Ankara Palas ,built in 1927,designed by Mimar Kemalettin and was the official residence for members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly which takes part across the street at what is used the War of Independence Museum at present.The symmetrical two-story pitched-roof building with domed central entrance way flanked by twin towers demonstrates characteristics of early Turkish national architectural style. The building was completely restored in 1983 as a 60 room state guesthouse with reception, dining room, banquet and tea halls .The rectangular building has three stories involving the basement. The large ballroom which still hosts balls, auctions and concerts has fascinating decorations on its ceiling. A tea and games room opens onto a terrace next to the ballroom. There is a dining room at the back of the building, with a capacity for 500 and it was used especially for embassy receptions. The building was used as an office and exhibition area between 1976-1982 by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.The rooms, most of which are single, are on the entrance floor. The rooms facing the front lobby are used for administrative purposes. The front of the building is ornamented Seljukid motives. The high ground floor windows are decorated with pointed arches and small balconies and the iron decorations of those windows are positioned as complementary architectural elements. The corridor is decorated with big vases and the works of famous Turkish artists hang on the walls.
The high ground floor windows are decorated with high pointed arches and the small balconies and the iron decorations of those windows are positioned as complementary architectural elements. The corridor is decorated with big vases while the works of famous Turkish artists paintings were hanging on the walls. The palace was used as a hotel until 1969. Spectacular republic balls used to take place in Ankara Palace and it was among Atatürk’s favorite places.
