Ankara Palas, one of the monumental buildings of the early Republican era designed by Architect Kemalettin, was opened to visitors as a museum.
Ankara Palas, previously known as Ankara Vakıf Oteli, functioned as a social facility for MPs and a guesthouse for official guests during the early years of the Republic in Ankara. The 96-year-old building, which has witnessed many significant events in Turkish political life, was converted into a museum by the National Palaces Directorate, preserving its original structure, and opened to visitors in February.
Situated directly opposite the Second Parliament Building in Ulus, the structure was constructed between 1924 and 1927. Initially designed by architect Vedat Tek, construction was later completed based on the new design by Architect Kemalettin Bey after Vedat left his position. The building was inaugurated in 1928 with a capacity of 120 beds.
The Ankara Palas State Guesthouse building, characterized by its rectangular form, is regarded as one of the prime examples of the First National Architecture Movement. This three-story building, which includes a basement, features a spacious ballroom at its center, a tea and game room with a terrace at the front, and a dining room situated behind it. The facade of the building is adorned with Turkish ceramic tile (çini) decorations.
The Ankara Palas Museum, with its restoration completed and collection enriched, now adheres to modern exhibition criteria. Open to visitors from 09:00 to 17:00 every day except Mondays, it houses 5 halls and nearly 1200 artifacts, covering an indoor area of 1000 square meters.
The museum, which is free to visit until the end of the Ramadan Feast, features a diverse range of exhibits, including paintings, clocks, technological tools, silverware, tableware, written and printed works, items used by Atatürk, diplomatic gifts, Hereke weavings, Beykoz glass, Yıldız porcelain, medals and insignia, seals and coins, as well as selections from the treasury collection.
The museum exhibits include the sitting set, desk, and personal belongings of Atatürk, special gifts presented to Ottoman sultans, albums, and a dining table set with dinnerware used at the Palace, all of which are among the prominent artifacts.
