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Türkiye’s museum network has expanded sharply over the past decade, with the total number of museums rising to 694 as of May, according to figures released by the Culture and Tourism Ministry during the Museums Week.
The number marks a 67% increase from 2016, when Türkiye had 417 museums. The figure had already climbed to 636 in 2024, showing that the country’s museum infrastructure continued to grow in recent years.
State museums, which are run by public authorities, rose from 235 last year to 241 by May. Private museums, operated by foundations, institutions or individuals, increased from 439 in 2025 to 453.
Several museums have opened over the past year, including the Side Arif Mufid Mansel Archaeology Museum, the Mor Kuryakos Memorial Museum and the Safranbolu Museum.
More openings are expected before the end of the year. The Hatay Gastronomy Museum and the Makedonya Tower are planned to welcome visitors in 2026, while the Çinili Kiosk and the Museum of the Ancient Orient, both linked to the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, are also expected to reopen after temporary closure for maintenance, restoration and exhibition arrangement works.
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Museum visitor figures in Türkiye are counted together with archaeological sites, known locally as open-air heritage areas containing ancient ruins or historic remains.
Last year, museums and archaeological sites across the country drew a combined 33.1 million visitors.
While the museum count has grown, some art historians argue that a rise in numbers does not necessarily mean a quality improvement. According to the report, some private institutions are considered by critics to lack the standards required to carry the title of “museum.”
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