Ulucanlar Prison Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away in the capital city of Ankara, Ulucanlar Prison Museum stands as a stark and powerful monument to Turkey's recent past. This isn't your typical museum; it's a fully converted prison where you can walk the long, echoing corridors and step inside the cramped, concrete cells that once held politicians, writers, and intellectuals. Today, the silence of those halls is broken by art exhibitions and cultural events that breathe new life into the old walls. It’s a deeply moving experience that contrasts grim history with creative resilience.
Collection Highlights
You'll see preserved cells furnished just as they were, complete with personal belongings and haunting graffiti left by former inmates. Exhibits detail the lives of its famous prisoners, while contemporary art installations now occupy other parts of the complex, creating a thought-provoking dialogue between past and present.
Visitor Information
It's easy to reach via public transport in Ankara. Just be prepared for an intense visit; the atmosphere is heavy and the stories are sobering. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the long cell blocks.
Architecture & Building
The building is a classic example of a late Ottoman-era prison, with a radial panopticon design centered around a large courtyard, featuring multiple floors of stark, utilitarian cellblocks built from heavy stone and concrete.
Contact & Location
Address: Ulucanlar Cezaevi Müzesi, Ses Caddesi, Ulucanlar, Hacettepe Mahallesi, Altındağ, Ankara, İç Anadolu Bölgesi, 06230, Türkiye
Phone: +90 312 507 01 38
Website: Visit Website
