This June, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is inviting the world to experience a deeper, more enchanting side of the country’s history through the Night Museums Project, a transformative initiative that reimagines cultural tourism by illuminating 27 of Türkiye’s most iconic sites after dark and allowing entry of visitors. The initiative turns cultural sites into vibrant evening attractions, encouraging travellers to explore more. It also supports sustainable tourism by distributing visitor traffic throughout the day, aligning with Türkiye’s broader vision of extending tourism to 81 cities and 12 months.
Launched last year, the project welcomed over 395,000 visitors in its debut season. This year, it returns with expanded access, light displays, and timed night entries at renowned archaeological sites, historic museums, and ancient cities across the country, from the underground tunnel mazes of Cappadocia to the timeless ruins of Ephesus.
“This isn’t sightseeing. This is time travel — lit by starlight,” says a representative from Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).
By transforming daytime landmarks into after-hours cultural stadiums, the Night Museums Project gives travelers a rare chance to explore these spaces in quiet, beautifully lit serenity. In Istanbul, night visits will be available at landmarks like Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum, Galata Tower, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and select areas of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums.
In Izmir, the Culture and Arts Factory, a stunning restoration of the 140-year-old Alsancak Tekel Factory will welcome night visitors, as will ghe archaeological site of Ephesus from Wednesdays to Saturdays. In Nevşehir, home to much of the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the Underground Cities of Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı and Özkonak will offer night access until 9 p.m.
Night visits will also be open in Antalya, Adiyaman, Bodrum, Şanlıurfa, Samsun, Erzurum, and beyond — offering a rare view of Türkiye’s multi-civilisational legacy, brought to life through innovative lighting, extended hours, and immersive storytelling.
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