The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey is hosting the “Night Museum Project” through October 1.
This popular program, which attracted over 1 million visitors in 2025, is entering its third year this summer and will feature 20 museums and archaeological sites across Turkey. During the event, participating venues will remain open past 7:00 p.m., allowing visitors to explore the sites and enjoy the illuminated displays until their respective late-night closing times.
In Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and home to major landmarks and historical museums, highlights include the Galata Tower, which offers panoramic night views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, and the Istanbul Archaeology Museum—Turkey’s first museum—which houses one of the world’s finest collections.
In the Aegean region, dotted with ancient Roman ruins and temples, the illuminated sights of sites such as the Ruins of Ephesus, the Ruins of Hierapolis, and the Temple of Apollo offer a captivating experience that is quite different from the daytime view.
In the Antalya region, where beautiful beaches and ancient heritage sites blend seamlessly, attractions such as the ruins of Aspendos, Patara, and Side are scattered throughout the area, allowing visitors to enjoy a stay that combines resort relaxation with sightseeing in ancient cities.
In addition, throughout Anatolia, visitors can explore the “Museum of Anatolian Civilizations” in Turkey’s capital, Ankara; the “Zeugma Mosaic Museum” in Gaziantep, which houses exquisite mosaics; and the “Derinkuyu Underground City” in Cappadocia, which served as a refuge for Christians for many years. Visitors can enjoy these world-renowned heritage sites and collections in the special atmosphere of the night.
As part of the project, “Mount Nemrut” in Adiyaman—where massive statues of deities stand in rows—will be open to the public for a special viewing from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
© Source travel watch