Getting Started: About night museology
- Night museology revitalizes cultural spots in the evenings, particularly during the hot summer days.
- The Ministry of Culture and Tourism also hopes to increase tourist visits throughout the year via night museology activities.
- Evening cultural trips – from Ephesus to Olympos and from Aspendos to Patara – are enhanced by night museology.
- Türkiye’s night museums utilize special lighting to welcome visitors at sunset and late at night.
- The unique nighttime views of ancient cities and other cultural sites are an attraction in and of themselves.
Ancient City of Ephesus, İzmir
Ephesus is certainly among Türkiye’s most well-known night museums. As the Anatolian capital of antiquity, Ephesus is an archaeological oasis and a timeless ancient city thanks to its thousands of year-old artifacts; it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical sites in Türkiye.
The ancient city houses rare architectural structures such as the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; the stunning Library of Celsus, with its unique columns; a 25,000-seat ancient theater; and Temple of Hadrian’s, the magnificent monument. Ephesus, a world-class archaeological site, tops the list of Türkiye’s evening museums. You can book a flight to İzmir now to see this splendid site in the Selçuk district of İzmir.
- Transportation: From İzmir Intercity Bus Station, take the IZBAN trains or Selçuk public transportation options.
- Evening visiting hours: As of May 2024, the Ancient City of Ephesus will remain open until 22.30 p.m. The box office is open until 21:30. You can view the current opening hours based on your travel schedule.
- Museum Card: The MuseumCard is valid for Turkish citizens.
Ancient City of Aspendos, Antalya
Aspendos, in Antalya’s Serik district, is known for its capacious 12,000-person amphitheater. This Roman-era theater, one of the best-preserved in the Mediterranean region, still hosts summer concerts and events. The settlement’s famous aqueducts are adjacent to the theater and also beautifully preserved. The ancient city of Aspendos is one of Antalya’s most prominent cultural attractions and features preserved baths, temples and walls.
- Transportation: You can take public transportation from other parts of the city to Serik; minibusses to Aspendos are available from Serik.
- Evening visiting hours: The ancient city of Aspendos is stunning at night. The site is open until 22:30 and the ticket office closes at 22:15. Please check the current visiting hours.
- Museum Card: MuseumCard is valid for Turkish citizens.
Ancient City of Patara, Antalya.
Near the renowned Antalya holiday area of Kaş, Patara is one of Türkiye’s most valuable cultural tourism destinations. Patara was among the most important cities in ancient Lycia and archaeological excavations in the area have been ongoing since 1988; finds include artifacts ranging from the Middle Bronze Age to the Iron Age. Moreover, as the birthplace of Saint Nicholaos – also known as ‘Santa Claus’ – Patara is significant for Christianity.
The site’s 19-meter-long Triumphal Arch; the ‘Granarium’ grain storage facility; and the oldest surviving lighthouse are among the structures attracting visitors to Patara. In addition, the ancient city houses the remains of a Temple of Corinth (Temple of Apollo), and a theater with a seating capacity of around 5,000 people. To start planning your unforgettable Kaş holiday, visit our Antalya flights page today!
- Transportation: Take the Patara minibus from Kaş to Kalkan.
- Evening visiting hours: In accordance with night museum practices, the Patara Archaeological Site remains open until 22.30; the box office closes at 22.15.
- Museum Card: MuseumCard is valid for Turkish citizens.
Ancient City of Side, Antalya
Side, an important port city in antiquity, is among Antalya’s unique ruins. As one of the ‘night museology’ museums in Türkiye, Side stands out for its architectural character as well as its location – the ancient city in the Manavgat district was erected on a 400-meter-wide peninsula.
Side’s most valuable structure is undoubtedly its ancient theater. Erected on a hillside, the theater is a stellar example of Roman-era architecture and the only one of its kind in the Anatolian region. After seeing this gem of an ancient city, do visit the temples of Apollo and Athena. While you’re in the area, try to catch one of the magnificent Side sunsets. To plan your vacation, check out our list of Antalya tourist attractions.
- Transportation: You can take public transportation to the city center, to the Antalya Bus Station, or to the Manavgat district.
- Evening visiting hours: The Ancient City of Side is open until 22:30; the box office closes at 22:15.
- Museum Card: MuseumCard is valid for Turkish citizens.
Ancient City of Hierapolis, Denizli
The Pamukkale district, in Denizli, is a natural and cultural tourism destination in its own right. The area is renowned for its healing hot springs and snow-white travertines that draw visitors from around the world. But there’s more: The gorgeous Ancient City of Hierapolis, within walking distance of the Pamukkale travertines, is now one of Türkiye’s evening museums.
The ruins of Hierapolis, in a region visited by millions of tourists each year, are on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List alongside the Pamukkale Travertines. From the site’s Hellenistic theater, which can seat approximately 10,000 people, to its octagonal church, there are numerous captivating structures.
- Transportation: Minibuses operate from the Denizli Bus Station to Pamukkale; the drive takes around 25 minutes.
- Evening visiting hours: The south gate is open until 22:00, and the North Gate until 21:00; the box office closes at 20:00. Official sources provide information on current visiting hours.
- Museum Card: MuseumCard is valid for Turkish citizens.
Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Muğla
The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum is another entry on Türkiye’s list of evening museums. Following marine excavations, in 1964, the former Bodrum Castle was converted into a museum. Since then, the institution has gained a reputation as one of the world’s premier underwater archaeology museums. The museum’s collection includes altars, sculptures and architectural elements, and it was recognized with the European Special Commendation Award in 1995. The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is a remarkable stop for a night museum trip in Bodrum.
- Transportation: The museum is centrally located and accessible via public transportation from many points in Bodrum.
- Evening visiting hours: The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is open to visitors until 22.00 in the evening; the box office closes at 21:30.
- Museum Card: MuseumCard is valid for Turkish citizens.
İstanbul Archaeological Museums, İstanbul
In Gülhane, this venerable institution was Türkiye’s first museum, housing nearly a million artifacts from various cultures. The İstanbul Archaeological Museums offer a deep dive into the history of civilization, featuring a collection containing artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period. Some notable items on exhibit include the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, as well as Egyptian and Mesopotamian artifacts. If you are visiting İstanbul, the İstanbul Archaeological Museums is highly recommended for your list of evening museums in Türkiye.
- Transportation: You can take the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram line and get off at Gülhane stop; the museum is about a five-minute walk from the station.
- Evening visiting hours: İstanbul Archaeology Museums is open until 21.00; the museums’ box office is open until 20.00.
- Museum Card: MuseumCard is valid for Turkish citizens.
Galata Tower, İstanbul
For iconic views of the city, ascend the Galata Tower, erected by the Genoese during the Byzantine Empire. The Galata Tower is an emblem of the city both literally and metaphorically – the tower’s legendary romance with the Maiden’s Tower across the Bosphorus is a treasured piece of İstanbul lore.
The spectacular exterior architecture of the Galata Tower is also notable; featuring stone masonry, the tower has nine floors rising above the high ground floor, including an observation balcony on the level beneath the tower’s conical roof. While the Galata Tower is not a museum, it’s included on the list due to its late closing hour. The tower’s central location in Beyoğlu adds to its allure.
- Transportation: You can take public transportation (bus, metro, etc.) to Taksim Square from many parts of the city. The Galata Tower is a 500-meter walk (downhill) from Tünel Square at the end of İstiklal Street.
- Evening visiting hours: The Galata Tower is open to visitors until 23:00; the box office closes at 22:00.
- Museum Card: MuseumCard is valid for Turkish citizens.
Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum, İstanbul
The splendid Hagia Sophia is one of İstanbul’s most prominent monuments and among the most significant buildings in architectural history. To learn more about the Hagia Sophia’s centuries of history, visit the History and Experience Museum. The museum’s third floor depicts the history of the Roman Empire, while the second floor covers the history of the Ottoman Empire. The first floor features exhibits of important artifacts. To learn more about the Hagia Sophia’s rich history, visit the museum, just a few minutes’ walk from the Hagia Sophia and one of Türkiye’s evening museums.
- Transportation: To reach the museum, take the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line to Sultanahmet station; the museum is less than five minutes’ walk from the station.
- Evening visiting hours: The museum is open until 22.00; the box office closes at 21.30.
- Museum Card: MuseumCard holders are eligible for discounted tickets.
