Night Museum Experience at Ephesus: A Journey Through History Under the Stars

Ephesus Ancient City is now open at night. Under soft lighting and starry skies, walk through ancient streets, feel history, and see Celsus Library like never before.

Ephesus Night Museum Experience

Ephesus is not only one of Turkey’s most significant archaeological sites - it is also one of the oldest. First settled during the Neolithic (Chalcolithic) Period, it later flourished under the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman empires. The city was once a commercial and political powerhouse of the ancient world. It also hosts the remains of the Temple of Artemis, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and tied to Anatolia's ancient mother goddess, Kybele. Ephesus, located in Selçuk, Izmir, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now welcoming visitors after dark thanks to the newly introduced "Night Museum" initiative by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. With the help of a carefully designed LED lighting system, the ancient city has been transformed into a magical open-air museum that comes alive beneath the stars. This initiative allows visitors to explore the most iconic landmarks of Ephesus in a cooler, more peaceful atmosphere - a particularly welcome development during the hot summer months.

Celsus Library at night

Extended Visiting Hours: Ephesus Now Open Until 11 PM

Under the night museum program, Ephesus Ancient City is now open daily between 08:00 and 23:00. This update provides a significant advantage for travelers, especially during peak summer when midday temperatures can be challenging. Visitors can now enjoy the ancient ruins during the evening hours, when the temperature is more comfortable and the ambiance is simply unforgettable. Thanks to strategic lighting enhancements, many of Ephesus’ most iconic structures are now viewable in a completely different light — literally. The LED system highlights the textures, carvings, and architectural lines in a way that daytime sunlight often cannot. Notable illuminated monuments include:

• The Library of Celsus – A 2nd-century AD Roman structure with grand decorative façades

• Agora Square

• Curetes Street

• The Temple of Domitian

• Trajan Fountain

• The Great Theater – With seating for over 25,000 spectators

• Ancient Stadium and Harbor Road

• The Terrace Houses – Homes of Ephesus’ elite, with preserved mosaics and frescoes

Each structure takes on a new character at night, offering a more dramatic and emotional connection to the city’s ancient history. The Library of Celsus, in particular, becomes a breathtaking focal point with its illuminated 21-meter width and 17-meter height glowing against the night sky.

Why You Should Visit Ephesus at Night?

There are many reasons why exploring Ephesus under the stars offers a unique and superior experience:

• Less crowded: The evening hours are generally quieter, offering a more peaceful visit

• Cooler temperatures: Ideal for walking among ruins without the heat of the midday sun

• Photographer's dream: Night lighting creates dramatic shadows and stunning visuals

• Deepened atmosphere: The nighttime silence enhances the spiritual and historical aura

• New perspectives: Architecture and carvings appear different under artificial lighting

  
  

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to Ephesus for another look, the night museum experience offers something completely new and memorable.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: Every day from 08:00 to 23:00

Location: Ephesus Ancient City, Selcuk – Izmir

Admission: Museum Pass (MüzeKart) accepted for Turkish citizens; international visitors can purchase tickets online or at the entrance.

Terrace Houses require a separate entry ticket.

The Ephesus Night Museum Experience presents a remarkable opportunity to witness the splendor of one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures from a completely new perspective.

Whether you're staying in Kusadasi, Izmir, or Selcuk, be sure to include a night visit to Ephesus on your travel itinerary. It's a journey into the past, illuminated by the soft glow of modern lighting - and the stars above!