Located in the Kepez district of Antalya, within the boundaries of Dokuma Park, the Anatolian Toy Museum was created through the restoration of an old nursery building that was built for the children of workers at the historic Dokuma Factory. Reopened to visitors in 2017 under the leadership of the Kepez Municipality, the museum is one of Türkiye's important cultural centres dedicated to children and toy collections.
Anatolian Toy Museum (Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)
Architectural and Physical Features
The museum is located on an area of approximately 4,000 square metres and is housed in a two-storey historic building. The upper floor features spacious exhibition halls, a cinema room and a cafeteria, while the lower floor houses a modern library and a toy art workshop for visitors. The museum's exhibition areas are divided into 15 different themes, each specially designed to reflect a different type of toy or period.
Collection and Themes
The Anatolian Toy Museum houses over 13,800 local and foreign toys. The museum’s exhibition halls include themes such as:
- Pinocchio and Wooden Toys
- Tales of Grandmother Storyteller
- Popeye Character
- Early Republican Era Classroom
- Traditional Anatolian Toys
- Tradesmen Street and Kaleiçi Street
- Plush Toys and Puzzles
Each theme reflects the cultural and social context of the period to which the toys belong, offering visitors a nostalgic journey.
Education, Workshops and Social Activities
The museum does not just display toys; it also hosts social and cultural activities. Creative workshops such as wood toy painting, stone painting and cloth doll making are organised for children. In addition, educational programmes for different age groups are offered through film screenings, seminars and conferences. Activities that families can participate in together and certified courses for older age groups are also among the museum's comprehensive services.
Garden and Outdoor Area
The museum’s garden covers approximately 5 acres, providing visitors with a space for relaxation and entertainment. Features of the garden include:
- Two monumental olive trees, approximately 1,000–1,100 years old
- Electric nostalgic double-car train
- Archaeology workshop
- Children’s playground
- Hobbit house
- Various sculptures and a large outdoor chess set
The garden area, with its natural elements and activities, offers visitors an enjoyable and interactive experience.
Visitor Experience and Importance
Welcoming over 32,000 visitors in its first week, the Anatolian Toy Museum has become one of Antalya's major tourist attractions. Offering an unforgettable experience for both children and adults, the museum aims to preserve toy culture and pass it on to future generations. It also plays an important role in promoting Anatolia's traditional toys.
