“Night Museums”

This June marks the return of Turkey’s acclaimed “Night Museums” project, inviting travelers to explore the nation’s cultural landmarks well into the night. Launched last year by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the initiative drew over 395,000 visitors in its first season, offering unique nighttime access to historical treasures such as Ephesus in Izmir and the ancient city of Hierapolis in Denizli’s Pamukkale. This summer, 27 iconic sites across Turkey will be illuminated and remain open late, promising magical evenings of art, history, and atmosphere.

By turning historical locations into vibrant evening destinations, the project not only enhances the visitor experience but also supports sustainable tourism by spreading foot traffic throughout the day. This aligns with Turkey’s broader vision of promoting year-round tourism across all 81 provinces. Building on last year’s success, the program now includes 25 additional locations—from Istanbul’s Galata Tower to Cappadocia’s legendary underground cities and many more awe-inspiring landmarks.

Extended Hours at Top Museums in Istanbul and Ankara

Istanbul and Ankara—Turkey’s cultural capitals—are at the heart of this initiative. In Istanbul, several major museums will stay open until 10:00 PM, including the Archaeological Museum (excluding sections under restoration), the Museum of the History of Hagia Sophia, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. The iconic Galata Tower will remain open even later, welcoming visitors until 11:00 PM.

In Ankara, two of the Republic’s first museums will also extend their hours until 9:00 PM. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing remarkable artifacts from Hittite, Urartian, and Phrygian cultures, and the Ethnography Museum—original resting place of Atatürk—will be open for late-night exploration.

Timeless Wonders Along the Aegean and Mediterranean Coasts

Turkey’s turquoise Aegean coast and sun-soaked Mediterranean Riviera will continue to captivate visitors after sundown. In Izmir—a city known for its high quality of life and Aegean cuisine—two standout sites will welcome nighttime guests: the ancient city of Ephesus, open Wednesday to Saturday until 11:00 PM, and the Alsancak Tekel Cultural Factory, housed in a 140-year-old industrial building, open until 9:00 PM.

In Muğla, the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology will keep its doors open until 10:00 PM. Meanwhile, visitors can stroll through the ancient ruins of Hierapolis in Denizli under the stars until 11:00 PM.

Further along the coast, the Antalya region will offer night-time cultural adventures at its renowned sites. The Antalya Museum, Alanya Museum, Necropolis Museum, and the archaeological zones of Aspendos, Patara, and Side will be open until 10:00 PM.

Anatolia’s Heritage in a New Light

Even more cultural gems across Turkey will extend their visiting hours this summer. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Nemrut in Adıyaman, known for its colossal statues commissioned by King Antiochus I of Commagene, will be specially lit and open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 AM—perfect for those seeking a sunrise experience.

In Nevşehir, home to Cappadocia’s iconic “fairy chimneys,” the underground cities of Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, and Özkonak will remain open until 9:00 PM.

In southeastern Anatolia, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa—two cities steeped in history—will also keep their acclaimed museums open late. Gaziantep, UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, will welcome guests to the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to exquisite Roman mosaics and sculptures, until 9:00 PM.

Şanlıurfa, near the world’s oldest known Neolithic sites Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, is proud to host Turkey’s largest museum complex. The Şanlıurfa Museum—featuring 4.5 kilometers of exhibition corridors and over 10,000 artifacts—and the impressive Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, the largest unsupported museum structure in Turkey, will both be open until 9:00 PM.

In the Black Sea region, the recently reopened Samsun Museum—featuring artifacts from the Paleolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Hittite, Hellenistic, and Roman periods—will be open until 10:00 PM. Meanwhile, in Eastern Turkey, Erzurum Museum will extend its visiting hours until 9:00 PM as part of the project.