Netflix has set the global release date for its major new Turkish drama, Museum of Innocence, for Thursday, February 13, 2026. The series is an adaptation of the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Orhan Pamuk. All nine episodes of the story about love and obsession will be available on that date.
The streaming service announced the news alongside a first-look clip, introducing viewers to the main characters and the romantic yet tense atmosphere of 1970s Istanbul. The project is produced by Ay Yapım, a leading Turkish production company known for international hits.
The Story of Kemal and Füsun in 1970s Istanbul
Museum of Innocence tells a deep and emotional story set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984. The plot follows Kemal, the son of one of the city’s wealthiest families. His orderly life is completely changed when he falls for Füsun, a beautiful shopgirl who is also a distant relative.
Their passionate relationship starts while Kemal is actually engaged to someone else. This forbidden love affair becomes the central focus of his life. After Füsun mysteriously disappears, Kemal’s love turns into a lifelong obsession. He begins to collect ordinary objects that belonged to her, like her earrings, hair clips, and even her discarded cigarette butts. These items later become the foundation for a museum dedicated to his memory of her and their relationship.
Netflix describes the series as a “multi-layered narrative of love, happiness, obsession, longing, and missed opportunities”. The story explores a difficult question about the nature of strong feelings:
“What is love? An obsession, an affliction, an accident that derails the course of our life; or a great and innocent happiness?”
Meet the Cast and Creative Team Behind the Series
The lead roles are played by two of Turkey’s prominent actors. Selahattin Paşalı takes on the complex role of Kemal. Paşalı is known for his work in Turkish television and film. He is joined by Eylül Lize Kandemir, who plays Füsun. Kandemir’s performance is expected to capture the character’s beauty and mystery.
The series features a strong supporting cast of respected Turkish actors. This group includes Oya Unustası, Tilbe Saran, Bülent Emin Yarar, Gülçin Kültür Şahin, and Ercan Kesal. Their roles will add depth to the world around Kemal and Füsun, portraying family and society in 1970s Istanbul.
The creative team brings significant experience. The series is directed by Zeynep Günay, known for directing series like The Club and Bride of Istanbul. The screenplay is written by Ertan Kurtulan, the screenwriter behind the series Insider. The project is produced by Kerem Çatay under the banner of Ay Yapım. This production company has a strong track record, having produced the International Emmy-winning series Endless Love and other global hits like Fatmagul and Ezel.
Global Release and Streaming Information for All Viewers
Museum of Innocence will be released globally on the same day. No matter where you are in the world, the series will be available on Netflix starting February 13, 2026.
For viewers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India, you can simply open Netflix on or after that date to find the series. It will be listed as a Netflix Series from Turkey. The series has a maturity rating of M18, indicating it is intended for adult audiences due to its mature themes.
The release date is strategically timed just before Valentine’s Day, positioning the series as a compelling story about the complexities of love and relationships. For fans of international drama and literary adaptations, this is a key title to watch in February.
The Famous Novel and Real Museum That Inspired the Show
The series is based on the internationally celebrated novel The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk. Pamuk, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006, wrote this novel after receiving the award. The book has sold millions of copies and has been translated into over 60 languages, building a large global fanbase.
In a unique turn, Orhan Pamuk did not just write the novel. In 2012, he actually opened a physical Museum of Innocence in Istanbul. This real museum displays the very kinds of objects described in the book—like vintage clothes, photographs, and household items from 1970s Istanbul—that tell a story of daily life and love. The existence of this real museum adds an extraordinary layer to the story, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The novel has received widespread critical praise. Major publications have called it a “masterpiece” and an “enthralling” piece of storytelling. This high regard sets significant expectations for the Netflix adaptation, which aims to bring Pamuk’s rich vision of Istanbul and its characters to the screen.
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A First Look at the Series Through the Released Clip
Netflix has given audiences a first glimpse of the series through a short clip. The scene shows Kemal and Füsun walking on opposite sides of a busy street in 1970s Istanbul. They exchange looks filled with longing and deep connection, but also moments of confusion and worry. The clip ends with them parting ways, going down separate streets, which visually hints at the theme of “missed opportunities” that the story explores.
This first look successfully establishes the show’s visual style and the intense, unspoken emotions between the two main characters. It promises a series that is both a period piece, capturing the look and feel of historic Istanbul, and a deep psychological drama.
With its confirmed release date, esteemed source material, and skilled cast and crew, Museum of Innocence is positioned to be a major international drama event on Netflix this February. The series offers a timeless story of passion and memory.
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