Asleep

The Asleep exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the sleeping habits of different eras, exploring how the practices and perceptions of sleep have changed from prehistoric times to the present. Located on the museum’s second floor, the exhibition leads visitors through diverse historical sleep environments, sleeping habits, and sleep cultures—from prehistoric caves to the modern bedroom.

The Asleep exhibition illuminates the evolution of sleeping practices and the diversity of sleep cultures. Sleeping is not only a personal matter but also a historical and cultural phenomenon. The world’s oldest remains of beds were discovered in Border Cave in South Africa, where sleep was influenced by light, seasonal changes, and the safety of the sleeping area.

The exhibition examines sleep and dreaming from history to the present day. Beyond sleep itself, the focus extends to the significance of dreams. As involuntary and often recurring experiences, dreams have always intrigued humanity and have been interpreted throughout human history.

Among the fascinating artifacts, the exhibition also features mythical dream creatures.

The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the transformation of sleep and the meaning of dreams across different eras and stages of life.