Troy’s past is on the move—next stop: Rome

Selected artifacts from the Troy Museum are undergoing careful restoration and conservation ahead of a major exhibition at the Colosseum Archaeological Park, where they will be presented to an international audience as part of a Troy-themed showcase.

Detailed conservation work is carried out on a sculptural fragment from Troy ahead of its journey to Rome, Canakkale, Türkiye, April 15, 2026. (AA Photo)

Preparing Troy’s heritage for an international stage

The exhibition, planned for June through cooperation between Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Italian partners, will bring together selected works from multiple museums in both countries.

At the center of these preparations, specialists at the Troy Museum in Canakkale are carrying out conservation treatments in laboratory conditions, ensuring that each object retains its original structure while being safely transported abroad.

Officials underline that the process follows international museum standards, with the primary goal of protecting the integrity of the artifacts while preparing them for display in Rome.

A conservation expert and Troy Museum Director Sinem Duzgoren (R) work on a sculpture from the Troy Museum collection ahead of its transfer to Rome, Canakkale, Türkiye, April 15, 2026. (AA Photo)

Narrative shaped by war, migration and renewal

Troy Museum Director Sinem Duzgoren described the exhibition as an opportunity to frame Troy not only as an archaeological site but also as part of a wider cultural and mythological memory.

She said the project aims to introduce the site’s multilayered character to international visitors, emphasizing themes of war, migration and the rebuilding of life across different historical periods.

In her remarks, she highlighted that the exhibition would present a narrative connecting these themes to what she described as a shared human memory shaped over time.

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Following earlier exhibitions at Colosseum site

The upcoming show will take place in one of Rome’s most visited heritage venues, where previous Türkiye-themed exhibitions such as “Gobeklitepe” and “Magna Mater” have already drawn significant public attention. Officials expect the Troy exhibition to generate similar interest due to the site’s strong association with both archaeology and mythology.

The program will also be supported by a performance component, as the Troy Opera staged by the State Opera and Ballet is set to accompany the exhibition, extending its narrative into the performing arts.

April 15, 2026 12:16 PM GMT+03:00