Rahmi M. Koç Museum Ankara

Opened to visitors in 2005, the Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Ankara is the first industrial museum of the capital. Located directly opposite the main entrance of Ankara Castle, in the historic area once known as At Pazarı, the museum complex consists of three main buildings: Çengelhan, Safranhan, and the RMKM Children’s Building.

Çengelhan

Built between 1522–1523 during the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, Çengelhan was part of the foundation of Rüstem Paşa, the husband of Mihrimah Sultan. Nearly five centuries after its construction, it remains one of the few historical hans in Ankara that has preserved its original character.

Once one of the four largest caravanserais in the region, Çengelhan featured numerous rooms and a spacious develik (camel stabling area). Before being abandoned in the late 20th century, it served as a tannery and wool depot where mohair, fleece, and raw hides were traded.

Architecturally, its square-like rectangular plan represents a classic example of an urban Ottoman han. A central open-air courtyard is surrounded by vaulted porticoes, while the single-story structure at its center once housed a small shop used by Vehbi Koç, founder of Koç Holding, during the early years of his business life.

Safranhan

Constructed in 1511, Safranhan originally functioned as a typical Anatolian caravanserai. After the decline of sof (mohair yarn) trade in Ankara, the building lost its commercial importance and was used as a prison during the late Ottoman and early Republican periods. In later years, it served mainly as a storage building.

Safranhan was purchased in 2012 by the Rahmi M. Koç Museum and Culture Foundation, which began a comprehensive restoration project that lasted until 2016. Restored faithfully to its historic form, the building now serves as an extension of the museum.

RMKM Children’s Building

Opened in 2020, this building showcases an extensive collection ranging from vintage toy cars to dollhouses. The children’s workshop area hosts creative and educational activities for school groups and individual participants during weekends, mid-term breaks, and summer holidays.

On the lower floor, the “Play & Learn Interactive Children’s Center” offers hands-on experiences themed around industry, technology, design, agriculture, energy, and transportation.

Museum Collections

The museum comprises 18 thematic sections and displays more than 10,000 objects, covering a wide range of industrial fields—from maritime history to road transport, aviation to medicine. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technological and industrial evolution that shaped modern life.

Safranhan Brasserie & Exhibition Hall

Located within the museum complex and operated by Divan, Safranhan Brasserie is one of Ankara’s most distinguished venues, known for hosting elegant events in a setting enriched with history and art.

On the ground floor of Safranhan, the Exhibition Hall regularly presents painting, photography, and sculpture exhibitions, making it a beloved meeting point for artists and art enthusiasts.