Museum of Economic Independence: Art and History Meet at the Historic Building of Türkiye İş Bankası

Economic Independence Museum

The Economic Independence Museum, serving in the historic building of Türkiye İş Bankası in Ankara Ulus, has been welcoming art enthusiasts, history buffs, and students for five years. The historical building, which is one of the symbolic structures of Ulus, the administrative and financial center of the founding period of the Republic, and was built as the 3rd general directorate building of Türkiye İş Bankası, opened its doors to visitors as the Economic Independence Museum on May 2, 2019. Despite being closed for a long time due to the pandemic, the museum has hosted nearly 400,000 visitors so far. In addition, free workshops and guided tours for students of all ages have hosted nearly 40,000 students.

Museum Content

The Economic Independence Museum, a tribute to the founder of Türkiye İş Bankası, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, sheds light on the steps taken towards achieving full independence after the national struggle through documents, photographs, films, and objects, inviting visitors to a century-old journey through history. The museum’s permanent exhibition consists of a total of 10 sections under the headings of National Sovereignty, Izmir Economy Congress, Establishment of a National Bank, First Decade, Fabric and Coal, Sugar, Şişecam, Savings, Sümerbank, and Support to Producers. The museum, where the economic developments from the declaration of the Republic to the present day can be seen, also sheds light on the history of İş Bankası.

Historical Building and Exhibitions

The historical building hosting the museum was built in 1929 by the Italian architect Giulio Mongeri as the third general directorate building of İş Bankası. The 95-year-old historical building, whose decoration was done by the interior architect Selahattin Refik Sırmalı, who played an active role in the architecture of the Republic era and also furnished the Çankaya Presidential Mansion, stands out as one of the symbols of Republican modernization.

A new exhibition is being prepared on the second floor of the museum on the occasion of Türkiye İş Bankası’s 100th anniversary. The exhibition, which will tell the history of the Bank’s communication, advertising, and corporate social responsibility activities, is planned to open on the Bank’s founding anniversary on August 26.

The Ankara Art Gallery on the third floor of the museum hosts the “Oktay Anılanmert Retrospective” exhibition until July 1, 2024. Anılanmert, known for his drawings and white-dominated paintings, meets art enthusiasts with his more colorful works born from his studies in Boston and emphasizing movement in this exhibition.

Visit Information

All activities in the museum, including guided tours and workshops, are offered free of charge. The museum can be visited every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except for Mondays.