Museums host nearly 9 million visitors in 2020 despite pandemic

With an abundance of historical monuments, buildings and museums, Turkey has been a paradise for art enthusiasts, where over 8.91 million people visited in 2020 to witness the beauty of its museums and archaeological sites with their naked eye.

These sites have a significant role in terms of protecting cultural heritage, transferring it to future generations and generating a collective memory.

A total of 204 museums, 142 archaeological sites and 296 private museums hosted history aficionados under the auspices of Turkish Culture and Tourism, which provided the data.

The number of museums has been increasing, and more than 3.25 million historical artifacts have been exhibited in 204 museums.

An average of 40,000 artifacts has been added to the collections of museums each year. Furthermore, 11,632 movable cultural assets were put into conservation.

To prepare museums for the 2021 tourism season, serve local and international tourists in a better fashion in line with contemporary museum understanding, relevant authorities have conducted a variety of maintenance activities such as renovations, landscaping, labeling and other exhibition arrangements.

As part of efforts to increase the number of museums in Turkey, 161 museums were renovated between 2002 and 2020, while 43 museums with international recognition were opened.

Besides, 16 newly built museums, including museums in Adana, Uşak, Kayseri, Mersin and Van provinces, now welcome visitors.

Outbreak not slowing museum inauguration

Turkey hosts several private museums operating in archaeology, ethnography and fine arts, and more and more have been opened in recent years. There are 296 private museums as of April 2021, while collectors'...