries old, draws families and adults chasing childhood memories.
Akın assembled thousands of pieces from flea markets and auctions across Europe and the Americas. Visitors find tin trains, porcelain-faced dolls, toy soldiers, space-race rockets and early mechanical cars spread across themed rooms on several floors, with theatrical displays that tie the toys to stories and historical periods. Many adults recognize toys from their own childhoods, while children tend to linger at the miniature scenes and model vehicles. Beyond the permanent galleries, the museum runs workshops and activity programs inspired by the collection (source: [Istanbul Toy Museum](https://istanbuloyuncakmuzesi.com/pages/en)). It holds a 4.6 rating across more than 8,000 reviews (source: [Waynst](https://waynst.com/en/place/istanbul-toy-museum)).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
The museum is closed Mondays. It opens Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 and weekends from 10:00 to 18:30 (source: Istanbul Toy Museum). Weekday mornings are calmest. Weekends and school holidays bring family crowds and school groups. Göztepe’s Marmaray station and the M4 metro line are both a short walk away. Allow about 90 minutes, then head to Bağdat Avenue for cafés and shopping. Call +90 216 359 45 50 to confirm workshop schedules.
