Turkey Extends Night Museum Programme at Ephesus, Galata Tower, and Side Archaeological Site to Boost Cultural Tourism

Published on October 3, 2025

The three famous historical locations of Turkey—the Ephesus Archaeological Site, Galata Tower, and Side Archaeological Site—have extended their night museum program, a well-liked cultural initiative, until November 2. Due to tremendous demand from both domestic and foreign visitors, the program, which was originally scheduled to end on October 1, will continue. Over 550,000 people took part in this well-liked summer program from June to September, which led officials to expand it so that more tourists could enjoy Turkey’s rich history in the captivating light of the evening.

Unveiling Turkey’s Cultural Heritage After Dark

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey launched the night museum initiative with the goal of enhancing access to cultural heritage and promoting Turkey’s tourism sector. The program offers visitors the chance to explore ancient ruins, architectural masterpieces, and significant cultural landmarks illuminated against the night sky. This immersive experience transforms these historical sites, allowing them to come alive in a way that day-time visits cannot replicate.

The extended program aims to capitalize on the growing demand for evening cultural experiences, which allow visitors to witness these landmarks from a new perspective. Ephesus, Galata Tower, and Side Archaeological Site are among Turkey’s most visited locations and have been instrumental in attracting tourists who wish to enjoy an alternative yet enriching way to discover the country’s history.

The Ephesus Archaeological Site: A Timeless Wonder

Ephesus, located near Selçuk in western Turkey, continues to be one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites. With the night museum initiative now extended, visitors will have more opportunities to explore its ancient structures under the evening glow. Ephesus, home to landmarks such as the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, is famed for its well-preserved ruins and significant historical importance.

At night, the illuminated ruins evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, offering a unique atmosphere compared to daytime visits. As one of Turkey’s most prominent historical sites, Ephesus has attracted a growing number of both local and international visitors eager to experience its ancient grandeur from a fresh perspective. The glowing ruins, surrounded by the dark sky, create an enchanting ambiance, capturing the essence of the ancient world in a way that daytime visits simply cannot.

Galata Tower: A Symbol of Istanbul’s Historic Charm

In the heart of Istanbul, the Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower overlooking the Golden Horn, has become another significant part of Turkey’s night museum program. The tower offers panoramic views of Istanbul, a city where East meets West, and its illuminated evening openings have garnered considerable attention. Tourists flock to this towering landmark to capture stunning views of the cityscape and witness Istanbul’s historical beauty after dark.

As part of the night museum initiative, visitors can experience the grandeur of the tower illuminated at night, providing a new way to appreciate its architectural and historical significance. The extended program has allowed tourists more time to explore this key landmark, making it one of the most popular sites for both locals and travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.

The Side Archaeological Site: An Ancient Mediterranean Treasure

The Side Archaeological Site, located in Antalya on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, has also been included in the night museum extension. Known for its ancient theatre, temples, and well-preserved ruins, Side attracts cultural tourists from all over the world. As part of the extended program, Side is now offering visitors the chance to witness these monuments in a new light—literally.

The lighting at Side brings its ancient structures into sharp relief, providing a unique perspective on the site’s remarkable preservation. Known for its captivating ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the site has become a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Turkey’s Mediterranean history. With the night museum program, tourists can now explore Side’s archaeological wonders against a stunning backdrop of twilight and evening skies.

The Role of Night Museum Programs in Turkey’s Tourism Strategy

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has positioned the night museum initiative as a key part of its broader strategy to enhance cultural tourism and diversify the country’s tourism offerings. By extending visiting hours and reducing daytime congestion, the program aims to distribute visitor flows more evenly throughout the day. This helps reduce overcrowding during peak hours while providing tourists with a more relaxed, intimate experience of these monumental sites.

Beyond easing congestion, the initiative is seen as an effort to increase tourism revenue and attract more international visitors. With its unique blend of heritage, history, and visual appeal, the program appeals to international travelers who seek deeper, more immersive cultural experiences. The program has also been a key driver of increased visitation to major cultural landmarks, reinforcing Turkey’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination.

Night Tours as a Growing Trend in Cultural Tourism

As international tourists increasingly seek out cultural experiences that extend beyond traditional daytime activities, Turkey’s night museum program has become a sought-after offering. The program has successfully catered to those looking for something more than the standard tourist attractions. Visitors can now enjoy a more leisurely pace, enhanced by the serenity of the evening, as they explore Turkey’s most iconic landmarks under the charm of soft lighting.

Turkey’s tourism authorities have noted that the night museum initiative has become a hit among international visitors, many of whom are eager to explore historical sites under unique circumstances. As cultural tourism continues to grow, the success of this program is likely to inspire other destinations to implement similar offerings.

The Future of the Night Museum Program

The night museum program’s extension until November 2 has been met with great enthusiasm, and visitor demand is expected to remain high throughout the autumn months. The program has not only exceeded expectations in terms of visitor numbers but has also provided valuable insights into the evolving preferences of tourists. Given the popularity of the initiative, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is exploring the possibility of extending the program to additional cultural sites in future seasons.

If the continued success of the night museum initiative persists, it could lead to the introduction of similar programs at other historical sites across Turkey. This would further solidify Turkey’s status as a premier cultural tourism destination, while also offering travelers an enhanced and enriched way to explore its vast history.

A Unique Cultural Experience Awaits

The night museum programme stands out as a creative and effective way to highlight Turkey’s unmatched cultural legacy as the nation continues to solidify its place in the international travel industry. For those who are considering a trip, this extended opportunity offers the ideal opportunity to see some of Turkey’s most famous sites in the captivating evening light.

Turkey’s night museum programme is a unique and effective way to highlight the nation’s unmatched cultural legacy as it continues to solidify its place in the world travel market. If you’re considering a trip, this extended opportunity offers the ideal opportunity to see some of Turkey’s most famous sites in the captivating evening light.