Turkey's 'Night Museums Project' Returns This Summer!

Turkey's 'Night Museums Project' in Action

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey has launched the third season of its 'Night Museums Project (Night Museums Project)', which opens the country's cultural heritage sites at night. The project aims to expand access to Turkey's rich historical and cultural heritage while offering tourists a new cultural experience. In 2025, it attracted over one million visitors, making it a key initiative in Turkey's cultural tourism promotion strategy.

The 2026 season, marking its third year, will run from Monday, June 1, to Thursday, October 1, and includes 20 museums and archaeological sites across Turkey. Sites such as Mount Nemrut, Ephesus, Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and Galata Tower will be open at night. During the event period, participating venues will remain open from 7:00 PM until their designated closing times, allowing visitors to enjoy a unique nighttime experience under the summer stars, with beautifully illuminated historical and cultural sites.

Advancing High-Value Cultural Tourism and Sustainable Operations

This project not only enriches cultural tourism offerings but also contributes to sustainable heritage management by dispersing visitor traffic. It aims to reduce daytime congestion, improve viewing conditions, extend visitor stay durations, and boost local spending. The ability to visit during cooler evening hours—avoiding the intense summer heat—is a major attraction for international tourists, including travelers from Japan. It offers an ideal opportunity to explore ancient ruins in a comfortable, tranquil environment, experiencing their mystical atmosphere distinct from daytime visits.

Discovering Turkey’s Charm After Dark

The Night Museums Project is more than just extended evening hours. It is an initiative designed to protect historical heritage and promote sustainable tourism while offering deeper cultural experiences. The chance to explore historical sites in a relaxed, uncrowded setting is a major draw. It is particularly appealing to culturally oriented travelers and the high-value tourism market, offering a way to experience Turkey’s heritage more profoundly. In a country where ancient civilizations live on, nighttime tours of illuminated ruins and museums provide visitors with an intimate encounter with Turkey’s deep history and culture. This summer, why not explore Turkey’s cultural heritage in a new light and enjoy an unforgettable journey through history?

Highlights by Region

1. Istanbul’s Museums Transformed by Exotic Nights

Major cultural sites in Istanbul, the heart of Turkish culture, will open at night. From the city’s landmark 'Galata Tower,' visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn. Additionally, the 'Istanbul Archaeology Museums,' Turkey’s first museum housing world-class collections on ancient Orient, Greek, and Roman civilizations, and the 'Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum,' located in the former Ibrahim Pasha Palace, will be open at night, offering a unique journey into the depths of history.

2. Key Aegean Region Sites Including Ephesus

One of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Ephesus' in Izmir, will come alive under the night lights. Known for its exceptional preservation, Ephesus offers a different landscape at night, illuminated to reveal new perspectives. Also included are the dreamlike 'Hierapolis Ruins' (Denizli Province) with its pure white limestone terraces and illuminated ancient theater, and the 'Temple of Apollo at Didyma' (Aydın Province), one of the largest Ionic-style temples in the ancient world. The history of the Aegean region breathes anew under the moonlight.

3. Antalya Region Combines Ancient City Tours with Resort Stays

The Antalya region, blessed with over 300 sunny days a year and combining beautiful beaches with rich ancient heritage, is enhancing its nighttime tourism offerings. The perfectly preserved Roman-era 'Aspendos Amphitheater,' the 'Patara Ruins' featuring the world’s first democratic assembly hall and a reconstructed lighthouse, and the beautiful seaside 'Temple of Apollo in Side' will be illuminated with special lighting, offering a blend of resort relaxation and cultural exploration. Additionally, the 'Alanya Museum' and 'Lycian Civilization Museum' will also open at night.

4. Anatolian Heritage Sites Open After Dark

World-renowned sites across Anatolia are also part of the Night Museums Project. 'Mount Nemrut' (Adıyaman Province), famous for its colossal statues attracting global attention, the 'Ahlat Tombstones' (Bitlis Province) showcasing early Turkish stonemasonry excellence, and the 'Derinkuyu Underground City' in Cappadocia, once a long-time refuge for Christians, will be illuminated. Other venues include the 'Anatolian Civilizations Museum' in Ankara, the 'Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum,' the 'Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum,' and the 'Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum,' all open at night. Visitors can enjoy illuminated historical sites and world-renowned collections after dark.

Night Museums Project Overview

Event Period: June 1 (Mon), 2026 – October 1 (Thu), 2026

Opening Hours: From 7:00 PM until each venue’s designated closing time

Participating Sites: 20 museums and archaeological sites across Turkey

Main Sites: Galata Tower, Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Ephesus, Hierapolis, Temple of Apollo at Didyma, Aspendos, Patara, Side, Mount Nemrut, Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and others

Official Website: https://goturkiye.com/night-museums

2026 Night Museums Project

City

Museum or Site Name ※ Closing time in parentheses

1

Adıyaman

1. Nemrut Ruins (04:00–09:00)

2

Ankara

2. Anatolian Civilizations Museum (21:00)

3

Antalya

3. Aspendos Ruins (22:00)

4. Alanya Museum (22:00)

5. Patara Ruins (22:00)

6. Lycian Civilization Museum (21:00)

7. Side Ruins (22:00)

4

Aydın

8. Temple of Apollo (21:00)

5

Bitlis

9. Ahlat Tombstones (21:00)

6

Denizli

10. Hierapolis Ruins (23:00)

7

Gaziantep

11. Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum (21:00)

8

Istanbul

12. Istanbul Archaeology Museums (22:00)

13. Galata Tower (23:00)

14. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (22:00)

9

Izmir

15. Ephesus Ruins

(Wednesday–Thursday–Friday–Saturday) (23:00)