Turkey’s Night Museums Draw Over 1.3 Million Visitors in 2026
The initiative allowing evening access to historical sites like Ephesus and Galata Tower saw a 32% rise in visitors.
Turkey’s innovative “night museum” project, which allows visitors to explore ancient ruins and historical landmarks after sunset, has proven highly successful in 2026. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the initiative attracted 1,326,590 visitors this year, representing a 32 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The programme offers a unique way to experience Turkey’s cultural heritage. By keeping sites open after dark, tourists can avoid the intense summer heat while viewing ancient architecture under atmospheric lighting.
Ephesus and Galata Tower Lead the Way
The ancient city of Ephesus in Izmir emerged as the most popular destination for evening explorations. The UNESCO World Heritage site welcomed over 501,000 night visitors, marking a 36 percent rise from the previous year. Istanbul’s historic Galata Tower followed closely with more than 277,000 visitors. As a prominent landmark often associated with the era of Sultan Mehmed II, the tower remains a favourite for those exploring Ottoman history and fans watching Mehmed: Sultan of Conquests episodes.
Hierapolis in Pamukkale ranked third, drawing nearly 191,000 people to its illuminated terraces and ancient streets. Other coastal heritage sites also saw impressive turnouts, including the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum and the ancient sanctuary of Didyma, which experienced a remarkable 119 percent increase in evening guests.
The growing appetite for evening cultural excursions was also evident in major cities. The Istanbul Archaeology Museums recorded a massive 183 percent surge in night visitors, jumping to nearly 25,000 attendees.
Extended Seasons for Popular Heritage Sites
The 2026 night museum programme officially ran from June 1 to October 1, encompassing 22 museums and archaeological sites across the country. However, due to high public demand, the Ministry extended the evening hours for several key locations.
While the extended season for Ephesus and Side concluded on October 15, visitors can still explore the rock-cut churches of Göreme in Cappadocia after dark until October 31. Meanwhile, the Galata Tower will continue its night-time operations year-round.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy noted that the growing public interest motivates further efforts to transform Turkey’s archaeological sites into living cultural spaces. The Ministry plans to continue expanding visiting hours, ensuring the country’s rich history reaches an even wider international and domestic audience.
Source: TRT Haber
Featured image: Cungum / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
