Türkiye museum reopens with rare artifacts from 12,000 years of Anatolian history

New facility showcases Lydian eagles, Hestia statue, and Paleolithic footprints after 25-year closure

MANISA, Türkiye (MNTV) — After a 25-year closure, the Manisa Museum has reopened in a new facility, offering visitors a rich journey through Anatolia’s past with newly unearthed artifacts and ancient treasures spanning more than 12,000 years.

Originally opened 90 years ago near the Muradiye Complex, the museum was closed in 2000 to allow for restoration of the historic building, reported Daily Sabah. 

Last week, the museum officially reopened in a newly built structure in Manisa’s Yunusemre district as part of the Türkiye Cultural Road Festival. The event was attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.

The new museum space is enriched by recent archaeological finds and features prominent exhibits including a Paleolithic footprint preserved in volcanic tuff, discovered near the Çakallar Volcano in Salihli; legendary reliefs of the Lydian eagle; and a monumental 2.6-meter-tall statue of the goddess Hestia from the ancient city of Aeolis.

“Our museum sheds light on a history stretching back 10,000 years before Christ, starting with prehistoric footprints and extending to artifacts from civilizations up to 2,000 years ago,” said İbrahim Sudak, director of Manisa’s Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.

“From Hellenistic statues and Lydian mosaics to Ottoman-era clothing, the museum reflects a broad sweep of cultural heritage”, he said. 

Sudak noted that the museum’s collection originally centered on items from the ancient city of Sardes and has since expanded to include discoveries from across the region.

The Manisa Museum’s reopening has drawn interest from locals and tourists alike, including visitors from nearby provinces such as İzmir, Balıkesir, and Uşak. 

Sudak emphasized that the museum’s standout pieces—such as the intricate Lydian eagle reliefs and the statue of Hestia—are key highlights for guests.

“All the artifacts here are invaluable, but the Lydian eagles stand out for their rich history, inspiring many legends across cultures,” he said. 

“While these eagles are exclusive to the Manisa Museum, visitors can also view the largest known Hellenistic statue of Hestia, a true masterpiece of the era.”