Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum

The museum is open only on Saturdays between 11:00 and 18:00. Entrance fee is 5 TL.

The Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum, which belongs to the Ataman family, is among the most interesting museums in Istanbul. The building, first designed as a garage, was converted after an 8-year effort into a museum in order to house antique automobiles and various vehicles mainly from the fifties and sixties. The building covers an area of 2000 sq.mt and hosts more than 50 vehicles.

Mr. Ural Ataman's interest in classic cars began when he spotted the same 1946 model Ford Sedan his father was used to drive in a show and couldn't resist purchasing it. He collected old vehicles from around the world and, after having them repaired; he placed them in the museum. The vehicles are classified according to their models, years and designs. The cross-country vehicle actually used during the Korean War as transport for a four-star general is among the most valuable pieces in the museum.

In designing the museum, American life of the 1950s and 1960s was taken into consideration and an environment suitable to the classic vehicles was created. A range of historical items from the period such as fuel pumps, jukeboxes, pinball machines, and soda, chewing gum and chocolate dispensers are on display in various corners of the museum. A bar and restaurant designed to be a replica of a fifties "American Diner" is in the middle, where American cars are displayed.

A multi-purpose special hall, which can be used for various art exhibitions, seminars and meetings, is on the ground floor. Maintenance of the vehicles is carried out periodically, so they are all in working order. Only four of the automobiles can be rented along with drivers for special occasions. For renting the entire museum or some of its halls, please contact the administration.

T-shirts, key chains, hats, pins, badges, model cars, and clocks are on sale at the gift shop.

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