Türkiye’s Night Museums Project has launched its third season, extending access to some of the country’s museums and archaeological sites into the evening hours and offering visitors a unique way to experience its cultural heritage after dark.
The initiative, which attracted more than one million
visitors in 2025, will run from June 1 to October 1, 2026, opening 20 museums
and heritage sites daily from 7 pm until late-night closing times.
The programme aims to enhance cultural tourism by providing
an immersive nighttime experience while also supporting sustainable heritage
management.
By redistributing
visitor traffic beyond daytime hours, the project helps reduce congestion,
encourages longer stays, and deepens engagement with Türkiye’s historical
landmarks.
In İstanbul, visitors can explore the İstanbul
Archaeological Museums, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and the
illuminated Galata Tower, offering panoramic night views of the city.
In the Aegean region,
Ephesus stands out as a highlight, alongside Hierapolis in Denizli and the
Temple of Apollo in Didyma, where ancient structures are dramatically lit under
the night sky.
The Turkish Riviera also features prominently, with night
access to Aspendos, Patara, and Side in Antalya.
These sites showcase Roman theatres, democratic assemblies,
and coastal temples enhanced by atmospheric lighting, alongside museums in
Alanya and Lycian Civilisations.
Across Anatolia, the programme includes Mount Nemrut in
Adıyaman, the Tombstones of Ahlat in Bitlis, Cappadocia’s Derinkuyu Underground
City, Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Gaziantep’s Zeugma Mosaic
Museum, and Şanlıurfa’s archaeological and mosaic collections.
Officials said the Night Museums Project continues to
strengthen Türkiye’s position as a leading global cultural tourism destination
by combining heritage preservation with innovative visitor experiences under
the night sky. -TTN