Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum

Description

A unique museum that houses one of the most comprehensive chess collections in the world and showcases the cultural heritage of chess.

Story

The Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum is located in the Hamamönü district, within Ankara's historical Altındağ district. This museum is the result of many years of effort by businessman and collector Akın Gökyay. More than 700 different chess sets collected by Gökyay from over 100 countries form the main collection of the museum. The collection includes chess sets made from various materials such as wood, metal, bone, and glass, adorned with artistic intricacies and bearing traces of different cultures and periods. The museum not only exhibits a chess collection but also aims to convey the historical evolution of chess, its cultural reflections in different geographies, and its strategic depth to its visitors. Each chess set is a work of art reflecting its unique story and the spirit of the era in which it was made. For example, it offers a wide range of diversity, from a chess set themed after the Gallipoli Campaign to figures reflecting the Viking era. The Hamamönü region, where the museum is located, also has historical and cultural significance in itself. With its restored mansions from the Ottoman period, narrow streets, and traditional Turkish houses, it offers visitors a...

Visit Tips

• Before your visit, check the website for current opening hours and admission fees.
• Allow enough time to explore the historical texture of the Hamamönü district, as there are many historical mansions and shops around the museum.
• Take your time to read the story of each chess set in the museum; each piece represents a different cultural and artistic value.
• Inquire whether photography is allowed before taking pictures and adhere to museum rules.
• You might consider visiting on weekdays, as it can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

Photos