It was inaugurated in 1975 in Tepebasi, by the Municipality of Istanbul and through the efforts of the Association of Cartoonists. Five years later it was closed for demolition and then re-opened in its current location in the district of Fatih.
The Aga Gazanfer complex, which consists of an Ottoman madrasa, a chapel and a fountain was restored to fit as the new location of this museum with a rich collection of satirical works, written or drawn.
The permanent exhibition contains pieces dating from the 1870s and illustrate the long and popular tradition of satire and caricature in Turkey. One of the recurring themes is the insidious influence of the West.
Temporary exhibits change quite often and are dedicated to Turkish and foreign cartoonists. The museum also hosts a humorous book library and a text archive. Located in Atatürk Bulvari, Kovacilar Sokak No: 12, Fatih, it opens to the public every day between 10.00 and 18.00.